No two job interviews are going to be alike, but there are some basic guidelines that can apply for all interviews job-seekers can keep in mind.

Thomas Priola, owner and vice president of Bubba’s Frozen Yogurt, 2500 Sycamore Road, said every interview is going to be a little different.

“The criteria I use (for interviews) is different from others’, so my techniques are different. Some places require tests in addition to applications and interviews,” he said.

A job interview at most companies basically consists of an initial interview, filling out an application form, testing for a skill such as typing or a written test and in some cases a second or third interview.

Priola said many companies get a lot of applications for only a few positions. The best way to start the process is to ask for the person in charge, usually the owner, manager or employee supervisor, he said.

“Persistence does work,” Priola said. “Whether you call or keep coming in to check to see if a position has opened up, an employer may eventually give you a shot because you seem genuinely interested in the job,” he said.

During the interview job seekers often lose points on simple mistakes, Priola added.

The National Alliance for Business has made up a list of tips for job seekers to help eliminate some of the simple mistakes:

Be well groomed with suitable clothes and not wearing heavy make-up.

Be prepared to answer broad questions about yourself.

Learn something in advance about the company.

Have a specific job or jobs in mind.

Priola said, one of the biggest mistakes a job seeker can make is to lie during an interview or on an application, especially about being fired from a previous job.

Lying could instill fear in an employer that the same or similar problem could reoccur, he said.

“Tell why you were fired and what you learned from the incident. If you come out with a clean slate and truly want the job, I can’t hold it against you,” he said.