Assessing You and Your Application

Getting to Know You

Once your application is received, the assessment process begins. Each company has its own protocol, but expect a combination of the stages below:

Initial assessment of the written application Telephone interview Face-to-face job interviews

A note about the role of recruitment agencies: Some organisations manage their recruitment in-house, while others engage recruitment agencies to assist in the employment process. Agencies act as facilitators between the employer and job seeker. Because agencies thoroughly understand the needs of the employer, and can assist candidates throughout the process, they ensure a successful outcome for both parties.

Initial Assessment of the Written Application

Written applications compare candidates based on how well they match the job description in these key areas:

• Technical skills
• Qualifications
• Work experience
• Salary range (if asked on the application)

Telephone Interview

If all of the above looks good and the employer wants to move forward, you will be invited to a phone interview. The interviewer will reach out via email or telephone to set a time for the phone interview. This stage of assessment goes into additional detail about your background, and also, sheds more light on the job opening and the company. It is essential to research the company before your telephone interview.

Phone interviews are designed to narrow the field. If yours was successful, you will next be invited to continue the process in a one-on-one job interview.

Face-to-face Job Interviews

A one-hour job interview can change your life for years to come. That is why interview preparation is so critical. Come equipped with interview questions to ask the company, along with ready answers to interview questions you are likely to be asked, based on the job description. Also, a successful face-to-face interview often leads to one or more second interviews.

For job interview tips, click here.