Every job interview is different…
Although they all provide an opportunity to answer and ask questions, as well as learn more about the role – the structure and setting may vary from interview to interview. Whether it’s an initial screening process, a group assessment, or just a face-to-face chat – there’s an interview type for every occasion.
We’ve already covered how to prepare for an interview, but here’s everything you need to know about the most common types of interviews you might face:
1. The face-to-face interview
What is it?
A one-on-one conversation between an applicant and an interviewer. Face-to-face interviews are one of the most popular ways to recruit staff and are used for a variety of roles.
What will it involve?
Interviewers will usually ask a number of open-ended questions related to the role you’re applying for. Whether they’re job-specific or generic, your ability to answer them is a key area of judgment.
A recruiter may also choose to go through your CV in order to hear more about your skills and experience – so familiarising yourself with it beforehand is essential. Additionally, some interviews could include tests and quizzes (e.g. proofreading exercises) to assess your practical abilities.
How long will it last?
Typically, face-to-face interviews will last at least 30 minutes – but could be as long as 60 minutes.
How to prepare:
- Research the company and role
- Find the address
- Pick an outfit
- Think of some potential questions your interviewer may ask
- Prepare some potential questions you could ask at the end of the interview
How to stand out:
Dress appropriately, relax, don’t make it all about you.
How to prepare for an interview
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2. The phone interview
What is it?
A quick and cost-effective way to screen applicants before inviting them to a face-to-face interview. It’s often used to see if what you’ve written on your CV adds up – whilst testing your telephone manner and communication skills.
What will it involve?
Phone interviews usually involve a variety of common interview questions, which are asked to get a better idea of who you are and what you’re looking for.
Typical questions could include anything from ‘why are you leaving your current position?’ and ‘what do you know about the company?’, to ‘what are your greatest achievements?’ and ‘what are your salary expectations?’.
How long will it last?
The exact length of a phone interview will vary, but they usually last an average of 20 to 30 minutes.
How to prepare:
- Do your research
- Have your CV to hand
- Prepare your answers
- Write down questions you want to ask
- Get rid of any distractions (e.g. phone alerts, TV sounds, impromptu appearances from your family/friends/cat)
How to stand out:
Take notes, pause to think before you speak, listen at all times.
“Treat a telephone interview just like you would a face-to-face one. Have your notes nearby, speak clearly, and don’t underestimate the power of a smile – it really does come through in your voice! Listen carefully, take a breath before answering, and structure your thoughts so you come across as calm, confident, and in control.”
Dominic Watts, Area Manager | Reed
Telephone interview questions and answers
3. The video interview
What is it?
A video call between an applicant and an interviewer. It’s primarily used for remote working roles, or as a convenient screening process that saves travel time.
What will it involve?
Video interviews normally follow the same structure and format as a face-to-face interview. Although they’re most commonly streamed live, some video interviews require you to pre-record your answers to send to the employer within a set amount of time.
They could involve one or more interviewers, and some employers may choose to record the interview, so they can review and compare against other applicants.
How long will it last?
Timings will usually be specified in advance, but most video interviews will last around 30 minutes.
How to prepare:
- Organise your surroundings
- Dress appropriately (PJs are never acceptable)
- Avoid any potential interruptions
- Have your CV and a notepad to hand
- Test your equipment (e.g. your webcam, internet speed, sound quality)
How to stand out:
Look at the camera instead of the screen, watch your posture, don’t wave your hands around too much.
“A video interview is still a real interview, just with a screen between you and (hopefully) your future employer. Dress the part, double-check your tech, and make sure your space reflects your professionalism. Looking into the camera helps you connect, and keeping your answers clear and focused ensures you leave a lasting impression.”
David Constance, Business Manager | Reed
Video interview questions and answers
4. The panel interview
What is it?
A formal meeting where you are interviewed by two or more people at the same time. This usually includes the hiring manager, a member of HR, and potentially a team member or department head. It’s designed to reduce bias by having multiple perspectives on your performance.
What will it involve?
Expect a mix of questions from different panel members. Each interviewer might have a specific focus – for example, HR might focus on culture fit, while the hiring manager looks at technical skills. You’ll need to engage with everyone in the room, not just the person asking the question.
How long will it last?
These tend to be more in-depth, so expect them to last between 45 and 60 minutes.
How to prepare:
- Find out who is on the panel and research them on LinkedIn
- Prepare for rapid-fire questions
- Bring extra copies of your CV for everyone
How to stand out:
Make eye contact with everyone, direct your answer to the person who asked but glance at others, and bring enough energy to fill the room.
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5. The group interview
What is it?
A common way of interviewing a number of applicants at the same time and setting – who have all applied for the same job. Group interviews are often held for roles involving teamwork and/or customer interaction, and for when an employer has more than one position to fill.
What will it involve?
They usually involve a variety of group interview questions, activities, and assessments – which test your ability to work in a team, communicate effectively, and solve problems. Many activities mimic situations you may be in if you got the job.
Typical tasks and activities could include case studies, role plays, and practical tasks. Short one-to-one interviews may also be held on the same day.
How long will it last?
The length of a group interview is dependent on the format and structure of the day – as well as the amount of people involved. Recruiters will usually inform you of how long it’ll take – but an average of one and a half hours is a good ballpark figure.
How to prepare:
- Research the company and role
- Prepare for the icebreaker
- Practice your answers
- Learn how to be inclusive
- Plan your outfit
How to stand out:
Don’t forget you’re always being assessed, take criticism on board, praise others’ ideas.
