What Is Open Interview

When a company hires new candidates, the company will conduct what is called an open interview. In the open interview, a number of candidates are invited to apply for a position. Typically, the open-interview process is conducted over a specific period of time. This is so that the company can complete the process of hiring before the busy season.

Types of open interviews

In today’s world of technology, there are multiple types of open interviews. These include whiteboarding interviews, phone interviews, and information interviews.

Open interviews are techniques companies use when they’re looking to quickly fill several positions. Open interviews are also used when a new candidate is hired, only to find out that they have a bad disposition, lack of commitment or the company doesn’t offer the right compensation. Open interviews are used to fill critical positions and when not to waste resources.

Whiteboarding interviews

In a whiteboard interview, a company will invite applicants to participate in a ‘work task’. At this stage, the candidates will be asked to work together with a person from the company. All the work will be done in real time, in which they will be able to see the other’s work and receive feedback. This is one of the best type of interviews because candidates are able to gain the insight of the company without any bias.

Phone interviews

The telephone interview helps in getting a sense of the applicant’s communication skills. In the phone interview, the company will ask the candidates several questions which include, the candidate’s experience, strengths, and weaknesses. Some companies prefer to conduct phone interviews over the phone because they feel that it gives the company access to the candidate’s thinking process. The candidates are able to exchange their ideas in a non-threatening environment.

Information interviews

This type of interview process uses information. A company can ask the candidates some informational questions regarding the company and its work, so that the applicants will be able to come prepared and look confident in front of the interviewer.

Tips to ace an open interview

Preparation

It is very important that the candidate prepares for an interview in advance. This will give the candidate a chance to really think about their responses, and also allow them to revise and rehearse their answers. Most of the information interviews are automated, but candidates should understand that there could be someone behind the phone or a computer, who may be testing them. So, it is important that candidates are prepared for this type of interview.

Personal Interview

It is important that candidates ask themselves some questions before they even go for an interview. To decide what they want to get out of an interview, they should first think about what they want to gain from an interview. This will help them select the right keywords in their responses.

Read More: How Did You Prepare For This Interview- Interview Question

Style

The interview style will depend on the type of the position, job requirements, culture, etc. One thing that candidates should note, is that some companies require that the interviewers are formal and respectful. For some others, it is important that the candidates maintain a friendly and conversational tone. It is also important to remember that the interviewer’s tone will determine how comfortable the candidate feels.

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Job Requirements

It is important for candidates to understand how the company’s job requirement differs from that of their own. In addition to understanding the job requirements, the candidates should understand the company culture. It is important that the candidate knows how to interact with other employees, and also how to express their opinion.

Don’t Mix Personal and Professional Relationships

It is not advisable to discuss their personal or private matters with the interviewer. For example, they should avoid sharing any work related information with the interviewer, or revealing personal information about themselves. While talking, they should keep a balance.

Read More: What is a Behavioral Interview?

Keep Active and Meet New People

Candidates should plan to make a social engagement before an interview, to meet some of the senior members of the company, to learn about them and their backgrounds, and to improve their confidence.

Avoid When Interviewer Questions About Race

Some companies require the candidates to disclose their race before the interview. Some interviewers will ask the candidates to check their name with the database. In order to avoid this situation, candidates should be prepared for this type of question.

Do the Interview, Get the Job

Candidates should remember that the interviewer is the one who is hiring them, and they should show confidence and take the opportunity to impress the interviewer.

Read more: How To Impress The Interviewer

Know When to Say No

To be successful in an open interview, the candidate should avoid going into the interview with negative thoughts, in case they are not chosen for a job. This will not help the candidates for the right job, as this will give them a wrong impression.

Follow Up

After the interview, it is important that the candidate follow up and get an update regarding the process. This way, the candidate can follow up if they are not chosen for the job.

So, for the candidates preparing for an interview be confident , follow all the steps mentioned above, be respectful, make the necessary plans, and remember the interviewer is the one who is hiring you.

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