Stages of the recruitment process

Stats vary but some experts say it takes more than 80 days to find a job. This isn’t just because there are more jobseekers than jobs on the market. It’s because recruitment is a process that involves several stages and each one takes time.

We’re often asked by jobseekers what the process is, and it’s a great question.

Here’s a wrap of what we believe the important stages are and what it means for you, as a jobseeker.

Get ready with a star-rated resume

 It’s important to do some prep work so you’re ready to go if a job comes up (especially that dream job). That means:

• Writing a winning resume.
• Using our free resume template.
• Organising a business style photo.
• Thinking through who you’ll use for references (check out our free reference check template).

Tidy up your social media profile

 Employers look at jobseekers’ digital footprint. So do recruiters. Tidy up your online brand (how you present yourself online). Make sure you have a great LinkedIn profile.

• Learn more about your digital footprint.

Get registered with a professional recruiter

Not all recruiters are created equally. If you choose to use a recruiter (our services are free and we have access to job opportunities that aren’t even advertised), choose:

• an award-winning one
• one that is creative
• one that has an experienced team.

It’s quick and easy to register with us online. When you visit us for a ‘get-to-know you session’, we’ll give you a free copy of Resume Success Secrets, which our Chief Executive Officer, Kate Prior, wrote. The book quickly rose to be #1 in its category on Amazon.

Keep your eye on our latest jobs

Our recruitment experts will stay in touch once you’re registered with us. It doesn’t hurt, however, to stay on top of the jobs we have on our books. We post these on our website daily:

• Here is where to sign up with us for our latest jobs.

Keep applying for work

When applying for work through a professional recruitment agency, it’s essential to know that an employer may have given the same role to, say, five recruitment agencies. It’s important to ONLY apply for the same role through one agency.

Why? Some employers who receive two (or more) copies of your resume through different recruitment agencies, may not consider you for the position. They may feel you’re not keeping track of what’s going on.

Recruitment agencies must seek your permission before submitting you for a job. They should also supply enough details so you can tell which job is which without being confused.

You can download our free handy Application Tracker to help you keep things sorted.

Read our free weekly articles

face2face publishes weekly expert articles on a wide range of recruitment topics. You’ll find nuggets in these easy-to-read articles so tune in to them each week.

Check out our free handy tools and templates

In addition to our free resume template, face2face also has other free tools that will help keep you organised while you look for work:

• reference check template
• application tracker.

Develop an elevator pitch and practice your business handshake

A short, sharp elevator pitch, which you’ve practiced over and over to sound confident, is invaluable. You have 30 seconds to describe what you do, in an interesting way. Read more.

Many people don’t think about their handshake but your style says a lot about you. Read more.

Get ready for interview

 If you’re shortlisted for a position, you’ll be called in for an interview. Our expert recruiters will walk you through what this means and support you along the way. Things to consider:

• Questions to ask (and not ask) at your interview.
• Questions you don’t have to answer at interview.
• How to minimise interview nerves.
• What not to do during interview.

Be aware of next steps

After the interview you’ll be informed by your recruiter if:

• you were successful or weren’t successful
• a second interview is required.

If you’re successful, your recruiter may:

• discuss and negotiate the salary on your behalf
• confirm start dates
• work through any outstanding issues.

It’s important to get your recruiter to discuss these issues with your potential employer, since they’re experienced and know how to best handle these negotiations and arrangements.

Once negotiations are complete, you’ll be sent a ‘letter of offer or employment contract’. This can come directly from the employer with the recruiter copied in on or directly from the recruiter.

A reputable recruitment agency will stay in touch with you for the next 3 months while you settle into your new role. They will liaise between yourself and your new employer.

Other articles of interest

1. Looking for work? Use a recruiter.
2. How to stand out like a star to a recruiter.
3. Questions you don’t have to answer at interview.
4. What’s the best time to look for work.