In the complex and often daunting world of job hunting, clarity on the hiring process can provide a substantial advantage. This post aims to simplify this process, detailing every step from the perspective of a seasoned recruiter, Jason Roberts.

Submitting Your Resume (Free Guide to Amplifying Your Resume Here)

The first step is, of course, submitting your resume. While you can find numerous job boards like Indeed, LinkedIn, and Zip Recruiter, nothing beats submitting directly to the company's career site. Geographical and industry-specific boards can also be beneficial.

The Recruiter Screen

After submission, your resume goes into the company's applicant tracking system (ATS) and is sorted based on keyword matches to the job description. A recruiter then reviews your resume, often generating questions about your employment history and experience related to the job description. After reviewing several resumes, the recruiter then passes a handful of qualified candidates to the hiring manager.

The Hiring Manager Screen

The hiring manager's screen delves deeper into your functional capabilities. Hiring managers, being closer to the role's day-to-day responsibilities, often ask more nuanced and job-specific questions than recruiters. Once the hiring manager has reviewed the candidates, the most promising ones proceed to team interviews.

Team Interviews

Team interviews allow future colleagues and collaborators to gauge your fit within the team. Depending on your role, you might be interviewed by future peers, the hiring manager's peers, or even your potential direct reports. This step is crucial as it can make or break your chances of progressing further.

The Finalist Interview

Following the team interviews, the hiring manager conducts the finalist interview, often involving the hiring manager's boss. This stage is generally a rubber stamp and a chance for you to ask intelligent questions about the company and the team.

Negotiating the Offer

Next comes the verbal offer stage. It's important to remember that this is your chance to negotiate. Discussions around salary and benefits take place during this phase, and it's critical to voice your expectations before receiving the written offer.

The Written Offer

After negotiating the verbal offer, you'll receive a written offer. This written document usually signifies the company's best and final offer. If you spot any deal-breakers, you should raise them at this point.

Background Check

After accepting the written offer, the company initiates a background check. This check, usually completed within two weeks, can involve criminal history, credit checks (for certain finance-based roles), and employment history.

Once the background check is cleared, you're ready to start your new job. It's a journey that can often feel long and challenging, but with a clear understanding of the process, it becomes less daunting.

For a visual aid to this process, download a free guide at used in this video here. Remember, knowledge is power, and understanding the hiring process can be your superpower when seeking your next role.