The Job Interview Process - 8 Steps To Winning The Job
Getting a new job can be a tiresome, demotivating experience when the job interview process doesn't go as planned. The entire process be the opposite; inspiring, motivating and rewarding (particularly when you win that dream job!).
So in this article, we're going to look at some of the key steps involved in the entire job interview process from start to finish, so that you can make sure you don't get frustrated with missing out steps or getting annoyed and demotivated when expecting something to happen at the wrong stage.
Job Interview Process Step #1: Spruce Up Your Resume
Make sure you've included your most recent job (probably the one you're in right now). Double check for formatting and spelling errors, along with any new skills you've acquired recently.
Job Interview Process Step #2: Send Out Your Resume
There are many places to submit your resume, such as online services and job portals. You can also approach Employment Agencies to hold your resume and actively look for suitable job offers on your behalf.
Job Interview Process Step #3: Keep In Touch With Potential Employers
If you've submitted your resume or job application cover letter/form to a potential employer but not heard anything back, relax. These people are busy, especially if they have advertised a job vacancy, as there will be many applications to sort through.
However, most applicants will simply assume that their application didn't meet the grade when they haven't received a call from the company. You can combat this by proactively calling the employer to simply check that everything is in order with your application.
This simple act could also be responsible for floating your resume/application to the top of the pile, as the person is trying to find your application!
Job Interview Process Step #4: First Contact
Most companies will contact you via written letter in the post, or even email. However, a large percentage of employers will actually call you on the phone to let you know that they are impressed with your resume/application.
Be prepared however, as some employers like to test you out over the phone and might even want to do a small screen interview right there and then. This is more common with jobs where your skills are entirely dependent on phone communications, such as sales positions, call centers and customer support roles.
Job Interview Process Step #5: The Face To Face Interview
There are many techniques involved in face to face jobn interview success, which is what this site is all about. Remember to dress smart, with a clean and professional appearance.
Job Interview Process Step #6: Interview Feedback
It can take 2 hours or 2 months, so don't get discouraged with the wait. The fact that you made it this far goes to show that you've got everything going for you, and it simply rests on the interview itself. If you don't get the job, there's usually a good reason for it, but it doesn't mean that you're useless! Business people have to be sure tha they have the exact type of person that they want working for them, and sometimes that person is just not you.
Job Interview Process Step #7: Reference Check
The employer might wish to do a check on your background, via your previous employers or whoever you listed on your resume as suitable referees. These people will be there to give you a testimonial about you as a person and a worker. This will solidfy everything you've claimed in your interview and application process, and will assure the employer that you're not a shady character!
Job Interview Process Step #8: The Offer
This is the fun part, where you'll get either a letter or phone call confirming your success. Job offers always come quicker than job rejections, but don't give up hope if the process takes a few weeks or months. It all depends on the company and their interview process deadlines.
During this offer, you should state your appreciation and joy (presuming you get the job!). You might wish to ask further questions and finer details at this point about start dates, dress code and any other initial details before you arrive for your first day.
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