Other Interview Formats (Panel, Sequential, Lunch, etc.)

In addition to the standard individual interview, companies use a variety of formats to evaluate candidates.

Knowing the characteristics and objectives of each will allow you to better prepare and tailor your approach.

The general key is to remain calm, be professional and demonstrate your capabilities regardless of the format.

Panel Interview (You vs. Several Interviewers)

In this format, you are interviewed by several people at once. The goal is usually to save time and get multiple perspectives simultaneously.

Tips: Keep your cool, even though it may seem intimidating. Address your response primarily to the questioner, but make eye contact with all members of the panel periodically.

Be prepared for questions from different areas (technical, HR, etc.). This is a positive sign, as it indicates a significant investment of time on the part of the company.

Sequential Interviewing (Multiple interviews on the same day)

Involves having multiple individual interviews, one after the other, with different people in the organization in a single day. Can be physically and mentally exhausting.

Tips: Be prepared for a long day. Maintain your energy and enthusiasm for each interview, treating it as if it were your first.

Even if you are asked similar questions, avoid saying "as I told the previous interviewer" ; answer again, perhaps with a slightly different approach or a different example.

Take the opportunity to ask different questions of each interviewer to get a more complete picture.

Lunch Interview (Etiquette and Conversation)

Usually occurs late in the process, often with managers, to assess your soft skills and how you perform in a less formal setting.

It is as much an assessment of competencies as it is of etiquette and conversation skills.

Tips: Research the restaurant and its dress code. Be on time.

Avoid ordering alcohol unless the host orders it first, and even then, limit consumption to one drink at most.

Order easy-to-eat dishes, avoiding potentially "messy" foods (lobster, ribs, spaghetti with lots of sauce).

Follow basic table etiquette (cutlery, no talking with your mouth full, etc.).

Be prepared to carry on a fluid conversation on a variety of topics (not just work), demonstrating culture and social intelligence. Remember that you are still being evaluated.

Practical or Test Interview (Demonstrate Skills)

You will be asked to perform a task directly related to the position to evaluate your skills in action.

Examples: solve a coding problem (programmer), make a sales presentation, write a press release (communicator), perform a specific technique (trades).

Tips: Make sure you have a good understanding of what is expected of you before you start. Perform the task calmly and confidently.

If appropriate, verbalize your thought process. This is your opportunity to tangibly demonstrate what you can do.

Recorded Video Interview (Answering pre-recorded questions)

Some companies use platforms where they present you with video or text questions, and you must record your answers on video within a limited amount of time. There is no real-time interaction.

Tips: All the tips for technical preparation and videoconferencing environment apply. Pay attention to the time limit.

Since there is no interviewer, it is crucial to look directly into the camera and speak with energy and clarity to compensate for the lack of interaction.

The advantage is that you can often repeat the recording if you don't like the first attempt, take advantage of it.

Case Interview (Business Problem Solving)

Common in consulting, finance and strategic roles. You are presented with a business problem (real or hypothetical) and asked to analyze it and propose a solution.

They assess your analytical ability, thought structuring and problem solving skills.

Tips: Listen carefully to the case. Ask clarifying questions to make sure you understand all the information.

Structure your approach (e.g., using frameworks if you know them) before diving into the details.

Think out loud, explaining your reasoning to the interviewer.

There is not always only one right answer; the analysis process is as important as the conclusion.

Stress Interview or "Obnoxious" Questions.

The interviewer may ask unexpected, odd, irrelevant, or even confrontational questions to observe how you react under pressure.

Examples: "If you were an animal, which one would you be?", "How many golf balls fit on a school bus?", or aggressively question your answers.

Tips: The key is to remain calm. Don't take questions personally. Answer thoughtfully and calmly.

For strange questions, explain your reasoning (the process matters more than the answer).

If the question is inappropriate, you can politely decline to answer it. Demonstrating composure is the goal.

Interviewing at Job Fairs

Job fairs involve brief interactions with recruiters from many companies.

The goal is to make a good first impression quickly and be selected for a more formal interview afterward.

Tips: Research which companies will be attending and prioritize the ones you are most interested in. Dress professionally. Have your Personal Pitch ready and tailored.

Approach with confidence, ask specific questions that demonstrate your research.

Try to establish a personal connection with the recruiter. Get their contact card for follow-up.

Sometimes, they may conduct mini-interviews on the spot; be prepared.

Temporary/Part-time Job Interviews

While the general principles hold true, these interviews may have a slightly different focus.

Often, hourly availability, reliability and specific skills to hit the ground running are crucial.

Tips: Be very clear about your actual availability. Emphasize your responsibility and punctuality.

Highlight the specific skills that allow you to be productive from day one. Research the company as well to show genuine interest.

Summary

In a panel interview, several people interview you at once; direct your response to the questioner, but make eye contact with everyone. Sequential interviews are several in a row; keep your energy up.

The mealtime interview assesses your social skills and etiquette; ask for easy-to-eat dishes and avoid alcohol. The practice interview will ask you to perform an actual job task.

The case interview, common in consulting, tests your problem analysis. The stress interview uses strange questions to see how you react; stay calm, the reasoning process matters more.