Preliminary Interviews

Employers use preliminary interviews to determine whether there might be a match between them and the candidate. The interviewer closely examines the candidate's qualifications, background, and interests. The typical interview will last 30 to 60 minutes and consist of the following elements:

1. Welcome and introduction
2. Small talk
3. Getting-acquainted questions
4. Description of the job and the company (or questions about the candidate's knowledge of the company)
5. Questions from the interviewer
6. Questions from the candidate
7. Closing

But remember, each interview is unique and different interviewers have different styles.