Job Interview Process

With the right preparation you'll be able to ace the interview. Knowing what to expect is the first step.

1. Invitation to the interview
   This is usually a letter, though it may be a phone call. Double-check the date, to make sure you're free. It's embarrassing to accept the appointment and then have to rearrange.
   
   If you're not available that day, a good employer will arrange an alternative.
   
   
   
2. Length Of Job Interview
   This can vary, but a face-to-face interview is typically an hour. Interviews for senior roles can be longer. Assessment centres might take a full day - or more.
   
   
   
3. Who Is The Interviewer?
   The interviewer is usually either the manager recruiting for the role or a representative from the company's Human Resources team.
   
   Sometimes it may be one of your peers - someone you'll be working with.
   Occasionally it could be someone who might report in to you. It's ok to ask the interviewer what they do and how they fit into the departmental structure.
   
   
   
4. Multiple Job Interviews
   The first interview is usually a "screening" interview, to narrow down to the strongest candidates.
   
   It's common to have a second or even third job interview.
   
   Second and third job interviews add to stress levels and the inconvenience of job-hunting. Each one means more time off work and more preparation. That's why it's essential to apply only for jobs you really want. Otherwise you're wasting everybody's time.
   
   
   
5. Don't expect a quick decision
   Companies usually underestimate how long recruitment will take them.
   
   A vacancy may take 3-6 months to fill. It's ok to ask them to estimate when they're going to make a decision. The job interview follow-up section has tips on how to chase them, without hassling.