Editors’ Note: We hope you enjoy this three-part series from Sharon Kropf. This is the last of our three-part series on Job Search to New Job. Part one gave tips on evaluating your work life priorities and preparing for the job hunt. Part II focused on preparing you for the interview to maximize your success.

In this final series, we prepare you for the different types of interviews you may encounter. Yes, there is more than one type of, especially when the organization uses the services of an outside recruitment firm. CLICK HERE FOR MORE FROM THIS SERIES

Type of Interviews

There are many interview formats. Government organizations typically conduct a panel interview; however, they may also conduct one-on-one, phone, or video interviews.

Panel Interviews

Panel interviews are the most common type of interview for government agencies. The panel usually consists of the hiring manager and two to three members from other departments. Interviewers ask each candidate the same set of interview questions and rank each answer on a numerical scale.

• Pay attention to all panelists, especially the hiring manager and their non-verbal feedback. Make eye contact with panelists while answering questions.

One-on-One Interview

One-on-one interviews usually are between the hiring manager and candidate or have multiple individual meetings with various people across the organization. Treat each one-on-one session as a new interview. The organization may ask every applicant the same set of questions and score your answers against the other candidates. Even though the interviewers ask the same questions, each interviewer may perceive your answers differently. Also, you may be more comfortable with some interviewers and provide better answers to their questions and score higher.

Phone Interview

Phone interviews save organizations time by performing an initial screen to learn necessary information such as does the person have the right skills, are they articulate, can this person answer our questions? Phone interviews present a challenge because you can’t observe non-verbal cues. You will need to listen carefully and pay attention to people’s voices. You need to prepare the same as if it is an in-person interview and make sure you take the call in a quiet place with excellent phone reception.

Video Interview

If you reside out of town, you may have a video (Zoom, Skype, etc.) interview allowing organizations to save money and widen the pool of candidates. Treat this as an in-person interview in your preparation and your professional dress. Also, remember to find a secure and quiet spot so you will not have “unwanted guests” interrupting your interview.

Interview Follow-up

Continue to make a good impression by showing respect to the hiring process and interviewer’s time.

• Write a thank-you note: The note can be handwritten or via e-mail. If you met with multiple people, it is nice to send individual notes; however, if you didn’t get everyone’s name/contact info, then send a note to the hiring manager referencing the other interviewers. If you don’t have the hiring manager’s contact info, then send your note to HR asking them to pass along your thank you note.
• Follow-up quickly on any outstanding items. If you have been asked to provide references, professional certifications, or any other information, if there is a delay, make sure you contact the organization and let them know.

Final Point

Prepare – Prepare – Prepare! Even with a tight labor market, employers want top performers. The job hunt process shows how you can put forth your best effort, land a job in an organization you want to be at, and become a top contributor to the organization of your choice.
I would also add to this topic that you need to know who the key players are in the executive recruitment world. Cultivate and maintain relationships with these key stakeholders long before you need their help in finding your next ideal job.

CSMFO has heard the stories from members like you, from how so many candidates are NOT prepared and perform poorly during the interview process to candidates being unsure how to take the next step. The end result is that the positions remain unfilled and the hiring process starts over with the hope the end result will turn out differently. We have all heard the quote: “Insanity Is Doing the Same Thing Over and Over Again and Expecting Different Results”.
If you want different results than what you’re getting in the job search process, you have to try different approaches. The things you did yesterday have brought you to the life you have today. If you want something different, you have to do something different today to create a different life tomorrow.

We asked someone who has spent their career helping others prepare and find their ideal job. So we hope you enjoy this three-part series.