The Stages of the Interview

Regardless of the style of the interviewer, the interview will progress through four basic stages: the introduction, sharing general information, narrowing the focus, and the closing.

• Introduction -- begins with small talk initiated by the interviewer. The interviewer may ask a few casual questions or make some general remarks. The purpose is to put you at ease, establish rapport, and find a comfortable level of communication.
• Sharing general information -- starts when the interviewer shifts from small talk to general information about you, the organization, and the position. You may be asked to review your background, interests, and goals. The interviewer will discuss the organization and its goals. This will test your listening and speaking skills as well as give you additional information on which to base intelligent questions.
• Narrowing the focus -- occurs when the interviewer begins concentrating on the job and how you might fit in. You have the opportunity to expand upon your skills and to demonstrate how they apply to the job requirements. Your efforts in researching the job and the organization will pay off at this point.
• Closing -- happens when the interviewer begins summarizing what has been said and clarifying certain aspects of the interview. It is crucial that you express your interest in the position at this time. It is also important that you review the points you've made especially about how you are uniquely qualified for the position. If you have relevant skills or experience that you have not yet shared, do it now. The employer will probably explain how and when the next contact will be made and may end with, "Do you have any other questions?". Try to save at least one of your questions for the end so that you wrap-up the interview on a positive note, leaving an enthusiastic impression.