How to prepare for a first stage job interview

A first stage job interview is often your first real interaction with the employer. It’s your chance to show that you understand the role, explain how your experience fits, and ask the questions that matter to you.

We speak to candidates every day who are preparing for this stage. Some are confident and just want to brush up. Others are unsure what to expect or how formal it will be. Wherever you are in your job search, preparing properly can make a big difference to how the interview goes.

In this blog, we’ll explain what a first stage interview involves, how it fits into the hiring process, and how to get ready in a way that helps you stand out for the right reasons.

What is a first stage interview?

A first stage interview is the initial step in the hiring process where an employer meets a candidate to assess their suitability for a role. It usually takes place after your CV has been reviewed and shortlisted. The goal is to decide whether it makes sense to move forward to the next stage.

At this point, the employer is looking to confirm the basics:

• Do you understand the role?

• Can you speak clearly about your experience? 

• Does your personality and approach fit the team or company culture? 

It’s also your chance to ask questions, get clarity on the role, and decide if it’s the right move for you.

This stage doesn’t usually involve testing or technical tasks, but it still plays a key part in whether or not you’ll be considered for the next round.

What’s the purpose

The purpose of a first stage interview is to establish if there’s a good match between you and the role. Employers are looking for evidence that you meet the key requirements and are motivated to join their team. They also want to get a sense of how you communicate and how you might fit into the culture.

From your side, it’s a chance to explore what the company offers and whether the role lines up with your goals. Both sides are still gathering information at this stage.

Where it fits in the interview process

This is usually the first formal conversation after an application or recruiter introduction. It might be followed by a second stage interview, a task, or a panel depending on the role and company.

Think of this stage as a screening step. Employers are narrowing the field, often meeting several candidates. A strong first impression can move you to the shortlist quickly.

Who you’ll speak to

You’ll typically meet the hiring manager, a team lead or someone from HR. In some cases, a recruiter may lead the call, especially if they’re handling the hiring on behalf of the business.

It helps to know who you’ll be speaking with. If it’s a manager, expect questions about your skills, ways of working and career goals. If it’s HR or a recruiter, they may focus more on availability, salary expectations and your interest in the company.

What happens at a first stage interview?

Every company runs interviews slightly differently, but most first stage interviews follow a similar pattern. Understanding what to expect can help you feel more confident and prepared going in.

This section outlines how the interview is usually set up, what it covers, and what interviewers are looking to learn from you.

The format and setting

First stage interviews are often held remotely, especially if you're early in the hiring process. Expect a video or phone call, though some employers may still prefer face-to-face meetings.

The format is usually informal, but that doesn’t mean you should treat it casually. You’ll still be assessed on how you present yourself, communicate, and engage with the interviewer.

Read more: Top tips for phone & video interviews

The duration

This interview typically lasts between 15 minutes to an hour. Some may be brief screening calls, while others are more detailed conversations. It depends on the role, the interviewer, and what they need to cover.

Aim to keep your answers concise, but be ready to expand where needed. Practising beforehand can help you stay focused and avoid rambling.

The structure

A first stage interview tends to follow a clear structure:

• Introductions

• Overview of the role and company

• Questions about your experience and motivation

• Time for your questions

• Next steps and timelines

Knowing this format in advance can help you organise your thoughts and avoid being caught off guard.

The focus

At this stage, the interviewer is trying to assess a few key areas:

• Do you meet the essential requirements of the role?

• Are you genuinely interested in the position?

• Can you explain your experience clearly?

• Will you fit with the team or culture?

You may also be asked about practical details like your notice period, availability, remote working preferences, and salary expectations.

Typical questions you’ll be asked

While every interview is different, here are some common first stage interview questions to prepare for:

Tell me about yourself

This is your chance to summarise your experience, highlight relevant skills, and explain what brings you to the interview.

Why are you interested in this role?

Interviewers want to know that you've read the job description and thought about how your goals align with the opportunity.

What do you know about the company?

Doing your research shows initiative. Mention the company’s work, values, or recent news that genuinely stood out to you.

What are your salary expectations?

Be ready with a realistic figure based on your experience and the market. If you're unsure, say you're open and would value learning more about the range.

What is your notice period or availability?

Be honest and clear about any timeframes. If you're flexible, say so.

How to prepare for a first stage interview

First stage interviews are often short, but they carry weight. Employers use them to form an initial impression and decide whether to move you forward. Preparing properly gives you the best chance of making that impression count.

Here are six key steps to help you get ready:

Research the company and role

Before the interview, take time to research the company. Look at their website, social media, and any recent news. Try to understand their values, products, and the kind of work they do. This helps you speak with context and ask better questions.

Go back to the job description and review it closely. What are they really looking for? What problems might this role solve? Make a list of the key skills and responsibilities, and think about how your background connects to them.

This preparation helps you answer more clearly, but it also helps you decide whether the company and role genuinely interest you.

Review your CV and experience

Interviewers will likely ask you to talk through your background. Make sure you know your CV well, especially your most recent roles and achievements.

Think about which parts of your experience are most relevant. Try to connect specific examples to the job you're applying for. This shows you understand the role and have thought about how your skills apply.

It’s also worth preparing a simple explanation for any gaps, short stints or changes in direction. Clear, honest answers show you’re confident in your own story.

Read more: How to tailor your CV to the job description

Practice common interview questions

You don’t need to rehearse word-for-word answers, but it helps to think through how you’ll approach certain questions. Start with the basics: 

• “Tell me about yourself,

• “Why do you want this job?”

• What are your strengths?”

Use real examples that show how you work and what you’ve achieved. Aim for a balance of clear structure and natural conversation. Practising out loud can help your answers feel more confident and less scripted.

If you can, get a friend or recruiter to run through a few questions with you. It can help to hear how your answers come across to someone else.

Read more: 14 common job interview questions & answers

Prepare questions to ask them

The questions you ask can say a lot about what matters to you. Aim for two or three that go beyond what you can read online. You could ask about the team setup, what success looks like in the role, or how the company supports development.

Good questions show you’ve done your homework and that you’re thinking carefully about the fit. It also gives you a clearer picture of whether the job is right for you.

Test your tech and check your signal

If your interview is remote, test your internet, microphone and camera beforehand. Make sure you’ve got the right links or software ready to go. Have your CV printed or on screen in case you want to refer to it.

If it’s a phone interview, check your signal in advance and find a quiet space with minimal background noise. Let anyone nearby know not to interrupt.

Have a back-up plan in mind just in case something does go wrong. Being prepared shows that you take the process seriously, even if it’s an informal setting.

Read more: Ultimate job interview guide for 2025

Dress appropriately and be on time

Dress as you would if you were attending in person, even if it’s over a call. It doesn’t need to be formal unless the company is, but looking smart and put together shows respect for the process.

Aim to be ready five to ten minutes early. Check your email in case of any last-minute messages or changes. Turning up late, even by a minute or two, can affect how the rest of the conversation goes.

This part of the process might be short, but how you show up still matters. The way you prepare, present yourself and manage the details can set the tone for what comes next.

First stage interviews are your chance to make a strong first impression. With the right preparation, you can show that you're a good match for the role and serious about the opportunity.

Take time to understand what the interview is for, research the company, review your experience, and get the practical details right. These small steps can help you feel more confident and in control.

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