Interviews are the heartbeat of the hiring process – a crucial step in finding the right candidate for the job.
But not all interviews are created equal.
To navigate this maze, we've broken down the process into five distinct types of interviews, each serving a unique purpose in the journey from candidate to employee.
Purpose: These are your gatekeepers. Using yes/no and multiple-choice questions on job boards and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems), they quickly sift through applicants, automatically disqualifying those who don't meet the basic criteria and ranking the rest.
Impact: It's like speed dating for your hiring process. Fast, efficient, and a bit ruthless, but crucial for managing large applicant pools.
Formats: Automated written, audio (phone), or video interviews.
Purpose: Screening interviews are the reconnaissance missions of hiring. They gather intel – who these candidates are, what they bring to the table, and whether they deserve a ticket to the next round.
Impact: They're the first real interaction with potential hires. Done well, they save time and set the stage for more in-depth conversations.
Setting: Live interviews, either in-person or via video conferencing platforms like Zoom.
Purpose: This is where the rubber meets the road. Hiring managers get down to business, probing deeper into candidates' skills and experiences to identify the top contenders.
Impact: Think of it as the main course of your interview feast. It's where the most crucial decisions are made, shaping the future of your team.
Focus: Beyond qualifications and into the realm of personality, values, and cultural fit.
Purpose: This stage is about peeling back the layers to see if candidates align with your company's heartbeat – its culture and core values.
Impact: It’s like finding the missing piece in your company puzzle. These interviews ensure that new hires won’t just survive but thrive in your organizational ecosystem.
Conducted By: Owners or top executives.
Purpose: These interviews are the telescopes peering into the future. They evaluate how candidates might evolve with the company, aligning with long-term missions, visions, and goals.
Impact: Essential for high-stakes roles, they ensure that new hires have the potential to grow into future leaders and innovators within the company.
While all five types are crucial, the emphasis on Selection, Behavioral & Cultural Fit, and Strategic interviews varies.
Depending on the role's importance, these can range from one to three separate interviews, each with different priorities and lengths.
By understanding and effectively implementing these five types of interviews, companies can ensure they not only fill positions but build a robust, dynamic, and culturally coherent workforce.
Each type plays a vital role, working in concert to unveil the full spectrum of a candidate's potential. Remember, great interviews don't just evaluate; they illuminate.
And now to the good stuff... pick your industry or job type below to get access to our Interview Question Guides.
Keep in mind... the Interview Question Templates on this site are generic... but we have tools & services that will provide you with fully customize interview question sets for each of your roles!
Just CONTACT US to learn more!
