Recruiters and hiring managers often hold a number of interviews with applicants, perhaps including a group interview, to weed out candidates if a company has trouble deciding who to hire. You may even get called in for not just one job interview, but several, to meet your potential new co-workers before someone confirms you as the first choice.
Multiple interviews save companies money by helping them hire the correct person the first time around rather than having to start the process all over again. Yet, as you wade through your potential new department, similar departments, your manager, your manager's boss or perhaps the executive team, you may feel as if the next job interview is one too many. As four interviews are probably enough when it comes to hiring a new employee at most organizations, you should assume that beyond the second or third interview, the next scheduled meeting is likely more of a meet-and-greet disguised as another way to ascertain your work ethic and working style.
Once you get past the perfect cover letter, concise resume and fantastic references, your prospective employer may conduct a job interview over video chat software to get a feel for your general personality. A video interview also shows you can set up the telecommunication technology that you may need to use on the job.
The next step might include a group interview where several candidates appear at once. This way, employers and potential co-workers can gauge how you respond in a team setting and compare your responses and behavior with those of other candidates.
Next, you may be invited to an in-person job interview. Afterward, the lead interviewer could potentially want to see you again for a second in-person interview. Even if you haven't received confirmation of this or been notified that you are a lead candidate for the job following the initial face-to-face meeting, you should message the HR department and thank them for their time.
Suppose that while you're waiting for the follow-up meeting, another company calls that you land a second interview with as well. How do you respond? Job seekers such as yourself must realize that companies have a hiring process to go through, yet firms must know that the best candidates cannot wait a month to confirm that they've earned the job.
Mitigate a lengthy job interview process by realizing that contemporary ways to sift through candidates are different than they were 10 years ago. Job searches have become complex social-matching games thanks to keyword-scanning software, emails, online applications and social media posts on LinkedIn and other sites. Prospective employers must be sure you have the relevant technological and interpersonal skills to do the job.
Remember that waiting doesn't mean you have to remain passive. Turn to freelance work and print business cards that proclaim you're a consultant in your line of work. Volunteer at a local charity to earn another good reference. Even if it's simply cleaning your house or help your spouse with the kids, remain active over the course of any delay.
Many firms have multiple job interview scenarios to make absolutely certain you're the perfect candidate. Prove them right by remaining patient yet active while they go through their process and come to a decision.
Photo courtesy of franky242 at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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