Question

list the advantages and disadvantages of each of the following job interviewing methods :

1.One-to-one interview

2. sequential interview

3. Panel interview

4. Mass interview

5. Telephone interview

6. Computer-based  interview

7. Online video interview

Answer 1

1. One-to-one interview

The most trusted means of interview by far is one-to-one interview. It allows the interviewer to get to know in depth about the candidate.

Advantages:

1. One on one conversation can be easily built.
2. Assessment of the candidate can be thoroughly done.
3. Candidate skill set and knowledge can be tested.
4. Body language and behaviour of the candidate can be learnt.
5. Seriousness of the candidate towards the job can be measured.
6. Can verify candidate’s credentials.

Disadvantages

1. It is a costly affair, conducting an interview for group of people not only consumes lot of time but cost too.
2. Interviewer should be highly skilled to take the interview.
3. There may be inconsistency in interview methods.
4. Patience is a virtue. Interviewer and candidates can feel fatigue.

2. Sequential interview

Sequential interview is a series of interviews conducted one after the other. This is basically a one-to-one interview but with several people of the company conducted one after the other. A typical company will have 2-5 interviewers and each interview level focuses on the specified area of interest.

Advantages

1. Advantages are similar to that of one-to-one interview.
2. Any number of questions can be asked to get the insight of the candidate.
3. Can check whether the candidate is consistent throughout the interviews.
4. At the end of the day better candidate can be selected.

Disadvantages

1. This process of interview is time consuming and cost ineffective.
2. Sequential interviews takes place over a longer period of time.
3. Unsure whether the interview takes place in one day or several days.
4. At times, candidates may feel fatigue and may not be consistent in answering the questions.

3. Panel interview

This type of interview is similar to that of one-to-one interview but here two or more interviewers will conduct an interview in the same room at the same time.

Advantages

1. Relevant questions can be asked to the candidate.
2. These interviews are quick.
3. Different opinions can be compared to select a better candidate.
4. No personal biases.
5. Assessment of the candidate can be thoroughly done.

Disadvantages

1. Satisfaction of some interviewers can be wavy.
2. This type of interview can scare candidates and they can be inconsistent.
3. Disagreement over a candidate or on a selection is highly evident
4. Some interviewers can cut in in-between the interview.

4. Mass interview

This type of interview is usually conducted when there is a large number of candidates waiting for the interview. Here interviewer asks questions openly to a group of people in one go and candidates answer's it one by one.

Advantages

1. Interview can be very quick.
2. Candidate’s communications and skills can be assessed.
3. Interview all the candidates in one go.
4. Candidates may not feel pressurized.
5. Can expect some genuine answers.

Disadvantages

1. Competitive candidates can be dominant to others.
2. One on one rapport cannot be built.
3. Better skilled candidates may be missed out due to their introvert characteristics.
4. Some candidates may feel pressure and may not perform well in the interview.

5. Telephone interview

As the name suggests, telephonic interviews are conducted over a telephone or mobile phone. This type of interview can speed up the process and can have quick chat to understand candidate’s credibility.

Advantages

1. Very quick, quicker than any other type of interview.
2. Very economical than one-to-one interview.
3. Candidate’s telephonic manners can be measured.
4. Can omit weak candidates.
5. Can reach out outside local area candidates.

Disadvantages

1. In contrast to one-to-one interview, here interviewer cannot read candidate’s body language.
2. Very difficult to build a good rapport with the candidate.
3. Calls can be unprecedented at times.

6. Computer-based interview

This type of interview is similar to telephonic interview but here candidate uses a computer device to answer the interviewer questions.

Advantages

1. Candidate’s computer skills can be measured.
2. Series of questionnaire can help interviewer understand candidate’s behaviour and skill-set.
3. Candidate’s issue resolving approach can be assessed.

Disadvantages

1. Body language of a candidate cannot be assessed.
2. Very time consuming to gather data.
3. Quality control is missed out.
4. Can arise computer problems at any given point.

7. Online video interview

This type of interview is also similar to telephonic interview but here interviewer uses video calling as a platform for an interview. This alternative interview fulfils the process of one-to-one interview, but here interviewer can see the candidate throughout the interview via a webcam.

Advantages

1. Quicker than one-to-one interview.
2. Very cost effective.
3. Can reach out outside local area candidates.
4. Candidate skill set and knowledge can be tested.
5. Body language and behaviour of the candidate can be learnt.
6. Seriousness of the candidate towards the job can be measured.

Disadvantages

1. Quality control is missed out.
2. Can arise computer hardware or internet problems at any given point of time.
3. There may be inconsistency in interview methods.
4. Very difficult to build a good rapport with the candidate.