Foundation interview skills in Second Life/Interview types and stages



Interview Types

All interviews have common goals – for the interviewer to get to know you and see if you are the right person for the job and for you to sell your abilities and convince the employer that you are the right person for the job. However, there are several different types of interviews:

1.	Telephone Screening Interview  These interviews are designed to help the employer reduce the number of applicants to a manageable size. This interview can happen at any time and it is important to have documentation ready if you are told a telephone screening interview may take place. Try to speak clearly and confidently.

2.	In-person Screening Interview

This interview has a similar purpose to the telephone screening interview. The goal is to eliminate applicants according to set criteria and to find the most suitable applicants to continue on to a selection interview.

3.	Selection Interview

This is the most common interview scenario and it is important to be well prepared for this type of interview. You will need to use good communication skills, present yourself well and convince the interviewer that you are the best candidate for the job.

4.	Practical Interview

In this type of interview you may be required to demonstrate a skill or show a portfolio.

5.	Panel Interview

Three or more interviewers are present to assess the interviewee. It is important to keep poised and maintain eye contact with all members of the panel.

6.	Whānau Interview

In New Zealand it is acceptable for any interviewee to request a whānau interview. Maori and Pacific cultures place value on the group rather than the individual and have a collective view of society. Whānau (family) as well as associates, colleagues or other general supporters are welcome to attend the interview.

The whānau interview may include an opening karakia, an interview of the applicant, supporting korero from the whānau group and a karakia to close. Supporters are often able to give valuable information and discuss our good qualities more clearly and easily than we can.

It is important to contact a company ahead of time to request a whānau interview and to let them know how many supporters will be in attendance.

Interview Stages

Most interviews follow a common basic structure

1.	Greeting – you need to ensure you establish eye contact, use a firm handshake and follow the leads of the interviewer

2.	Small talk – the interviewer will generally begin by asking very general questions to put the interviewee at ease

3.	Information collecting – the interviewer will move on to ask general and behavioural questions to see if you are a suitable applicant for the job

4.	Over to you – when the interviewer has finished asking questions he/she may ask you if you have any questions you wish to ask – you should prepare a few of these ahead of time

5.	Concluding – you will usually be thanked for your attendance at the interview – once again, if the interviewer offers a handshake this should be done firmly and confidently