A first interview is typically the first step in the hiring process. Also known as a first-round interview, a first interview is a way for the employer to find only the most qualified applicants for the job.
Many first interviews are far less thorough than second or third interviews. This is because they typically serve to simply screen initial applicants. These first interviews, known as screening interviews or first-cut job interviews, are often the first of multiple interviews. Typically, a screener (often a company employee or outside recruiter) will interview many applicants, and will decide which candidates are the best fit. He or she will then give a smaller list of candidates to the employer, who will conduct interviews with this smaller pool of applicants.
Unlike screening interviews, some companies only hold one round of interviews when hiring, or the employer might lead all interview rounds, rather than hiring a recruiter or employee.