Understanding the most common interview types in Ireland

Ireland is home to a high-spirited job market. Businesses of all niches set up shop here, from tech giants in Dublin to pharmaceutical hubs in Cork. There are opportunities aplenty for Irish job seekers, but with opportunity comes different types of interviews. 

Job seekers need to be prepared for every type of interview and plan their responses ahead of time. In this article, we’ll be exploring the most common interview types in Ireland. We’ll help you get prepared whether it’s skill-based or over video chat. Let’s take a look at the different types of interviews.

What are the different types of interviews?

While there are many frameworks interviews may be based on, the truth is each one is likely to be different. Some will be on-location and face-to-face; others may be conducted over the phone or through video. You may be interviewed by a committee or one-on-one. Each interview you attend will have its own set of expectations and will require different preparation strategies. 

Understanding the format helps you be better prepared for interviews.

Understanding competency-based interviews

Competency-based interviews focus on assessing your specific skills and behaviours. Employers use this type of interview to see how your past experiences will be beneficial for the advertised job and if you’re a good culture fit.

If you’ve attended interviews in the past, you’ll recognise this type of interview framework. These interviews are structured and aim to uncover how you handle various situations. 

Competency-based interviews ask you to provide detailed examples of past behaviour in certain situations. 

Common competency-based interview questions

Competency-based questions often start with phrases like “Tell me about a time when…” or “Give an example of…”. 

Here are a few examples:

• “Tell me about a time when you had to solve a difficult problem.”
• “Describe a situation where you worked as part of a team.”
• “Give an example of a goal you set and how you achieved it.”

To answer competency-based questions confidently, use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result):

1. Situation: Describe the context within which you performed a task or faced a challenge.
2. Task: Explain the actual task or goal you were working towards.
3. Action: Detail the specific actions you took to address the task or challenge.
4. Result: Share the outcomes of your actions, emphasising what you learned or achieved.

By preparing your answers ahead of time using the STAR method, you’ll reduce the chance of being caught off guard and unable to confidently answer a question. It’s better to take your most impressive experiences and workshop them using STAR until it’s second nature.

What to expect in technical interviews

Technical interviews aim to go deeper into the specific skills you possess and your knowledge for the role you’re applying to. Employers may invite you to prove your skills by doing tasks like the following:

• Coding challenges: Writing code to solve problems.
• System design questions: Designing systems or architectures.
• Technical questions: Answering questions about specific technologies or methodologies.
• Whiteboard exercises: Solving problems on a whiteboard in real-time.

Technical interviews are commonly used where technical expertise is a non-negotiable expectation. They are often found in industries such as IT, engineering, and finance. 

Companies in these sectors must make sure candidates have the necessary technical expertise to perform their job duties effectively. For instance, software developers might be asked to perform coding tests, while engineers could be asked to solve engineering problems.

Preparing for a technical interview

Preparing for a technical interview involves several steps:

1. Understand the job requirements: Know the skills and knowledge the job demands.
2. Review basic concepts: Brush up on fundamental principles related to your field.
3. Practice problem-solving: Work on coding challenges or technical problems.
4. Mock interviews: Simulate the interview environment with a friend or mentor.
5. Study past projects: Be ready to discuss previous work and how you tackled specific issues.

When faced with a technical interview, practice will be your best friend. If there are aspects of the job you are less proficient in, taking some time to brush up on your skills can make all the difference. 

Mastering telephone interviews

Telephone interviews have been around for a long time and typically might come before a face-to-face second interview. They are convenient for everyone involved as they can be scheduled flexibly. However, they have their own challenges as you can’t see visual cues like body language from the other person.

You need to be able to communicate clearly, and clear communication is vital to overcome these challenges and make a strong impression.

How to prepare for a successful telephone interview

A telephone interview may be the first time you speak with the hiring manager, so it’s important to make a good impression. This can be hard to gauge over the phone, but the more prepared you are, the more likely you’ll convey a positive opinion.

