Types of Interviews
Interview Formats Overview
Employers use a variety of interview delivery mediums and evaluation styles depending on the industry, job level, and hiring stage. Understanding both how the interview is conducted (the medium) and what is being evaluated (the format style) allows you to adapt your technical setup and communication strategy accordingly.
Interview Medium and Technology
This focuses on technical preparation, physical environment, audio/video quality, and non-verbal presence across different interview channels.
Delivery Medium
Primary Objective
Key Best Practices
Phone
Evaluate communication skills, vocal tone, and clarity without visual cues.
Keep key reference notes laid out in front of you, speak clearly at a measured pace, and convey enthusiasm through your vocal tone.
Live Virtual Video (Zoom / Teams)
Evaluate virtual professionalism, visual communication, and presence during a live conversation.
Test technology in advance, choose a quiet, well-lit space, look directly into the camera lens, and position key reference notes near eye level.
One-Way / Recorded (Asynchronous)
Evaluate responses to pre-set prompts recorded on video within strict time limits.
Treat it like a live interview: dress professionally, speak clearly to the camera lens, utilize built-in practice questions, and avoid reading from rigid scripts.
Conversational AI / Chatbot
Evaluate real-time communication skills, logic, and problem-solving through interactive voice or video AI agents.
Listen carefully for follow-up “probes,” state out loud when you need a moment to think to avoid audio cut-offs, enunciate clearly for speech-to-text transcription, and avoid reading from written scripts.
In-Person / On-Site
Evaluate interpersonal engagement, visual presence, and cultural alignment in a face-to-face setting.
Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early, dress appropriately, and maintain professional etiquette during all interactions from arrival until departure.
Interview Format
Beyond where or how your interview takes place, employers use different interview styles to see how you think, communicate, and handle real-world scenarios. Understanding what the interviewer is trying to evaluate helps you tailor your answers with confidence.
Evaluation Style
Primary Objective
Key Best Practices
Pre-Employment Assessments and Timed Tests
Evaluate technical skills, writing ability, cognitive aptitude, or situational judgment prior to or during early interview rounds.
Complete practice questions beforehand, read all directions carefully, manage your time/pacing, and ensure a quiet, distraction-free testing environment.
Screening (First Round)
Assess basic qualifications and evaluate general alignment with the role.
Deliver concise summaries of your background and career goals (typically 20 to 30 minutes in length).
One-on-One
Deep dive into specific qualifications, past experiences, and mutual alignment with a single hiring manager or recruiter.
Engage in a collaborative dialogue, connect your personal skills directly to job responsibilities, and ask tailored questions about the role.
Panel and Group
Evaluate peer interaction and teamwork (Group) or handle questions from multiple stakeholders simultaneously (Panel).
In group settings, collaborate respectfully and avoid interrupting peers. In panel settings, make eye contact with everyone while directing your main response to the person who asked the question.
Behavioral
Predict future success by examining past problem-solving, actions, and decision-making.
Structure clear, compelling stories using the S.T.A.R. framework (Situation, Task, Action, Result) in under 90 seconds.
Case and Technical
Observe real-time logic, critical thinking, analytical reasoning, or technical coding skills.
Talk through your analytical framework aloud; focus on demonstrating logical problem-solving rather than hunting for a single right answer.
Dining and Social
Evaluate interpersonal skills, cultural fit, and professional conduct in informal meal or coffee settings.
Stay in “interview mode” throughout the meal. Select easy-to-eat foods (avoid messy dishes), let the host lead ordering, avoid alcohol, and keep conversations professional.