Interview Formats 101
When applying for the best jobs in Malaysia, it’s normal to encounter different interview formats according to different factors such as the type of jobs applied, the job industry, the company’s policies, and more.
Different interview formats are used to organise interviews in a better way to effectively assess the job applicant’s experience, skills, qualifications, and traits for the job.
Before we dive into the different interview formats you’ll encounter, here are some of our guides:
If you are looking for the best tips to succeed in different interview formats, you’re at the right place. Here is our best guide on the interview formats in Malaysia.
Best Guide on Interview Formats
1. Screening Interview
Also known as a preliminary interview, the purpose of a screening interview is for recruiters and employers to filter out irrelevant applicants who could be wasting everybody’s precious time.
It is also crucial to quickly gauge if you are suitable for the role and the company in terms of skills, interests, and personality. This type of interview can be conducted via a phone call, video conferencing, as well as physical hiring event.
How to ace this interview format:
- Understand the company
- Promote Yourself
- Identify and communicate your intentions
- Be aware of your tonality
- Familiarise yourself with the usual interview questions
For more screening interview tips, read this guide.
2. Group Interview
A group interview is a common job interview format in which several candidates are interviewed simultaneously for similar positions. This format is typically used for employers who are looking to hire a larger number of employees.
For example, group interviews may be useful to hire for roles such as Customer Service Executive, Air Steward, and restaurant worker. How to ace this interview format:
- Be attentive to the interviewer(s)
- Be friendly and respectful
- Stand out from the crowd
- Follow up to leave a lasting impression
- Be well prepared for the interview session
For more group interview tips, read this guide.
3. One-on-one Interview
This interview format requires an interviewer (typically the hiring manager) to interview a candidate using either face-to-face or video conferencing methods. It’s the default interview format that we think about.
In contrast with group interviews where it’s more effective for mass hiring (such as for waitresses, store helpers, etc), one-on-one interviews are commonly more suitable for niche roles (manager, specialist, etc.). It’s also more convenient as employers only need to schedule the interview for one person instead of referring to multiple schedules.
How to ace this interview format:
- Be extremely punctual (but not too early)
- Deliver an excellent first impression
- Research the company, industry, and the applied role
- Keep the interview session enjoyable
- Maintain professionalism at all times
- Be genuine and authentic
For more one-on-one interview tips, read this guide.
4. Selection Interview
Contrasting with screening interviews that are focused on filtering your basic qualifications for a job via phone calls, selection interviews are typically more rigorous and focused on confirming your overall offerings to make a decision on your suitability for the job.
In short – the interview format is great at confirming whether you are actually suitable for the job and company. Upon confirming the relevant skills, expertise, experience, and traits, the next step would be continuing with the offer letter or the final round of interviews.
How to ace this interview format:
- Prepare to answer “Why should we hire you?”
- Be the subject matter expert
- Be genuine and honest
- Avoid salary-related questions
For more tips on selection interviews, read this guide.
5. Sequential Interview
A sequential interview, also known as a serial interview, has several sessions of job interviews taking place one after another. Typically done using the one-on-one format, these interviews can take place in a day or over a period of time (even months).
Sequential interviews can be challenging due to the repetitive sessions and questions. You may have to keep repeating yourself, answering the same interview questions and re-emphasising your value proposition.
How to ace this interview format:
- Keep a high level of energy
- Stay consistent in your interview answers
- Build rapport by being honest
- Tailor your answers according to the interviewer(s)
- Leave a lasting impression to stand out from the crowd
For more sequential interview format tips, read this guide.
6. Walk-in-Interview
A walk-in interview is typically more informal, where hiring managers will only focus on asking candidates direct and vital questions relevant to the role they’re applying for. Upon passing walk-in interviews, they may be required to go through further sessions later on.
If you like being spontaneous, walk-in interviews are great because you can simply enter the interview venue without any appointment. However, this also means that it is more competitive in nature – and you will physically meet your “opponents”.
How to ace this interview format:
- Prepare Relevant Items
- Be confident and maintain good body language
- Dress appropriately for good first impressions
- Keep the conversation going
- Be polite and respectful
For more walk-in interview tips, read this guide.
Final Remarks
Now that you are well-versed in the types of interview formats for jobs in Malaysia, do check out some of these guides to be fully prepared for any job interviews:
