It can be a very exciting time when a potential employer calls you in for an interview. It means you've probably worked hard on putting together the perfect resume and did a little homework on the company to which you're applying. Just as you begin to celebrate and congratulate yourself for your efforts, feelings of nervousness may arrive.
It's quite normal to feel anxious at the thought of an interview. There's a big step between getting through the interviewing process and actually securing a job offer. Even the most confident people experience pre-interview anxiety, especially when there's so much at stake.
One of the keys to overcoming that stress lies in knowing what to expect. Asking a few questions at the time the interview is scheduled can help you avoid surprises and prepare for what will take place. It's perfectly reasonable to ask the person contacting you a question or two so you'll be ready to put your best foot forward.
The most important factors of the interview revolve around two things. The first is the person (or persons) conducting the interview. You want to know this because that person may or may not be the final decision maker. The person conducting the first interview could be an assistant or a human resources representative charged with a secondary screening process. The second piece of information to learn is what type of interview you should expect.
Here's a helpful description of each type of interview and a few tips for preparing for each:

• Telephone
  The telephone interview allows you the comfort of communicating from a familiar environment, and if you're at home, with little regard for your physical appearance. The only things that matter is your voice and tone, and what you actually have to say. A key point to remember about a telephone interview is that the other person cannot see your expression or read your enthusiasm unless you can project in with your voice. Speaking clearly, giving thoughtful answers, having a prepared list of questions, and practicing good listening skills are the ways to make the best impression.
• Email
  The email interview is common when an employer and candidate are unable to meet face to face. This is especially true for jobs that require relocation or when the decision maker is not in a local setting. This type of interview also takes the focus off your physical appearance but puts the spotlight on your business writing and etiquette skills. If you know in advance that an interview will be conducted by email, you may want to polish your basic writing skills and read a quick guide on email etiquette.
• Physical
  The physical interview places the focus on many aspects of a candidate. When you know you will be meeting for an in-person interview, prepare to arrive early wearing your best business attire. Speak considerately to everyone you meet and establish good eye contact with your interviewer. Everyone feels at ease with a person who is friendly and relaxed yet professional. Don't let the nervousness show if possible. Let the interviewer dictate the pace of the conversation. Lastly, be certain to exit graciously, thanking each person you meet with for their time.
• Behavioural
  The concept of the behavioural interview is an interesting one because you are observed on how you would behave in the performance of the job. Depending on your skills and the position, you may be asked to interact with customers or clients or demonstrate a particular task. The process can be unnerving when you know you are being watched and judged on your behaviour. The key here is to behave a naturally as you can under the circumstances. Focus on the task and do your best to forget you are being watched.
• Group
  The group interview also places you in a situation where you are being observed and asked to interact by more than one person. The best advice here again is to simply be you and respond to everyone in the group in the same manner. The consistency you project will be noticed as well as a friendly, relaxed attitude. There is no way you can match the pace of many different personalities and it will appear phony if you attempt it.
• Panel
  A panel interview is similar to the group interview with one major exception. The panel may be comprised of people from different departments and levels of responsibility. They are each usually chosen because they all have some interest in the performance of the chosen candidate. In a panel interview, it's important to make eye contact with each person and treat him or her equally. You may have no way of knowing whose opinion of you has the most weight so each person should be given due consideration and respect.
• Lunch or Dinner
  A lunch or dinner interview can be a very pleasant experience, if you remember that the meal is the least important factor. Candidates are usually asked to dinner interview so their social behaviour can be observed. It is often critical to an employer's image to know how a staff member will be able to represent them when entertaining clients. Be prepared to eat very little and talk about yourself and the contribution you can make to the company. Before you go to the interview, take a crash lesson in table etiquette if necessary.