Assuming you have applied for a job in the last decade or so, chances are you have utilized that wonderful thing known as the internet to aid in your job search. In fact, in our modern age, the internet is ultimately where the vast majority of job searches begin. But have you ever stopped to think about what happens next?
For most job seekers, the “what’s next” they are hoping for is usually a phone call or perhaps an interview time. However, that is skipping a few steps ahead. What we are interested in today is what happens after you’ve polished your cover later, made your resume pristine, and hit “submit” on that job application.
You aren’t alone
Well, for starters, after you hit submit the one thing you can almost guarantee to happen is a whole bunch of other people will also hit submit and apply for the same job. How many exactly? Well, that largely depends on the job, but to put it into perspective, according to Forbes, the average number of people applying for any given job is 118. That reason alone should be enough for you to revisit your resume and make sure it is looking its best.
Your application gets passed on
While every organization is different, usually the initial decision maker is up next when it comes to your application. This could be the hiring manager or perhaps someone in HR, but you can rest assured that your resume will likely be reviewed at this point. Make sure your resume is attractive and most of all organized. Also, be sure to account for how it would look both on and off the screen.
Some applications are scanned; most are eliminated
Depending on the organization, it will either be a person scanning your resume or as is growing more popular, a computer. In either event, the purpose of this stage is to find those candidates who have specific predetermined keywords in the cover letter and resume that match the requirements for the role. Knowing this fact should be enough to save you some time and discourage you from applying for jobs you aren’t qualified for.
More scrutiny, more cuts
At this point, and assuming you are still in contention, you can be reasonably confident that someone will read your entire cover letter and resume. For those who meet the requirements, they move on, and for those who upon closer inspection isn’t up to par, get cut.
First contact and phone interview
By now the company likely has several top candidates in mind for the position, and to further make that number smaller, they will reach out and set up initial phone interviews. Remember, if you get a call out of the blue and it isn’t a good time for you to talk, be honest. You always want to put your best foot forward.
The finalists are determined, and interviews are scheduled
So far they have read what you wrote and listened to you talk. Assuming that those have both gone well, chances are they will want to meet you face to face to get a better idea of you and if you’d be a good fit for the company. Depending on the company, there could be more than one in-person interview, so be patient – especially if it is a job you really want.
Finding a new job can be hard, but you don’t have to go it alone.
Contact Ascend Staffing today and discover what an experienced recruitment partner can do for you.