Introduction:
You just found a perfect job opportunity for you but the recruitment process involves an open interview. What is an Open Interview? Are you scared of its informal and fast-paced nature? Unsure of how this interview works and the ways to ace it?
Don’t worry. Open interviews are just like any other interviews, except there is a difference in the application process. What matters is that you show confidence and believe in your abilities.
In this article, I will throw light on open interviews in detail. We will also go over some tips to do great in these interviews. Keep scrolling to know more!
An open interview also called a “walk-in-interview” is a type of interview where candidates are interviewed in large numbers, in a comparatively fast process. This article will explain the meaning, the advantages-disadvantages, and the process of an open interview. Let’s begin.
Definition of Open Interview?
An open interview is a form of an interview where recruiters conduct interviews on-site in multiple or individual settings.
Explanation:
Open- interviews are a great way to cut down on the time consumed by the hiring process. They usually require candidates to show up at a pre-determined spot (most times it’s the office or place of work) during specific hours. Then the interview process is held in groups or individuals. By the end of it all, the best candidates are either made a job offer or called in for a second round.
These interviews allow recruiters to interview multiple people at once in an efficient and fast manner. They are also helpful for candidates to avoid exhausting hiring processes and get a job comparatively quicker.
How do they work?
Open interviews are generally fast-moving and develop quickly. It involves certain crucial steps:
Generally, the hiring company places an advertisement for a job opening where they mention the date, time, and location for the interview. You typically don’t apply for these interviews beforehand. Candidates that show up to these interviews should bring a few copies of their resume and certificates to submit to the company. If the job posting mentions specific details, make sure to follow them. Once you reach there, your interview will be held in a group or individual setting. You will most probably have to wait until the entire process ends. If you impress the recruiter, you will be made a job offer on the spot or will be called in for a second round. This helps you to get immediate responses and cuts on the waiting time typically associated with formal interviews.
Advantages of open interviews:
Time-saving:
Open interviews are a great way to save time on exhausting hiring processes associated with formal interviews. If you find a job that interests you, you can walk in and give the interview and then hope for the best. It cancels out the time that you take in applying for a job-waiting for an interview-waiting for the results of the interview etc. The entire process is quick and can be completed in a day. This is especially helpful when you are in desperate need of a job and can’t afford to wait for months for a response to your application.
Experience the work environment:
Open interviews are typically conducted in the place of work itself during work hours, where a lot of activities are taking place. This allows the candidates to experience the work environment and to grasp the work culture. They can also unofficially talk to current employees and get to know their experience working at that company.
Quick and fast-moving:
If you are someone that usually enjoys quick processes, open interviews would be perfect for you. As mentioned before, their process is faster and candidates receive quicker responses. As recruiters screen multiple applications at once and sometimes take group interviews, the process ends fairly quickly.
Informal nature:
Open interviews are usually informal and laid back in their tone. As the application process is shortened, the recruiters find it best to make use of open-ended and follow-up questioning to get to know the candidates. This leads to the flexible nature of the interview.
Disadvantages of open interview:
Intimidating:
As open interviews are spontaneous and unpredictable, they can tend to be intimidating. The candidates move through the process quickly and have to be quick on their feet to keep up with the process. This can be intimidating and make candidates feel anxious. Being surrounded by other candidates who are competing with you and being in a working office can be chaotic and stressful.
Little to no privacy:
Open interviews are sometimes held in groups. When they are held individually, they are typically in the middle of a working office where people are getting their work done. This means that you are bound to face many distractions. Through this, you are supposed to maintain your composure and impress the recruiter with your abilities. This can sometimes be difficult to manage.
Group interviews:
As mentioned before, sometimes open interviews are held in groups. This can be especially difficult for people who are nervous about public speaking. It can also be difficult to be noticeable and impress in group interviews. You are supposed to juggle the interview questions while also remaining calm amid a group discussion. This can be intimidating and stress-inducing.
Tips for open interviews:
Do your research:
As open interviews are spontaneous and uncertain, it is best to do your research ahead of time. This helps you prepare better for the interview and make a strong impression. Read the job description and find out which skills match your profile. That way you can discuss relevant information highlighting your capabilities.
Prepare to answer:
Open interviews are based on follow-up questioning, you should make sure that you are confident and ready for spontaneous responses and be quick on your feet. As you do your research, try to anticipate questions you would be asked during the interview.
Practice public speaking:
If you are afraid to speak in front of a group, then you should practice those skills in anticipation of group interviews. You still need to make a strong impression even though this isn’t your strong suit. So your best solution is to prepare yourself for this.
Background checks:
Like any other job application, make sure to do background checks on the company you apply to. Check their social media handles, find out who you’ll be working under and what kind of responsibilities you would have. This is essential in making sure that you are a good fit in a place before applying there.
Dress to impress:
Don’t be fooled by open interviews’ informal and spontaneous nature. You are still applying for a job and need to impress the recruiter. Dress by your job position and the company’s work culture. If you are unaware of the company’s work environment, then it’s best to just dress formally.
Don’t expect too much privacy:
Open interviews are held in a fast-paced environment and among a group of people. Even if your interview is taken individually, then it most probably will be in the middle of a working office. The entire point of open interviews is to speed up the hiring process and hence, their priorities don’t lie in making candidates feel secure and comfortable.
Be confident:
In an interview, your confidence wins you the most points. Every company is looking for a candidate that is confident in their skills and can handle their responsibilities efficiently. Even though you find open interviews intimidating, you need to assert confidence. This will help you be noticeable among the other candidates and make the process a lot easier for you. However, remember that there is a thin line between confidence and overconfidence so do not overstep that line!
Thank the employer:
At the end of an interview, remember to ask for a business card from the recruiter and message them after reaching home. I find that sending a thank you email/message always works in your favor. This not only makes a great impression but also refreshes the employer’s memory about you. A short and polite message thanking them for the interview and for their time is sufficient. Needless to say, remember to mention your name too.
Follow-up:
If you don’t get an immediate response from the interviewer about the hired employee, then make sure to ask for a business card from the recruiter. Then after a couple of days, follow up with the company and show that you are still interested in the job. The important thing to remember here is to not pester the recruiter with constant follow-up messages.
Frequent mistakes:
Being ill-prepared:
An open interview is just as serious as any other interview, regardless of its informal and quick nature. You need to do prior research, background checks, prepare for questions and reframe your resume for this interview as well. Being ill-prepared will make a stale impression and show a lack of professionalism. This will reduce your chances of getting the job.
Dressing inappropriately:
Open interviews are still a business affair and you should not take them lightly. The biggest mistake you can make while attending any interview is to dress inappropriately. How you present yourself is a big factor in making a strong impression on the people interviewing you. Dress formally or business casual.
Latecomers:
Nothing is more frustrating when people reach way past the specifically mentioned time. Don’t show up after the interview hours just because it’s a walk-in-interview. You are not only wasting your own time but also the recruiter’s time.
Lack of professionalism:
‘Manners make a man.’ The way you behave with other candidates, the current employees of the company, and any other assistants, speaks of you as a person. Always be polite to everyone you interact with. This applies to life in general as well!
Conclusion:
Now that you know everything about open interviews, you are ready to ace them. Make sure to remember the key points and avoid the common mistakes mentioned above. Lastly, have faith in your abilities. I am rooting for you!
