INTERVIEWS & SELECTION

Master the Art of Interviewing: 6 Common Interview Types and How to Prepare

July 28, 2026 - 4:50 AM Adecco Australia

 

Not every interview follows the same format. Some employers want structured behavioural examples. Others are more conversational. Some interviews happen over the phone, while others involve panels, presentations or recorded video responses.

 

Understanding the type of interview, you are walking into can help you prepare more effectively and feel more confident on the day. Here are some of the most common interview formats Australian employers use and how you can approach each one.

 

1. Behavioural Interviews

 

Behavioural interviews are one of the most common interview formats used by employers and recruiters. These interviews focus on how you handled situations in the past to assess how you may respond in future workplace scenarios. You will often hear questions like:

  • Tell me about a time you dealt with conflict.

  • Describe a situation where you solved a problem.

  • Give an example of when you worked under pressure.

 

The STAR (Situation. Task. Action. Result) method can help structure your responses clearly. Focus on specific examples, measurable outcomes, your individual contribution, communication and problem-solving skills.

 

2. Phone Interviews

 

Phone interviews are often used as an initial screening step. These conversations are usually shorter and designed to assess communication skills, salary expectations, availability, and general suitability for the role. Because the conversation may feel more casual, candidates sometimes underprepare.

 

Treat phone interviews professionally, find a quiet location and keep your resume nearby. Speak clearly and confidently and avoid multitasking during the call. You should also prepare a concise introduction about your background and experience.

 

3. Panel Interviews

 

Panel interviews involve multiple interviewers speaking with you at the same time. This format is common in government roles, corporate positions, leadership opportunities, and education and healthcare sectors.

 

Panel interviews can feel intimidating at first, but preparation helps. When answering, maintain eye contact with the person who asked the question. Always briefly engage the wider panel during your response and avoid rushing answers. Stay calm if several people take notes silently.

 

Panel interviews are often designed to evaluate communication style, confidence and stakeholder interaction.

 

4. Video Interviews

 

Video interviews have become standard across many industries. Some employers conduct live virtual interviews, while others use recorded one-way interview platforms where candidates answer pre-set questions.

 

Preparation matters just as much online as it does in person. Pay attention to internet connection, lighting and sound, body language, camera positioning, and eye contact. Recorded interviews can feel awkward initially because there is no live interaction but try to keep your tone conversational and natural. Find out more from our video interview guide.

 

5. Competency-Based Interviews

 

Competency interviews focus on specific skills or capabilities required for the role. Examples may include leadership, resilience, adaptability, stakeholder management, attention to detail and teamwork. Questions are usually closely aligned with the position description.

 

Review the job advertisement carefully before the interview and prepare examples that directly demonstrate those competencies. Candidates who tailor their examples to the role often perform better than those who give generic responses.

 

6. Informal or Conversational Interviews

 

Not all interviews feel highly structured. Some hiring managers prefer a more relaxed conversation to assess personality, communication style and cultural fit. While these interviews may feel casual, they still influence hiring decisions. Be prepared to discuss your experience, career goals, motivations, strengths, and working style. This format is also an opportunity for you to

evaluate whether the workplace feels like the right fit.

Different interview formats assess different skills. The more familiar you are with the interview style beforehand, the easier it becomes to prepare relevant examples, communicate clearly and manage nerves. Strong interview preparation is not about memorising perfect answers. It is about understanding how to adapt your communication style to different interview situations.

 

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Browse current job openings or register your CV to connect with a recruiter and explore your next opportunity.