The hiring process, from the perspective of the job applicant, involves several stages. From the time you apply for a job until the moment you accept the job offer, you will progress through a series of steps in the recruitment and hiring process.
Job Applications
The first step in the hiring process is, of course, submitting job applications and putting your application in the competition for the jobs you are interested in. Depending on the organization and the position, you may submit applications online, email a resume and cover letter, or apply in person.
Applicant Tracking Systems
Once you submit your application, many employers use applicant tracking systems to process job applications and manage the hiring process. If you’re applying for a job online, it’s very likely that the company is using an applicant tracking system. To increase your chances, it’s a good idea to use keywords in your resume.
Applicant Talent Assessments
Some companies test job applicants to determine if the candidate is a good fit for the positions being hired for. Companies that conduct pre-employment testing (talent assessments) are looking for applicants who meet their hiring criteria.
The Interview Process
Many companies follow a complex interview process that begins with screening interviews, which are usually conducted over the phone and sometimes done by a recruiter or a representative from the human resources department. If the screening call goes well, it is likely to be followed by in-person interviews, which may extend to second and third rounds.
Interview Follow-Up
Although it may seem like a lot of work, especially when going to multiple interviews, it is important to follow up at every step of the interview process. In fact, the most important thing you can do is to follow up and reiterate your interest in the position and thank the interviewer for their time in meeting you.
Drug Testing for Applicants
There are several types of drug tests that candidates may be required to undergo. Types of drug tests that show the presence of drugs or alcohol include urine tests, hair or alcohol tests, saliva tests, and sweat tests.
Background Checks
You may receive a conditional job offer pending a background check and/or credit check. Alternatively, the background check may be conducted before the company extends a job offer. What the company learns during the background check could result in you not receiving a job offer or having the job offer rescinded.
Credit Checks
Companies are increasingly checking the credit of job applicants and using that credit information as part of their process when making hiring decisions. A credit report for employment purposes includes identifying information such as name, address, previous addresses, and social security number.
Reference Checks
At some point during your job search, a potential employer will ask you for references. This typically happens when the company is interested in you as a potential candidate. It is important to be prepared to provide a list of work references who can vouch for your skills and qualifications for the position you are applying for.
Job Offers
Once you successfully navigate the rigorous hiring process, the final step will be a job offer. Before you accept, it’s important to evaluate the compensation and benefits package, consider whether you want to make a counteroffer or negotiate salary, and then accept (or decline) the job offer.
Employment Paperwork
The final step in the hiring process is completing the paperwork you will need to join as an employee at the company. The forms you will need to complete include employment eligibility forms, tax withholding forms, and specific company paperwork.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does the hiring process take? It varies. You may be contacted right away, have the interview almost immediately, and receive a job offer quickly. In other cases, the hiring process may take a long time and involve significant delays.
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Sources:
- Society for Human Resource Management. “Screening and Evaluating Candidates.”
- Society for Human Resource Management. “Interviewing Candidates for Employment.”
- ACLU. “State-by-State Drug Testing Laws.”
- Mobile Health. “What Drug Panel Should I Choose?”
- Congress.Gov. “H.R.3614 – Restricting Credit Checks for Employment Decisions Act.”
Source: https://www.thebalancemoney.com/how-companies-hire-employees-2061362
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