For my most recent job application, I applied for a position at a dental office focused on patient coordination and office management an area that matches my background in dentistry. I was excited about the opportunity because the role seemed like a great fit for my skills, and the practice was in a community I enjoy being part of. I hoped it would offer both personal and professional growth.
The online application process was quick and easy. I received a confirmation email right away and was contacted within a few days to schedule a phone interview. At first, this gave me a good impression. The communication was timely, and it seemed like the clinic was organized and eager to move forward.
However, the phone interview felt rushed. The interviewer did not seem very familiar with my resume and asked vague questions. There was not much time for me to ask about the role or the team. It felt like they were just going through the motions. That gave me the impression the position might have high turnover or that the team was not very connected. My excitement about the job started to fade.
When I was invited for an in-person interview, I had already decided not to move forward. This experience showed me how much the hiring process reflects the company itself. Clear communication, respect, and engagement are just as important as the job duties.
This reminded me that the hiring process is not just for the employer to evaluate you it is also for you to see if the company is a good fit. In this case, it helped me realize I was looking for a workplace that values its people from the very first interaction.
4 replies on “Job Application: Reflection”
Tessa,
I read your blog post, “Job Application Reflection,” and found your account of the application process both detailed and insightful. Your description of the initial online application being user-friendly and the timely communication you received highlights the importance of clear and efficient processes in shaping a candidate’s perception of an organization. The structured panel interview you experienced, with behavior-based questions and equal attention to all candidates, reflects a commitment to fairness and thoroughness in candidate evaluation. Additionally, the comprehensive background check conducted by the Sheriff’s Office underscores the organization’s dedication to integrity and safety. Overall, your experience illustrates how a well-organized and transparent hiring process can positively influence an applicant’s desire to join an organization. Thank you for sharing your experience; it offers valuable insights into effective recruitment practices.
Tessa,
Thank you for blogging about your experience. It sucks to see that it wasn’t the best, but informative to see that everyone has different experiences in life. I can see how you were excited and engaged towards the beginning. A lot of people are very hopeful when trying to find a job. Being let down by the recruiting process is upsetting for me, especially because I am interested in doing something like that in the future. It is very easy for excitement to fade when you have an experience like that. The hiring process is very important and crucial for a business’s success, so having a good recruiting/hiring team is important for that. I hope something like that does not happen to you again.
Hi Tessa, I know that phone and zoom interviews can seem challenging (I have had a few and done a few as well), but keep in mind that phone interviews are generally brief in an attempt to thin out the candidate pool. We screen potential employees sometimes if there is a large pool, around 15-20 people, and generally comes in the form of a brief meeting over Zoom or the phone. It just gets us a general sense of what the candidate is like, what they are looking for, any previous experience, and if their answers match their resume. Once that brief interaction is complete, the in-person interview seems to go much better. We allow for candidates to speak and ask any questions, and it also gives us a better feel for what they are like in-person of course. Over the phone and Zoom meetings are uncomfortable for everyone, so I might just encourage you to finish out the remaining interviews to get a better feel for the environment and company. If you still feel the same way after meeting in person, I would definitely reject to move forward. I am sorry this position did not work out for you in the end, I am sure you will have great opportunities in the future!
Hello!
You are so right about “the hiring process is not just for the employer to evaluate you, it is also for you to see if the company is a good fit”. That is great that you mentioned that because I believe that is important for applicants to remember when applying because they need to keep true to their values and expectations just like how a company would do that to you.