Many organizations have terrible interview processes. I use the word many, but I am probably exaggerating. I often find myself frustrated with the lack of communication that happens. I also realized recently, that I am sometimes “old school” in how I prefer to be communicated with initially during the interview process.What experiences have you had?
During a recent business trip, I passed five states and multiple cities between New York City and Washington, D.C. within a matter of 4 hours on Amtrak. As my company breaks into new markets, I too have expanded my recruitment portfolio along the eastern seaboard as well as into the Midwest. When recruiting from a national pool of candidates, it is the HR professional’s responsibility to serve as the liaison between the candidate and company as well as be a representative of the state or city.
Here are some tips to help you do that.
In competition for jobs today, it makes a difference if you are recommended or referred by someone the company already trusts. You can get your dream job because of your network – because you are connected with someone the company already trusts.
Read that again. That is powerful! Never, never neglect your network because you never know when it will have such a powerful impact on your life.
You can never underestimate the importance of negotiating salary during the interview process. Unfortunately, many people are self-conscious or too shy to ask for what they believe they deserve. Others hate the thought of confrontation with a new employer and think that if they negotiate they are starting things off on the wrong foot. Even though salary negotiating can be uncomfortable, preparation will ensure you are satisfied with the outcome.
Easily forgotten, the 10 minute reference call can make or break your candidacy. We pick our references, but do we prepare them? By the time you get a job offer, it may be months since you gave your old supervisor the head’s up that you were searching.
The worst thing a reference can do is not respond, but a vague response is just as bad when impacting a hiring decision.
Don’t let this happen to you.