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 application.