Preference-Based
BlueStone Personnel adopts a preference-based interview technique during initial interviews. Applicants are not provided with detailed information (for example, job descriptions) about roles that may be available. The aim of the interview is to gain insight into the applicant's career preferences without them having the opportunity to tailor their answers.
Unstructured
Some interviewers will take what appears to be a free-flowing approach to an interview. Questions will not seem to be structured and the dialogue may appear conversational. Often the interviewer will pursue lines of questioning based around points of discussion you raise. The interviewer will be seeking to understand from the discussion information about your skills, personality and fit for a particular role.
Behavioural (competency-based)
The old adage "Past performance is the best predictor of future performance" applies here. Questioning will typically be along the lines of "Tell me about a time when..."
You will be asked to recall a specific situation in the past. You will be asked to explain what your tasks or responsibilities were in that situation. You will need to outline what actions you took and what the outcome was.
The interviewer will be seeking to understand how your previous experience might be relevant to the demands of the role you are being considered for.
Situational
Situational interviewing involves the posing of hypothetical questions, unlike behavioural interviewing which focuses on specific situations in your past. The questioning seeks to explore whether you can demonstrate, through your responses, the skills and personality traits necessary to be successful in the role.
Panel
Panel interviews involve multiple interviewers jointly conducting an interview. The panel members may have different agendas or objectives. In many cases, they will score your responses. Some panel members may be included for their technical or specialist knowledge while others may be drawn from the line or human resources functions. Make sure you make eye contact with the person questioning you and carefully monitor the body language of other panel members as you respond.