In telephone interviews, you might encounter questions such as:

• “Tell me about yourself.”
• “Why are you interested in this position?”
• “What are your strengths and weaknesses?”
• “Can you describe a challenging situation and how you handled it?”

Preparation for a telephone interview involves:

1. Find a quiet place: Ensure your environment is free from distractions.
2. Test your equipment: Check your phone and connection.
3. Have your documents ready: Keep your CV and job description handy.
4. Practise speaking clearly: Work on your tone and pace.
5. Prepare your questions: Have a few questions ready for the interviewer.
6. Use a positive tone: Convey enthusiasm and interest.
7. Listen actively: Pay attention and don’t interrupt.

If you come prepared with things like your properly formatted CV, you’re unlikely to get caught by any questions. But, always take your time to answer and use the STAR technique to prepare fully.

Navigating video interviews

Video interviews are a more recent version of interviews that’s particularly common for remote work.  Using video means applicants don’t need to travel to the office, and hiring managers can increase their pool of applicants. 

With video interviews, you can connect with the employer through body language and visual cues, so it’s important to conduct yourself professionally. 

Setting up for a video interview involves more than just having a webcam. Here are some best practices:

1. Reliable internet connection: Check you have a strong, stable connection to avoid disruptions.
2. Quiet environment: Choose a quiet, well-lit space free from distractions.
3. Good equipment: Use a quality webcam and microphone to ensure clear video and audio.
4. Professional background: Keep your background tidy and professional.
5. Test your setup: Do a test call to check your equipment and environment.

Tips for success in video interviews

As you’ll be visible, you should treat a video interview as you would a face-to-face one. Here are some tips to make the best impression:

1. Dress appropriately: Wear professional attire as you would for an in-person interview.
2. Maintain eye contact: Look at the camera, not the screen, to simulate eye contact.
3. Body language: Sit up straight and use natural gestures.
4. Clear speech: Speak clearly and at a moderate pace.
5. Smile: A friendly demeanour can go a long way.

Make sure you have the facilities to join a video interview, as these are becoming increasingly more common. You can also keep a copy of the job spec and your CV close by to refer to when speaking with the interviewer.

Understanding academic interviews

Academic interviews are unique and highly specialised. These are most commonly used for positions in teaching and research within universities and other educational institutions. Interviewers need to assess your subject matter expertise, teaching philosophy, and research accomplishments. 

Employers want to see how you can contribute to their academic community. Academic interviews typically include several rounds:

1. Presentation: You may be asked to present your research or a lecture topic.
2. Panel interview: Often conducted by a committee of faculty members.
3. Research discussion: In-depth questions about your research, methodologies, and future projects.
4. Teaching demonstration: Demonstrating your teaching abilities and approach.

Academic interviews can be intense, but they’re a great way to get an understanding of an applicant. They’re also a great way for potential applicants to assess the institution and if the role is a good fit for them as well.

Preparing for academic interview questions

To prepare for an academic interview, you should review your research and teaching experiences. You will need to discuss the significance and impact of your work, so you’ll need to ensure you’re well-prepared to answer any questions about your experiences. 

Interviews will also be looking at your enthusiasm for the subject matter. You should speak with passion about your research and your future in the subject.

Common questions in academic interviews might include:

• “Can you describe your research and its impact?”
• “How do you integrate research into your teaching?”
• “What are your future research plans?”
• “How do you engage students in the classroom?”

You should also bring along relevant documents, including any research papers you’ve written that may help secure the position.

Final thoughts on interview preparation

We’ve covered a range of interview types: competency-based, technical, telephone, video, and academic interviews. Each type requires a different preparation strategy and understanding of what employers are seeking.

To help you be as prepared as possible, head over to Recruit Ireland’s advice centre where you can access all our guidance on interviews. You’ll find actionable insights from some impressive Irish workers and feel more confident when your next interview comes around.

If you’re looking for new opportunities now, or in the future, the Recruit Ireland job board has thousands of jobs from all across Ireland. Whether you’re looking for jobs in Dublin or Cork or want to find a remote opportunity, you can find it all on Recruit Ireland.