Before you go to an interview it is important to know what it is you want to do, so be sure you know your career focus. The San Francisco Chamber of Commerce publishes information on the major corporations in San Francisco. A typical interview process will involve an introduction consisting of small talk, a discussion of your background and qualifications, an opportunity for you to ask questions about the employer, and a closing where the next steps in the interview process are discussed. The interview format will vary depending on the interviewer and the recruiting philosophy of the organization. This format is highly structured and designed to take place in a limited time frame.
Questions are usually prepared and standard.
Here the focus is on you, as the interviewer probes for information in certain areas. The questions are varied and open-ended. You have the opportunity to explore the position and demonstrate deeper knowledge and capability. In this interview the recruiter is confrontational and may ask particularly difficult questions. The interviewer may try to intimidate you.