Skip to main content
Penn State Behrend
Report a Concern Contact Us Visit Us Apply Now
  • Academics
    • Majors and Minors
    • Graduate Programs
    • Open Lab Learning
    • Research Opportunities
    • Black School of Business
    • School of Engineering
    • School of Humanities and Social Sciences
    • School of Science
    • Nursing Program
  • Admissions
    • About Penn State Behrend
    • First-Year Students
    • Transfer Students
    • International Students
    • Change of Campus Students
    • Adult Learners
    • Graduate Students
    • Applying to Behrend
    • Tuition and Financial Aid
  • Student Life
    • Commuter Life
    • Residence Life
    • Dining on Campus
    • Athletics and Recreation
    • Clubs and Activities
    • Diversity and Belonging
    • Student Services
    • Safety on Campus
  • Information For
    • Future Students
    • Current Students
    • Faculty & Staff
    • Alumni
    • Donors & Friends
    • Business & Community Partners
    • Visitors
Full site navigation menu

This dialog contains the full navigation menu for this site.

Penn State Behrend
Enter the terms you wish to search for.
Search type:
Report a Concern Contact Us Visit Us Apply Now
  • This is Penn State Behrend
    • About Penn State Behrend
    • Behrend as an Open Lab
    • Behrend: A Best Value
    • Vision of a Behrend Graduate
    • College Calendars
    • College Leadership
    • People and Departments
    • Visit Behrend
    • Give to Behrend
  • Academics
    • Majors and Minors
    • Exploratory (Undeclared)
    • Adult Learner Programs
    • Graduate Programs
    • Academic Advising
    • Career Services
    • College Registrar
  • Admissions and Aid
    • Penn State Behrend At A Glance
    • Undergraduate Admissions
    • Graduate Admissions
    • Visiting Behrend
    • Applying to Behrend
    • Tuition and Financial Aid
  • Student Life
    • On-Campus Housing
    • Off-Campus Housing
    • Commuter Resources
    • Dining on Campus
    • Fitness and Recreation
    • Student Activities
    • Safety on Campus
  • Athletics
  • Research and Outreach
    • Research
    • Faculty Research
    • Student Research
    • Outreach
    • James R. Meehl Innovation Commons
    • Knowledge Park
    • K-12 Education Outreach
    • Pennsylvania Sea Grant

Find Information For:

  • Future Students
  • Current Students
  • Faculty & Staff
  • Alumni
  • Donors & Friends
  • Business & Community Partners
  • Visitors

Helpful Links

  • Campus Map
  • Virtual Campus Tour
  • Directions to Campus
  • Parking on Campus
  • Safety on Campus
  • Behrend Blog
  • Calendars
  • Directories

Connect With Us

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • TikTok
  • YouTube
  1. Home
  2. Academics
  3. Academic Services
  4. Career Services
  5. Career Resources
  6. Interviewing

Interview Types

Phone Interview

  • Used often by employers as a screening tool. Usually 30 minutes.

  • If asked to do a phone interview on the spot, it's okay to say that you're unable to talk at that time and you'd like to set a time when your class/work schedule is open.

  • Career Services interview rooms can be reserved for phone interviews.

  • Have your resume, job description, and transcript in front of you.

  • Sound interested, speak clearly, and smile as you answer questions; it can be heard in your voice.

  • Don't have gum, food, or drink.

  • Follow the interviewer's lead in the conversation.

  • If you did not hear or understand something, feel free to ask them to repeat it. If you are concerned that they do not hear you, simply ask if they heard you.

Video Interview

  • May replace on-campus or phone interview. Usually 30 minutes; may have more than one interviewer.
  • May use Skype, Zoom, Teams, or the employer's choice.

On-Campus Interview

  • Often an on-campus screening; 30 minutes; usually with a department or HR representative.

