Rule of Engagement # 7: Types of Interviews

Hello everyone! I am very excited to tell those who have been following my crusade that some opportunities have come my way! I am starting a new business Spanish for Human Resources (www.spanish4hr.com) and I am associating with my good friend Dan Farrar from Workforce21 (www.wforce21.com) as a Director of Workforce Services.  With our association we expect to help our clients to "strengthen your workforce", as Worforce21's tag line reads.  This will require a lot of work and networking and I am very excited about the opportunity not only to grow my own Spanish4HR, but for the opportunity and trust that Dan has placed on my persona. 

Last time we spoke about the different types of Interviewers: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly.  If that was not mind boggling enough, you now will have to pay attention to the type of interview that you will be getting into, if you want to be successful. Of course you have more information at the time of the interview and you can make your own determination. The below are just general guidelines...so, let's talk about it!

Type of Interview # 1 - Formal

Formal interviews are, in my view, the second easiest interviews to prepare for in terms of presentation because you know that you need your suit, dark colors, and everything must be groom, cut, trimmed, and prepared in such a manner that is not loud but still makes a statement. You should be memorable but in a good manner.  

Formal interviews may be with one or more interviewers and usually is set up in a very formal and intimidating environment, such a conference room, the office of a manager, or even the office of the director or CEO.  It could continue to be intimidating unless the interviewer(s) put you at ease; if that does not happen, you must continue with your formal approach and posture. Be careful with your words and your demeanor, you cannot let your guard down; you may feel that they are trying to break you and you would be exactly right. At the level of these types of interviews directors and managers must bring the right candidate, there is no room for error and if error happens it may be very costly to them. 

Type of Interview # 2 - Casual

Casual interviews pose a little bit of an issue in terms of presentation because you should not go under dressed or over dressed; this alone may take the job out of your hands.  For example, in my previous employment we were hiring someone for certain position and the guy showed up in a suit.  That fact deflated one of the interviewers but we were able to get pass that because of the qualifications and experience of the candidate. 

Casual interviews are in a more relaxed environment, but that does not mean that you should behave too casual or relaxed. Remember, first impressions are everything when you are interviewing and if you push the envelope too much you may hang yourself.  Allow the interviewer(s) to give some room for relaxation first, then you give some, then they will give a little bit more, then you follow suit.  The interviewers direct the interview. You make take calculated risks, but see the word: CALCULATED. 

Type of Interview # 3 - "Field" 

Depending on your line of work you may be asked to show up to the "field": the job site, the shop, the garage, the "floor", the store, the warehouse... etc. I would not attend this interview in a suit of casual clothing, I would honestly and upfront would ask the interviewer if you should show up in "dockers" or jeans, boots or casual shoes.  More than once I've seen people showing overdress to a field interview and right off the bat gaining a bad reputation with potential subordinates or coworkers because "he looks like he is not hands-on". 

Field interviews may be under the sun or other extreme weather conditions. Look for the weather announcements and be prepared. They could also be in very hot or very cold "inside" conditions; be prepared. The place may be noisy (like a construction job site) or very quiet (like a computer manufacturing line). Be aware of your surroundings, have a smile ready for those you will be around you, and observe safety precautions.  

Type of Interview # 4 - Combination

Some interviews are a combination of all the above.  You can go to the first interview that could be a Type 2 and then asked to attend the second interview because it just so happen that the CEO has a moment, now.  Or you may be asked if you have time to go to the "filed" now because they want you to see how they operate. If you are interviewing for a work that may present these surprises, be prepared with extra clothing, proper shoes, and such. Hopefully they will tell you in advance if you will have an all-around interview, but I myself have surprised a few of my candidates, so don't let them surprise you... surprise them by telling them that you came prepared!

Next time: Rule of Engagement # 8: Thank You Card!