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How Employers Hire

Understanding how employers hire will help you plan a successful job search.

Each employer will follow a slightly different hiring process, but here are four common steps.

1. The employer recruits candidates for a job opening

Recruiting is the employer's process of getting job seekers to apply for their jobs. In most companies, the Human Resources (HR) department performs this function.

There are many ways employers recruit applicants:

  • Advertisements. Job advertisements can be found on job websites, individual company websites, in newspapers and trade publications, and on telephone job hotlines.
  • Internal Postings. Some employers will start by looking for candidates who already work for that employer but who might want to switch to the open position.
  • Referrals. Most employers prefer when a trusted employee, colleague, or peer refers someone they know as a candidate for job openings. Many employers actively solicit these referrals as part of their recruitment efforts. To increase your chances of being referred, form a network and conduct informational interviews.
  • Employment Agencies. Many employers hire people through agencies, often on a temporary or contract basis. If you work out well as a temp worker, the employer may hire you on a permanent basis.
  • Job Fairs. Locate job fairs announcements on ISEEK's listing of events, in newspapers, and on the radio. Employers who recruit at job fairs are often building a pool of candidates and may not have an immediate opening.

2. The employer screens the applications

The goal of screening job applicants is to narrow the pool of qualified people to interview. This is no simple task for employers. For any one job, there may be hundreds of applicants.

The employer's first screening task is to eliminate as many candidates as possible, as fast as possible. During the initial screening, employers generally spend no more than a few seconds on each resume. They quickly eliminate people who don't have required education or experience.

After an initial screening, employers will spend more time reviewing the small number of candidates left. Now they are looking more closely at qualifications. Sometimes at this point they contact references and/or past employers. An employer may decide to conduct brief screening interviews to help further narrow the pool. These interviews may take place over the phone or in person. Usually, the HR department will do all the screening.

3. The employer schedules interviews with selected applicants

While every step in the process plays a part in the hiring decision, employers most often make the final selection based on the interview. At the interview, the hiring manager seeks to verify your qualifications and to evaluate how you may "fit" into the organization. Other managers and employees may also participate in the interview and the hiring decision.

The question at this point is not whether you are qualified, but whether you are the best qualified person for the job. "Best qualified" does not just mean skills, experience, and education. Employers are also looking for motivation, a passion for excellence, and a dedication to continuous learning and quality.

Treat everyone with whom you have contact as though he or she were the hiring authority. Many people you meet during the interview process may have an influence on the ultimate hiring decision.

Before an employer makes a final hiring decision, they usually call references for their top candidates.

4. The employer makes an offer to a selected candidate

After an employer selects the candidate they most want to hire, both parties must negotiate salary and other terms of employment. The employer's HR department then processes all the paperwork required to hire the person.

The average person will change careers several times during her/his lifetime. Job searching has become an ongoing career process.