The OP was asking about the ideal process. This should be a starting point and any other demands that practicality and regulation cause an employer to want shou

The OP was asking about the ideal process. This should be a starting point and any other demands that practicality and regulation cause an employer to want should be compensated. Can't hire me right away? OK, then just pay me my eventual salary while you interview me. If they can't afford this, then they can't afford to hire, probably because the complexity of their business is too high, and they should be broken up or nationalized.