Posted by What are open interviews?
- Candidates meet with hiring managers at open interviews, which are also commonly referred to as walk-in interviews. As applicants arrive, employers conduct interviews with them, and frequently make hiring decisions immediately following the meeting. A small proportion of candidates may be asked to return for a second interview by some hiring managers. This interviewing technique can speed up the hiring process for both employers and candidates. Open interviews are frequently conducted on-site at the company and at job fairs.
How do open interviews work?
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Business
Businesses often hold open interviews on-site if they have multiple positions to fill at the same time. They could hold just one day to have interviews, depending on the number of positions they need to fill. For example, a restaurant that’s about to open could hold open interviews for all front-of-house staff roles one day and all kitchen jobs the next day.
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Job fair
Job fairs are usually large events in which several different companies attract prospective employees and hold open interviews. Each company usually has a booth or table that representatives or hiring managers oversee. Candidates approach different booths, speak with the representatives, offer their resumes and sometimes complete interviews.
Related link: 10 Major Types of Job Interviews & Tips for Success
These tips can help you get ready for an open interview:
- Prepare yourself: When you go to an open interview, recruiters may ask challenging questions. To boost your confidence, prepare your responses in advance before the interview.
- Arrive early: Plan to arrive five to ten minutes early for an open interview to ensure you have an opportunity to meet with the hiring manager.
- Be prepared to wait: Be patient throughout the process as there may be delays in getting the interview. Keep your schedule flexible so you can plan for any extended wait times.
- Create a positive first impression: If you create a positive first impression, a hiring manager may be more likely to remember you and consider you for the position.
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Follow up: After the interview, it’s important to follow up with the hiring manager if they didn’t give you an immediate decision. Call or email them the day after the interview to thank them for the opportunity.