What are the 5 stages of an interview?

The interview process can be a lengthy process, with multiple stages and varying types of interviews which you may encounter.

By understanding the stages of a job interview you will be better-equipped to manage your own expectations, along with preparing yourself for what each stage may require.

The number and types of interviews will vary based on the organization you are applying at, but generally speaking the stages of a job interview will be logically sequenced.

The stages of a job interview from a company perspective are:

1. Pre-Screening

This is where the hiring manager and/or Human Resources will review applications they have received for a job posting and place their top candidates on a shortlist to contact. This will be based on your resume, application, and any online presence you may have such as a website or social media sites.

2. Screening Interview

A screening interview is to ensure all details of an application are still correct, the candidate is still available for the role, and their qualifications and experience are truthful. It is also to get a gauge of an applicant’s personality and how they present themselves.

3. Phone or Skype Interview

Phone or Skype interviews are increasingly common for hiring managers to help narrow down their choice of candidates and who will be offered a face-to-face interview whilst saving them time. It is still critically important to perform well in these from a job-seeker point of view, as it will determine if you move on to future stages.

4. First, In-Person Interview

Of all the stages of a job interview, process, this may be the most nerve-wracking. Don’t think of it as a negative or scary thing though; it is your best opportunity to make a strong impression on your potential new boss and company and showcase how great you are for the job.

5. Second, In-Person Interview

A second interview is a good sign that the hiring manager saw a good fit with your skills and experience and what they are looking for. If you are invited back to a second interview it will likely be with a more senior manager than the first to ensure you are aligned to the organisation’s greater vision and goals.

6. Third or Final In-Person Interview

By the third (or more) interview, you should be getting to the end of the in-person interviews. They may be with another senior leader, or even additional staff members who will be your team members if you were offered the role.

7. Talent Assessment or Personality Type Quizzes

After going through the above stages of a job interview, you’re likely hoping for an answer on whether you have been successful in your application or not. Some companies will conduct personality type or talent assessment quizzes at this stage. Unless it is for a certain level of aptitude required for the role, such as bilingual fluency or financial acumen, these tests are less about how ‘smart’ you are, but more about uncovering the way you work and what type of environment you thrive in. It helps hiring managers see if you will fit into the culture of the team and organisation you are applying for.

8. Background Check

Your potential employer may conduct any number of background checks. They could verify your qualifications with your educational institutions listed, conduct police or criminal background checks if your role requires it. It is a fairly normal exercise, especially for large corporations or those with sensitive information, so if you don’t have anything to hide, don’t worry.

9. Reference Checks

Hearing from people you have worked with in the past is a great way to have your application stand out and a great way for your future employers to feel comfortable moving forward with your application. Be sure to give references from past colleagues who will only give a positive review. They may have offered it in the past, but be sure to double-check with them and give them the courtesy of a warning that it may occur for the particular role you are applying for. Be ready to give a number of types of references for example, managers, senior leaders, team members, and those who reported into you.

10. Job Offer

After moving through all stages of a job interview you will hopefully receive a formal offer.

If you would like tips or advice for the job interview process, check out our job interview hub or contact us today.

STAGE 1: Introduction

Lasting approximately two to three minutes, you are meeting the interviewers and being escorted to the interview room. It is essential that you start strong, offering a firm handshake, standing confidently, and making good eye contact. Some reports indicate that employers will make their decision to hire a candidate within the first 30 seconds of the interview! Employers may take the time to share information about their organization. Feel free to jot down notes to remember key points for future reference.

STAGE 2: Q&A

The longest portion of the interview, this is when the employer asks you questions and listens to your responses. If the interview is a 30-minute screening interview, this portion is typically about 20 minutes long.

STAGE 3: Your Questions

The employer will ask if you have any questions. This is your chance to demonstrate your knowledge of the organization by asking thoughtful questions. Always come prepared! Bring at least three questions, but also feel free to modify them based on the information you learn during the interview. Be sure to make notes as the interviewer answers your questions.

STAGE 4: Closing

During the last few minutes, take the time to end on a positive note. Reiterate your interest in the position and gather business cards from everyone present. Be sure to thank them for the invitation to interview and offer a firm handshake while making good eye contact.

Sample Questions to Ask Your Interviewer

The most effective questions are those that demonstrate your sincere interest in the position and organization.

  • Can you describe the organizational structure of your company/agency/organization?
  • How does the area I would be working in fit into the overall organizational structure?
  • Can you describe the corporate culture or atmosphere of your company?
  • What kind of supervision and training would I receive?
  • How will I receive feedback on my job performance?
  • Would I be working on my own, or on a team? Can I meet my team members?
  • Would I be working with people outside of the company? Clients? Vendors?
  • Would my responsibilities progressively increase throughout my work terms?
  • Would I have the opportunity to travel?
  • Have you ever hired a UMBC student/graduate before? Are they currently working for you? May I speak to them at some point?
  • How would you describe the ideal candidate for this job?
  • What do you enjoy most about working here? What would you change if you could?
  • How would you describe a typical day in this position?
  • What specific projects do you see me starting first?
  • What skills are most important for this job?
  • What are the prospects for advancement beyond this level?
  • How many people have you hired as interns/co-ops in the past, and where have they gone after they graduated?
  • Would it be possible to see where I’d be working?
  • Your annual reports show a steady growth over the last three years. How rapidly do you plan to grow over the next three years?
  • What particular computer equipment and software do you use?
  • How much opportunity is there to see the end result of my efforts?
  • What are the next steps in the interview process? How would you like to be contacted for follow up?

Are There Any Questions I Shouldn’t Ask?

Never, never, never ask any questions about salary, benefits, vacations, holidays with pay or sick days. Wait for the manager to bring up the issue of salary or wages. When they ask what salary you expect, ask what the standard salary is for your qualifications. Keep in mind that the company has a set salary for each job description and level of experience. So, play it safe. Wait for the manager to throw out the first figure. See: Negotiating and Evaluating Offers.

If You Want the Job, Ask for It!

Managers get frustrated when candidates don’t express enthusiasm for the job. If the manager seems to be someone you’d like to work for, if the company seems solid and  reputable, if they offer the security, growth and challenge that you want, look the manager straight in the eye and tell them you want the job.

What are the 5 stages of an interview?
Back to:
Ace the Interview
Continue Reading:
Interview Questions
What are the 5 stages of an interview?

What are the stages of an interview?

Stages of the Interview.
STAGE 1: Introduction. Lasting approximately two to three minutes, you are meeting the interviewers and being escorted to the interview room. ... .
STAGE 2: Q&A. ... .
STAGE 3: Your Questions. ... .
STAGE 4: Closing..

What are the 6 interview stages?

The 6 Step Interview Process.
1.The shortlist. The first step in the interview process is to get shortlisted for interview. ... .
The Screening Interview. ... .
The First Round Interview. ... .
The Second Round Interview. ... .
The Third Round Interview. ... .
The Job Offer and Background Check..

What are the 3 main stages of an interview?

Most job interviews can be broken down into three phases: Introduction, Getting to Know You, and Closing.

What are the 7 steps in interview?

7 Steps for a Successful Interview.
Prepare Thoroughly. Preparation goes beyond just understanding and researching the company's website and perusing the annual report; they're a given. ... .
Make a Good First Impression. ... .
Run Offense, Not Defense. ... .
Use a Nonverbal Strategy. ... .
Be Positive. ... .
Connect All the Dots. ... .
Ask for the Job!.