Steps in the interview process Though companies can conduct the interview process differently depending on their needs, protocols and industry, here are some of the steps you might encounter during the interview process: Screening interview: Sometimes companies start the interview process with a screening interview to determine which candidates have the desired and necessary qualifications for the job. Employers occasionally replace this step with more of an open interview, sometimes referred to as a group interview. Companies typically conduct open interviews at an open hiring event, where they interview multiple candidates at the same time. Phone interview: Companies often use phone interviews as an initial way to narrow the number of applicants and identify candidates who they would like to invite for an in-person interview. Though this is the case for most jobs, interviewers hiring for remote positions often have to solely rely on video or phone interviewing to recruit ideal candidates. Skill assessment: Some positions may require that you take and pass a test that is designed to evaluate the technical abilities required for the job in question. For example, an employer might ask a candidate applying for a writing position to take a grammar test or write a test piece. First interview: The in-person interviews usually begin with a one-on-one interview with the hiring manager. During this initial meeting, the interviewer typically asks questions about the candidate's qualifications, skills, work history and relevant experience. Second interview: After the initial in-person interview, the meetings tend to get more in-depth to further examine a select few candidates and determine which ones are real contenders for the job. Second interviews sometimes serve as an additional meeting with the same interviewer, or they can serve as a day-long meeting that involves multiple interviews with various members of the staff, such as executives, staff members and supervisors. Third interview: While this step is somewhat rare, companies sometimes use three or more interviews before selecting a candidate. These meetings often involve an opportunity for current employees to meet the prospective new hire. Lunch or dinner interview: Depending on the type of role you are applying for, the employer may ask you to join them for a meal so that they can evaluate your etiquette, interpersonal skills and communication skills in a more relaxed setting. Background check: At some point during the interview process, the employer may conduct a background check or a credit check. Depending on the results, your application can progress through the interview process or be withdrawn from consideration. Job offer: If you successfully progress through the interview process, the last phase is when the employer makes you a job offer. This is when you would find out the terms and conditions, compensation and benefits for the position. Make sure that you study the offer carefully before accepting it. If you would like to adjust a certain aspect of it, you can make a counteroffer. After negotiations are done, you can then either accept or decline the job offer, usually by signing a form.