What is an interview process?

The interview process is the mechanism through which an employer assesses whether a candidate is suitable for a role — but many founders approach it without a structured method, relying on instinct rather than a consistent evaluation framework. Understanding what an effective interview process looks like helps founders make better hiring decisions and reduces the risk of selecting the wrong candidate.

An interview process typically involves one or more stages, which may include a telephone or video screening call, one or more in-person or video interviews, skills tests or practical exercises, and reference checks. A structured interview — in which all candidates are asked the same questions, evaluated against the same criteria, and scored consistently — produces more reliable results than unstructured conversation. The stages appropriate for a role depend on its seniority and the skills being assessed.

Interview questions relating to protected characteristics — such as age, health, family plans, or religion — are unhelpful for assessing job performance and may expose the employer to discrimination claims. Preparing questions in advance, focusing on how candidates have handled relevant situations, and involving more than one person in the assessment reduces both bias and risk. Our guide covers how to structure a fair and effective process.