The Job Interview Process - What to Expect

So you have made the decision to search for a new job, great! But what do you do now? Listed below are several steps outlining and preparing you for the job interview process.

Job Interview Process Step #1: Update Your Resume
Your resume is your selling point. All the employer has to look at and consider is what is listed on your resume. Make sure your resume is too the point, informative, relevant, and up-to-date. Make sure all of your references are aware they are references, your contact information is accurate and your name is spelled correctly! Lastly, make sure you used an organized, professional format.

Job Interview Process Step #2: Submit Your Resume
Now that you have updated your resume, it is time to submit it. You can submit your resume directly to a company or you can use a job board. Both are beneficial avenues to pursue. Keep in mind, you should always submit your resume to multiple companies at the same time, this way, if one doesn't work out you already have another one lined up. Having choices will help you take the stress away from the job interview process.

Job Interview Process Step #3: Check Back With Potential Employer
If it has been more than two weeks since you submit your resume, a friendly e-mail or phone call may benefit you in multiple ways. It shows persistence, interest, initiative and helps inform you as to where you are in the process.

Job Interview Process Step #4: Receiving the Phone Call
Once an employer has viewed your resume and has taken an interest from it, they will contact you via e-mail or phone to schedule a phone interview. While not every company chooses to pursue a phone interview, multiple companies do. Make sure you start practicing!

Job Interview Process Step #5: Phone Interview
On average, a phone interview lasts between fifteen minutes to an hour. These questions are used for pre-screening purposes. To view a list of possible phone interview questions, click here.

Job Interview Process Step #6: Phone Interview Callback
You should receive a callback no more than a week after the phone interview took place, however, things can happen. If you don't hear back within a week-and-a-half, be sure to contact the potential employer. If you did receive a call back, it was to schedule a face-to-face job interview.

Job Interview Process Step #7: Live Interview
You made it to the face-to-face job interview! Congratulations. Now make sure you don't mess it up! Make sure you dress properly, combed your hair, cut your fingernails, researched the company, and practiced your response to possible interview questions.

Job Interview Process Step #8: Live Interview Feedback
When the phone rings, don't get nervous! Remain calm and sound confident. At this point, the employer will ask you to agree to a background check or tell you, "We don't have a position that will fit you now, but we will keep you in mind should something come up." It may hurt, but its not the end of the world, remember, you did apply for multiple jobs!

Job Interview Process Step #9: Background Check
This is the easy part. They look you up and inform the employer as to whether or not you are who you say you are. Some checks go back more than ten years so make sure you are open if you know something they don't!

Job Interview Process Step #10: Offer
So long as you passed the background check with flying colors, the employer will come back to you with an position and salary offer.

Job Interview Process Step #11: Counter-Offer
If the offer is everything you imagined and more, great! If not, or even if you want to try to get a little more, make a counter-offer. Don't be too greedy, and don't sound too desperate!
Job Interview Process Step #12: New Job
If everyone is happy with the offer on the table then consider yourself a new employee of that company! Hooray!

Article Source: EzineArticles.com/