Hiring is not a cookie-cutter process. So the precise hiring process steps can vary, depending on the employer. But since I spent many years as a Hiring Manager (and many more years getting job offers), here are pretty much the basic hiring process steps you can expect:
Hiring Process: Road To a Job Offer
Before you enter the picture
- Job gets created.
- Someone writes the job description.
- Job opening put in automated system (if one exists).
- Company officially lists job.
- Company may contact recruiter.
- Team assigns internal hiring process steps.
You spot the ad and apply
- Resumes come in (snail mail and / or online).
- Machine and / or human screens resume.
- Best candidates selected.
- Phone interviews scheduled (if desired).
- In-person interviews scheduled.
They meet you in person / video
- Interviewing continues until completed.
- Top candidates selected.
- Second interviews scheduled (if desired).
- Additional interviews (if needed).
- Background checks & reference checking.
Offer made
- Formal offer made (should be in writing).
- Offer accepted (if not, next best candidate gets offer).
- Formal acknowledgement of acceptance.
Basic Hiring Process Steps Summary
- Job created
- You find listing
- They meet you
- They like you
- You get the job
But in between, there’s a LOT to know. Some posts to help:
BEFORE YOUR INTERVIEW…
How To Mentally Prepare for a Job Interview
12 Things You Need To Know BEFORE a Job Interview
Job Interview Nerves? Tips for Before, During & After
18 Practical Tips to Help You Ace Your Job Interview
15 Things I Look for When I Interview People
10 Impressions You Leave After an Interview
How to Tell If a Job Interview Went Well
Why Does It Take So Long After Your Interview?
AFTER THE INTERVIEW…
After an Interview: Weekly Follow Up Calls and Emails
How Often Should I Call an Employer After My Interview?
So What Really Happens After a Job Interview?
10 Reasons You Didn’t Get the Job Offer
THANK YOU NOTES…
Should You Send a Post-Interview Thank You? [Sample]
Job Rejected You? Sample Rejection “Thank You” Note
Did I Screw Up My Job Interview Thank You Letter?
INTERVIEW QUESTIONS…
Where Do You See Yourself Five Years from Now?
What’s Your Greatest Strength?
What’s Your Greatest Weakness?
How To Handle Tell Me A Little About Yourself
⇒ MORE: Job Search & Interview Resource Center!
JOB REFERENCES…
Job References: Sample Reference Page (with Notes)
What Does It Mean If a Job Is Checking Your References?
Job References: What If Former Bosses Don’t Work There Any More
RESUME HELP…
10 Resume Writing Tips for Stronger Resumes!
How Is a Job Application Different from a Resume?
10 Steps To Match Your Resume to the Job
What Is a Resume Screener?
What are Automated Resume Screeners?
Using Keywords and Keyword Phrases on Resumes