On-Site Interview

  • Often occurs after a screening interview, but some employers prefer an initial interview at their facility.
  • This can be a half day, a full day, or more. Some companies cover or reimburse travel expenses.
  • This can include several mini-interviews: several one-on-ones with potential supervisors and colleagues, as well as meal, group, or panel interviews.
  • NOTE: Some companies collect drug screening samples at on-site interviews, making job offers final only after passing a drug test, background, and/or credit check.

Meal Interview

  • This is still an interview. Treat it as such and be professional.
  • Use manners, such as not speaking with food in your mouth.
  • Remember, your overall goal is not to have a good meal but to make a good impression. Order food that will not be messy to eat, and do not delay the group while deciding your food order.
  • Wait until everyone has their food to begin eating and finish with everyone else, even if you leave food on the plate.
  • Keep your focus on the discussion while making sure you eat enough to sustain yourself. If that may be an issue for you, eat before the interview begins and keep a small snack with you if possible.

Group Interview

  • Grouped with potential coworkers, the interviewer will assess how you interact with others.
  • Try to find a balance between standing back as a wallflower and dominating the conversation.
  • Step up and engage, but show that you are willing to listen to others as well.

Panel Interview

  • Usually with several interviewers, at least two people; they will often take turns asking questions.
  • Look each person in the eye as you answer and make the most eye contact with the person who asked the question. Look at each person throughout the interview.
  • If possible, prepare enough questions to have one for each participant.

Interviewing

  • Case Interview Tips
  • Interview Process
  • Interview Types
  • Mock Interview Instructions
  • Most Common HireVue Interview Questions
  • STAR Technique: Effectively Answer Interview Questions
  • Students Requesting a Zoom (Virtual) Interview
  • Thank You Letter (or Email)
  • Tips for Virtual or Phone Interviews
  • Typical Interview Questions
Pennsylvania map showing Penn State's campuses with Penn State Behrend highlighted

Penn State Behrend

Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, offers the learning opportunities of a major research university in a welcoming, student-centered campus environment.
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • TikTok
  • YouTube
Contact Us Visit Us Apply Now
  • This is Penn State Behrend
    • Behrend At A Glance
    • Vision of a Behrend Graduate
    • College Calendars
    • College History
    • College Leadership
    • College Strategy
    • Employment
    • People and Departments
  • Academics
    • Majors and Minors
    • Graduate Programs
    • Advising Center
    • Bookstore
    • Career Services
    • Center for Learning Excellence
    • College Registrar
    • Lilley Library
    • Student Success
    • Study Abroad
  • Admissions
    • Undergraduate
    • Graduate
    • Adult Learners
    • Change of Campus Students
    • International Students
    • Transfer Students
    • Veterans
  • Research/Outreach
    • Research
    • Faculty Research
    • Student Research
    • Outreach
    • Community and Workforce Programs
    • James R. Meehl Innovation Commons
    • Knowledge Park
    • Pennsylvania Sea Grant
    • Plastics Training Academy
    • WPSE Radio
    • Yahn Planetarium
    • Youth Outreach
  • Student Life
    • Dining on Campus
    • Housing and Residence Life
    • Commuter Student Resources
    • International Student Services
    • Equity and Diversity
    • Athletics and Intramurals
    • Student Leadership and Involvement
    • Student Services
  • Academic Schools
    • Black School of Business
    • School of Engineering
    • School of Humanities and Social Sciences
    • School of Science
    • Nursing Program
  • Tuition and Financial Aid
    • Tuition and Costs
    • Financial Aid
    • Aid Opportunities and Deadlines
    • Financial Literacy
    • Grants
    • Scholarships
    • Veterans Benefits
  • Helpful Links
    • Campus Map
    • Virtual Tour
    • Directions
    • Parking
    • Safety
    • Behrend Blog
    • Calendars
    • People and Departments
Penn State University
4701 College Drive, Erie, PA 16563 814-898-6000

Footer Legal Menu

  • Privacy
  • Non-discrimination
  • Accessibility
  • Copyright
  • Map
  • Website Feedback
  • The Pennsylvania State University © 2025
  • We Are Penn State