Job Application Experiences

Anyone looking for a new job would tell you that the process is not for the faint of heart. In my experience, the application process is emotionally draining, no matter how prepared you are. I can thankfully say that my last job application process was over seven years ago.

My job process experience began with letting my network know that I was looking for a new opportunity. Along with my network, I started an online search of the open positions in my area, and I would review the job descriptions with my skill set. Once I found a job description that matched my skills, I would ask my network if anyone had connections or contacts at the companies where I was submitting my resume. I have learned that a personal relationship is the best way to get through the job application process. Without a network connection within the company, the job application process can be long and drawn out.

Submitting a job application typically begins with creating a personal online resume on one of the many job platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, Monster, and so many others. While creating your online resume seems to make applying for a position more efficient, I believe that the generic format may exclude you from more positions than most applicants realize. I have applied to the online job posting, and now it is a waiting game. The application process has three categories: immediate rejection email, no reply, and recruiter call.

Getting the call from the corporate recruiter is just the first of typically three to five interviews before you are either officially rejected or given a job offer. The recruiter will ask some general questions to see if you are a good fit and worth moving forward in the job application process. After passing this recruiter interview, you move to a departmental midlevel interview. The job process moves slowly through the process, gradually increasing the managerial level within the company until finally interviewing with the position’s actual manager.

Throughout this process, there are questions asked to get a sense of me as an employee. The problem with this process is that no one brings their average, or even daily, self to a job interview. There is another waiting period following the discussions to determine if the company will make a job offer. For me, the goal of the job application process is to get the offer. However, getting the job offer does not mean that it is the right or best decision to take the job.

I can honestly say that I have never entered into a job application process without first having a personal connection inside the company. A network connection reduces the waiting game played within the job application process.

Reference

Pyle, N. W. (2018). Comics Series – Nailed It [Cartoon Illustration]. BoredPanda. https://www.boredpanda.com/funny-job-interview-comics-nathan-w-pyle/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=organic