Common types of interview formats
Posted: Sun Jan 19, 2025 3:43 am
Here's the kicker: Most candidates don't realize how much the interview format can reveal about what an employer is looking for and how they expect you to perform in the role.
This guide breaks down the most common interview formats, showing you how each style works and what it's designed to do. We'll take four candidates - July, Kevin, Maxxine, and Levi - through various interview formats that fit their particular professions.
1. Individual interviews
One-on-one interviews are the classic setup: you and the interviewer having a (hopefully friendly) chat. This type of interview is often used when employers want to get a detailed understanding of the candidate's experience, problem-solving skills, and personality.
Example: Julio, Software Developer
July is a talented software developer and her job requires deep technical knowledge. She has been switzerland whatsapp number data invited to a one-on-one interview where she will discuss her experience, technical skills and problem solving.
For her, the one-on-one match makes sense because the hiring manager wants to see her individual approach to coding challenges and understand her specific technical skills without the distractions of other candidates or a large panel.
**Also read How our recruiting team uses ClickUp
2. Interview panel
Panel interviews involve several interviewers and only one candidate.
In this case, hiring managers, potential team members, and sometimes even executives take turns asking questions, making sure everyone's perspective is covered.
Example: Kevin, Marketing Specialist
Kevin, a marketing genius, thrives on creativity and collaboration, so his interview includes a mix of key stakeholders: the marketing director, a couple of key team members, and the department head.
In this format, Kevin has to prove that his previous campaigns have yielded results and that he has the talent that the team needs.
The panel interview format allows each interviewer to assess Kevin’s suitability from multiple angles: strategy, creativity, and team collaboration.
This guide breaks down the most common interview formats, showing you how each style works and what it's designed to do. We'll take four candidates - July, Kevin, Maxxine, and Levi - through various interview formats that fit their particular professions.
1. Individual interviews
One-on-one interviews are the classic setup: you and the interviewer having a (hopefully friendly) chat. This type of interview is often used when employers want to get a detailed understanding of the candidate's experience, problem-solving skills, and personality.
Example: Julio, Software Developer
July is a talented software developer and her job requires deep technical knowledge. She has been switzerland whatsapp number data invited to a one-on-one interview where she will discuss her experience, technical skills and problem solving.
For her, the one-on-one match makes sense because the hiring manager wants to see her individual approach to coding challenges and understand her specific technical skills without the distractions of other candidates or a large panel.
**Also read How our recruiting team uses ClickUp
2. Interview panel
Panel interviews involve several interviewers and only one candidate.
In this case, hiring managers, potential team members, and sometimes even executives take turns asking questions, making sure everyone's perspective is covered.
Example: Kevin, Marketing Specialist
Kevin, a marketing genius, thrives on creativity and collaboration, so his interview includes a mix of key stakeholders: the marketing director, a couple of key team members, and the department head.
In this format, Kevin has to prove that his previous campaigns have yielded results and that he has the talent that the team needs.
The panel interview format allows each interviewer to assess Kevin’s suitability from multiple angles: strategy, creativity, and team collaboration.