Interview processes can vary depending on the company's practices and protocol, but most interviews generally follow the same format, consisting of the following steps:
Screening
First interview
Second interview
Third interview
The decision
1. Screening
Many employers conduct a preliminary interview to determine whether you're a viable candidate for the job. The screening can be conducted over the phone or in-person and typically lasts fifteen to twenty minutes. This conversation serves to curate the list of candidates to be called for official first interviews.
2. First interview
Typically, the first interview is the first face-to-face meeting with your potential employer. Their goal is to get to know you and assess your skills and experience in relation to their needs for this particular role. They're also looking to get to know you to determine if you will fit in with the company's culture. The following stages typically make up the first interview:
Introduction
The first few minutes consist of meeting the interviewer and getting settled into the interview space. This is also their first impression of you, so it's important to make it a positive one by using good posture, eye contact and a firm handshake. The interviewer generally takes the first several minutes of the interview to tell you about their organization.
Interview questions
The main part of the interview consists of the employer asking you questions and listening to your responses, sometimes taking notes for later reference. Most of the time, this part lasts around 20 minutes.
Your questions
When the interviewer invites you to ask questions, you have the opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge, expertise and the extent of research you've done on this company. Arrive prepared with three to five thoughtful questions, adjusting as you go based on what you learn during the interview.
Concluding the interview
As the interview ends, the interviewer will likely walk you out. It's a good idea to ask all your questions before you rise from your seat. As you leave, restate your interest in the position with enthusiasm and make sure to thank them sincerely for the meeting, offer a firm handshake and maintain eye contact.
3. Second interview
If you've succeeded in impressing them in the first interview, you may be asked to return for a second meeting. This meeting typically allows you to meet the different department heads and sometimes tour the facility. The interviewer will ask deeper, more specific questions to follow up on certain topics from the first interview and attempt to get a better idea of how you'd acclimate to the work environment.
4. Third interview
Some employers prefer to conduct a third interview to help them make a final decision. For this session, you should have gained some in-depth knowledge about the company and how it runs day-to-day and maybe have an idea of how you'd fit into the existing workplace culture. You may have the opportunity to meet potential coworkers during this time.
5. The decision
The final step in the interview process, if the company wants to hire you, is usually a job offer contingent upon your background check and references. The offer will usually come in the form of a typed letter, but in some cases, you'll receive the offer in an email. Most employers offer a verbal offer before presenting the hard copy to make sure you're happy with the terms or allow you the chance to negotiate before signing on.
