A first interview The hiring manager usually does the first in-person interview. A first-stage interview focuses on a candidate's qualifications, employment history, and experience. If successful, the candidate will progress to another round of interviews with managers and staff members. The second interview This second, longer interview is offered to a select pool of suitable candidates and is more in-depth and exploratory. Hiring managers may lead this interview, but it is likely to also involve other staff members including the line management of the actual job. You may be required to show examples of your work or discuss a project you worked on in the past.