How Companies Hire Employees

How do companies hire employees? Hiring, from the job applicant perspective, includes several stages. From the time you apply for a job until the moment you accept a job offer, you will progress through a series of steps in the recruiting and hiring process.

Here's information on all the steps in the hiring process, including applying for jobs, interviewing, employment testing, background checks, and job offers, along with tips and advice for each.

Job Applications

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The first step in the hiring process is, of course, to apply for jobs and to get your application into contention for the jobs you are interested in.

Depending on the organization and the job, you may apply online, email a resume and cover letter, or apply in-person.

Here's a step-by-step guide for applying for a job, including how to apply for a job online, how to fill out a job application, how to write job application letters, and tips and advice for applying for jobs.

Applicant Tracking Systems

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Once your application is submitted, many employers will use applicant tracking systems to process job applications and manage the hiring process.

Applicant tracking systems provide an automated way for companies to manage the entire recruiting process, from receiving applications to hiring employees. These computer systems also screen applications to help employers determine which applicants they will interview for a job.

If you are applying to a job online, it's very likely that the company is using an applicant tracking system. To give yourself the best chance, it's a good idea to use keywords in your resume.

Applicant Talent Assessments

Some companies test applicants for employment to determine if the candidate is a good match for the jobs they are hiring for. Companies who conduct pre-employment tests (talent assessments) are seeking applicants that match their hiring criteria.

Interview Process

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Many companies have an involved interview process starting with screening interviews, followed by in-person interviews, second interviews, and even third interviews.

Here's information on each step in the interview process, along with advice on the best way to handle each type of interview as you progress up the interview ladder towards a job offer.

Interview Follow Up

Even though it may seem like a lot of work, especially when you have gone to multiple interviews, it's important to follow up after each step in the interview process. In fact, the most important thing you can do is to follow up and reiterate your interest in the position and to thank the interviewer for taking the time to meet with you.

Whether it's an email or a phone call, reiterating your interest in the position and the company is always a good idea.

Applicant Drug Testing

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There are several types of drugs tests that candidates for employment may be asked to take. The types of drug tests which show the presence of drugs or alcohol include a urine drug screen, hair drug or alcohol testing, saliva drug screen, and sweat drug screen.

Background Checks

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You may receive a job offer contingent on a background check and/or a credit check. Or, a background check may be conducted prior to a company offering a job. What the company learns during the background check could result in you not getting a job offer or in the job offer being withdrawn.

Credit Checks

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Companies are running credit checks on job applicants more often and then using that credit information as part of the process when making hiring decisions. An employment credit report includes identifying information, including name, address, previous addresses, and social security number.

A credit check also shows the debt you have incurred your payment history, including late payments. Do keep in mind that some states and local municipalities have regulated the use of credit reports and placed restrictions on how the information can be utilized by employers.

Reference Checks

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At some point during your job search, a potential employer will request references. Typically, it will be when the company is seriously interested in you as a potential hire.

It's important to be prepared to provide a list of employment references who can attest to the skills and qualifications that you have for the job you are applying for. Always ask your references before including them on a list.

Job Offers

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When you have made it through the challenging hiring process, the final step will be a job offer. Before you accept, it's important to evaluate the compensation and benefits package, consider whether you want to make a counteroffer or negotiate salary, and then accept (or reject) the job offer.

Hiring Paperwork

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The final step in the hiring process is completing the paperwork you will need to come on board as an employee of the company. The forms you will need to complete include eligibility to work forms, tax withholding forms, and company-specific paperwork.

The Length of the Hiring Process

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How long does the hiring process last? How much does time does it take from when you apply to when you (hopefully) get a job offer or find out you won't get the job?

It varies. You may be contacted right away, interview almost immediately, and get a job offer quickly. In other cases, the hiring process can be lengthy and time-consuming.