You Can Ask About the Company's Interview Process UpFront

John Krautzel
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Before you invest a lot of time and effort into landing a job interview, ask questions regarding the employer's interview process. This makes your job search more efficient, and it could save the employer the time spent scheduling your interview and checking your background. Take a look at several aspects of how an employer conducts interviews to see if the firm is right for you.

Interview Process Length

Ask how many interviews the employer plans to conduct before hiring a new team member. If a company has a quick phone interview followed by one in-person interview, the firm may have a quick deadline and want to hire someone who is available immediately. A long interview process with several meetings and steps indicates that the company wants to hire talent for long-term success. Determine what you can handle and what you cannot in this situation. If you're unemployed and need a job now, a quick process may work for you rather than something that may take a few months.

The Right Person Versus Any Person

Although it sounds convenient, a fast interview process could also be a bad omen — this is where company research comes into play. A quick hiring process means an employer wants to get anyone in the position as fast as possible; on the other hand, lengthy interview stages can find a perfect fit. Research the employer's mission statement, what it's like to work there, and the products and services the firm offers before spending time and energy pursuing the position.

Networking can be another form of company research. Get to know someone at the company and find out the employer's strengths, weaknesses and company culture beyond what it says on the website and on Glassdoor.

Watch for Red Flags

Look for several red flags in a company's hiring process that deserve more information. Ask about why the position is open. If the employer says the person is on an extended leave of absence, make sure the position you've applied for is permanent. You may find out that the last six people in your position lasted less than a year each, which means there's something wrong with the manager or perhaps that there's a toxic presence at the office.

Slow movement is also a problem. Lengthy delays and little communication indicate a lack of organization. You want to find a company that knows what it's doing and how to hire someone.

See Three Good Signs

Watch for three good signs that company has your best interests at heart during the interview process.

1. Recent Promotion

You would step into the role of a recently promoted person. This shows a potential for growth at the company.

2. Leaving on a Good Note

Your predecessor left on a good note to pursue this dream job. That means the employer supports your passions and personal life.

3. Too Busy

If the person who left the position took on other duties because he was too busy, it might mean the company is growing and you can have a long-term job there.

The interview process says a lot about a company's commitment to its employees. Examine how a company hires people first by asking targeted, relevant questions as a way to save your energy and keep yourself on the right path.


Photo courtesy of Ambro at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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  • Gill T.
    Gill T.

    Most in person interviews helps both parties

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