Time Recruitment Candidates

Common Interview Situations Continued:

Stress Interview:

Stress interviews are no longer very common but occasionally do occur. They are intended to see how you react under pressure. The interviewer may be slightly cynical or belligerent, or may keep you waiting. This is perfectly normal and the most important thing is for you not to react to the pressure and remain composed and even-tempered. Calmly answer each question to the best of your ability. Seek clarification if you require it and never rush into an answer. The interviewer may also lapse into silence at some point during the questioning. Recognise this as an attempt to unnerve you. Sit silently until the interviewer resumes the questions.

Committee Interview:

Committee interviews are a more common practice in senior level roles and are also referred to as panel interviews. You will face several members of the company who have a say in whether you are hired. When answering questions from several people, speak directly to the person asking the question; it is not necessary to answer to the group. In some committee interviews, you may be asked to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. The committee will outline a situation and ask you to formulate a plan that deals with the problem. You don't have to come up with the ultimate solution. The interviewers are looking for how you apply your knowledge and skills to a real-life situation. At the end of the committee or panel interview, thank all interviewers for their time as a whole, and indicate that you look forward to hearing from them UNLESS they get up to walk you out, in which case you will want to shake their hands.

Lunch Interview:

The same rules apply in lunch interviews as in those held at the office. The setting may be more casual, but it is still a business lunch and you are being assessed carefully. Use the lunch interview to develop common ground with your interviewer. Follow his or her lead in both selection of food and in etiquette. It is best not to order alcohol or smoke, even if the interviewer does.

So you've reached the interview stage ... Well done! Now you need to ace it! On the following pages you will find some very helpful interview guidelines.