The Test of Tests: Crossing the Interview Gauntlet

Bob Weinstein is a journalist who covers technology, project management, the workplace and career development.

  Career Development  

Think of the job interview as a gauntlet, a series of trials where abilities and stress levels are put to the test. How you present yourself and discuss your background and accomplishments (those nasty interpersonal skills) are just as critical. Unfortunately, there is no going from the resume acceptance to the job acceptance stage without conquering the interview. Nice fantasy. Here's a fast look at commonly used interview techniques and why they are used.

The Screening Interview

It's usually brief, but the object is to find out whether you should be considered as a candidate for the job and passed on to the next interviewer. A screening interview can run from five to 15 minutes in length. In that brief time, the interviewer will determine whether you are the type of applicant the company needs. If it's a highly desired job, it's not uncommon for the screening interview to be conducted on the phone. Keep your guard up. If the person is asking direct, pertinent questions, your answers should be equally direct and pertinent. Many of us tend to relax and assume a casual manner when speaking on the phone.

The Traditional Interview

This is the easiest type of interview because there are usually no surprises. If everything goes okay, there is nothing new to say about it. Typically, information is exchanged through a relaxed conversation. But, it …

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