Dear Lisa, I got an interview and when the HR manager called she said it would be a speed interview format and I should expect the "interview visit to last 1-2 hours". What was the Manager talking about? What exactly is speed interviewing? - Penny

Hi Penny, Thanks for your E-mail, I want everyone to know they can ask questions by e-mailing me at lrancourt@bangordailynews.net. According to a November 2007 article, The Wall Street Journal says speed interviewing is gaining in popularity as companies strive to hire multiple positions in short periods of time.
The basic premise of speed interviewing is that recruiters see many candidates very quickly and can size them up to one other. As a job seeker you may meet individually with 2 or 3 company reps during the same day(s) as other candidates are also meeting. After the meetings, the decision-makers get together and decide on the top prospect. In some cases they call the candidate back to meet with the group. Other times a job offer is made that same day or in within a few days. This is a divergence from traditional recruiting where there is an initial interview followed by second and perhaps a third interview spaced out over several days to weeks. Although an advantage for the job seeker is a quicker offer, the job seeker may not have as long to decide and weigh their options. Companies like "speed interviewing" because top candidates may hear from their company first, locking them into their company. It is easier for the decision-makers to compare candidates against their peers, since they meet with both candidates in close proximity.
As a job seeker remember to do your homework about the company, ask insightful questions, make sure the company is the right fit for you and when you receive an offer take a day and think it over. Good Luck! -Lisa