“In group interviews, it’s important to strike a balance between confidence and collaboration. Contribute thoughtfully without dominating and actively listen to your peers. Employers are watching how you engage, so show respect for different perspectives while letting your own strengths shine through.”
Carolyn Thompson, Senior Business Manager | Reed
Group interview tasks and activities
6. The behavioural interview
What is it?
An interview style focused on how you’ve handled specific employment situations in the past. Instead of hypothetical questions like ‘What would you do if…’, you’ll face competency based questions like ‘Tell me about a time when…’.
What will it involve?
The interviewer wants concrete examples of your skills in action and is looking for evidence of soft skills like leadership, conflict resolution, time management, and adaptability. This means that you’ll need to tell a story with a clear beginning, middle, and end.
How long will it last?
Usually around 45 to 60 minutes, allowing time for you to explain your examples in detail.
How to prepare:
- Refresh your memory on your past projects and challenges
- Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers
- Focus on what you did, not just what the team did
How to stand out:
Be specific with your results. Did you save time? Save money? Improve a process? Put a number on it if you can.
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Behavioural interview questions
7. The technical or case interview
What is it?
An interview designed to test specific skills, problem-solving abilities, or sector knowledge. These are standard in tech, finance, consulting, and engineering roles.
What will it involve?
For technical roles, you might be asked to write code or solve a technical problem on a whiteboard. For case interviews, you’ll be given a business scenario or problem and asked to propose a solution. The interviewer isn’t just looking for the ‘right’ answer, but how you arrive at it.
How long will it last?
These can be intense and often run anywhere from 60 to 90 minutes.
How to prepare:
- Brush up on technical concepts relevant to the job description
- Practice brain teasers or case studies online
- Be ready to explain your thought process out loud
How to stand out:
Don’t rush. Ask clarifying questions before you dive in. Showing you understand the problem is just as important as solving it.
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8. The assessment day interview
What is it?
An interview where a number of applicants are assessed on their skills and abilities. Commonly used by graduate employers, assessment days provide a fair, thorough, and objective way to select the best people for the job.
What will it involve?
Assessment days are made up of a range of tasks and activities – which are each designed to assess a variety of skills. These could include case studies, group work, problem-solving tasks, presentations, and psychometric tests.
Some assessment days are structured in the form of an activity day, while others will involve group dinners or lunches so interviewers can assess your interpersonal abilities in social situations.
How long will it last?
Most assessment days will last a full day, although some employers may hold assessment interviews that last anything from half a day to two days.
How to prepare:
- Research the company and role
- Plan your outfit
- Prepare and practice presentations (if needed)
- Familiarise yourself with tests
How to stand out:
Brush up on your skills beforehand, be polite, demonstrate assertiveness.
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9. The second interview
What is it?
The next stage of the hiring process after you’ve successfully passed the initial screening or first interview. It’s usually more detailed and involves meeting more senior members of the team.
What will it involve?
While the first interview focuses on your skills and experience, the second interview is often about culture fit and soft skills. Expect deeper questions about your work style, long-term goals, and how you’d handle specific challenges in the role.
How long will it last?
Usually around 45 to 60 minutes, though it can be longer if it includes a tour or meeting multiple people.
How to prepare:
- Review what you discussed in the first interview
- Prepare new, more in-depth questions to ask
- Research the business even more thoroughly
How to stand out:
Show consistency but add depth. Don’t just repeat your first interview answers; build on them.
Second interview questions and answers
10. The lunch or informal interview
What is it?
An interview conducted in a more relaxed setting, usually over coffee or a meal. It is often used to assess cultural fit, social skills, and how you handle yourself in an unstructured environment.
What will it involve?
Conversation will likely flow between work topics and general chat. The interviewer wants to see if they can get along with you. They might also be watching how you treat waitstaff or handle table manners.
How long will it last?
Usually about an hour to an hour and a half (or however long lunch takes).
How to prepare:
- Check the menu beforehand if you have dietary requirements
- Brush up on current events for small talk
- Prepare to talk about your hobbies and interests
How to stand out:
Order something easy to eat (avoid the spaghetti). Be polite to everyone, not just the interviewer. Relax, but keep it professional without getting too comfortable.
11. The working interview
What is it?
A hands-on simulation where you actually do the job for a short period. This can be paid or unpaid and is common in creative, hospitality, or trade industries.
What will it involve?
You’ll be given actual tasks relevant to the role – like writing a blog post, serving customers, or fixing a piece of equipment. It gives the employer a chance to see your skills in real-time and gives you a chance to see what the daily grind is really like.
How long will it last?
It can range from a few hours to a full day.
How to prepare:
- Clarify beforehand if it is paid or unpaid
- Dress for the job (e.g. comfortable shoes for hospitality)
- Treat it like your first day of work
How to stand out:
Ask questions if you’re unsure, interact with the potential team, and show enthusiasm for the work.
Frequently asked questions
Which interview type is the hardest?
It depends on your strengths. If you get nervous speaking in front of crowds, a panel or group interview might feel toughest. If you struggle with thinking on your feet, a technical or case interview might be the biggest challenge. Preparation is the best way to make any format feel easier.
Can I ask for a different interview format?
Generally, no. Employers choose formats for specific reasons. However, if you have a disability or require a reasonable adjustment (like needing a ground-floor room for a face-to-face meeting), you are absolutely entitled to ask for accommodation.
How do I know which type of interview it will be?
The recruiter or hiring manager should tell you when they invite you. If the invite just says ‘interview’, it is perfectly acceptable to reply and ask: ‘Could you let me know the format of the interview so I can prepare?’
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