About the Job Hiring Process
If you are considering changing jobs, the idea of undergoing the job hiring process may be overwhelming. While the hiring process can be confusing and is often time-consuming, it will be well worth the trouble when you are finally offered a new position. Before you begin looking for a new job, there are some things you should know to prepare yourself for the process.
-
Function
-
The hiring process is used to fill jobs needed by employers. Prospective employees contact employers by responding to ads, going to job fairs, using Internet job sites, mailing or emailing resumes and completing applications. During the hiring process, both employer and employee decide if a position is a good fit for an applicant.
Time Frame
-
Time needed to complete the job hiring process varies depending on company policies and the nature of each industry. If you apply for a retail or fast-food restaurant job, you may be hired on the spot, as these types of jobs tend to have a high turnover. Interviewing for other jobs may require multiple interviews and background checks, and it may be several weeks until you receive an offer or a rejection.
-
Features
-
After applications and resumes are screened, applicants are asked to report to the company for an interview. During the interview, you will be asked about your prior experience and your goals for the future, and you will be given an opportunity to learn about the position. You may be asked to describe how you handled a particularly difficult situation at a previous job or asked other questions that will give the interviewer some insight into your personality and capabilities.
Some companies will offer you a position after one interview, while others require multiple interviews and often require you to meet with upper-level management. Credit checks are becoming more common for certain jobs, even those jobs that have nothing to do with the financial industry, which is another reason to maintain a good credit record. Some companies will require you to take and pass a drug test before offering you a position.
References may or may not be checked before you are offered a position. While some companies only confirm your dates of employment during reference checks, it is still important to choose references who will have positive things to say about you.
Considerations
-
An applicant who presents a polished appearance is more likely to be hired than an applicant who appears at the interview in denim cutoffs, a T-shirt and flip flops. Wear dress clothes to the interview even if you will be wearing jeans or a uniform if hired. Avoid wearing torn or dirty clothes and don't pick interview day to experiment with a wild hairstyle.
Interviewers look for people who are knowledgeable about the job and can get along with others. Smile at the interviewer and do your best to answer each question completely and politely. Practice your answers to the common interview questions. Ask a friend to act as the interviewer and critique your answers.
Warning
-
Avoid seeming to be overly interested in vacation and personal time at the first interview. While vacation time is important, if you are too focused on how much time off you will receive, you may not be seen as a hard-working candidate.
Make sure you can quickly locate your birth certificate or green card. If you are hired, you will need to show these items on your first day on the job. Some companies will only give you a limited amount of time to produce this identification.
-
