How the Recruitment Process Works

The recruitment process for any company can be compared to a reality show like America's Next Top Model. It's a process of screening and filtering applicants until one (or more depending on how many the company needs) remains for the job offer. Roughly, here's how it'll go:

1. Company opens up a position/job vacancy

2. HR would then post the ad for said job vacancy (via website, newspaper, etc.)

3. Applicants apply for the job post through sending of their resume

4. HR would screen the resume based on initial qualification (looks, experience, etc.)

5. Once HR has sifted through resumes, they would then schedule qualified applicants for an initial interview and testing

6. Initial interviewing for the applicant to discuss their resume in-depth, as well as for the interviewer (usually someone from the HR) and test administrator to further filter out qualified applicants based on other qualifications (communication skills, personality, work ethics, IQ, etc.)

7. Interviewer would then inform the applicant if s/he passed the interview and test. There are a lot of scripts that can be used. Not all interviewers would say that they'd "call you back" if you fail. In my case, we do call the applicants back since we couldn't endorse the applicant for the 2nd interview right away. In case you fail, then it's the end of the line for you in the company.

8. Qualified applicants would then be endorsed for a 2nd interview and onwards to the final interview. The process would be the same. Interviewers would include the HR Manager and a Manager from the department for whom the applicant would be working under. Other companies would batch applicants before they schedule for an interview, so it can take a while.

9. Once the company has chosen someone for the position, the candidate would then process the pre-employment requirements.

10. Once the now-employed candidate has finished their requirements, they would then move on to the orientation or training, and finally to the job proper.

How to Fail in Your Interview

In my line of work, I've encountered a lot of applicants who failed to be applicants. They're the ones who pass on a resume-level, who look like they're good soon-to-be employees, but they're terrible as applicants. They're the ones who:

1. Say "I don't know!"

a. When asked about the company you applied to.

Actual Case:
Interviewer: So what have you researched about the company?
Applicant: *pause* *shakes head* I'm sorry, I got nothing.
Interviewer: Didn't you do any research about us before the interview?
Applicant: I tried to search for your company's website, but it didn't show up on the first page of Google.
Interviewer: But you could have at least gone to one of our branches and inquired or did something else.
Applicant: *PWNED*

Moral lesson: Do your homework. 

Actual Case #2:
Interviewer: So why would you apply for our company if you don't know anything about us?
Applicant: Because I know it's a good company.
Interviewer: But you said you didn't know anything about us. How sure are you that we really are a good company?
Applicant: *pauses* My friend says so?


b. When asked about themselves

Actual Case:
Interviewer: So knowing that you didn't have any knowledge about our industry or company, what gives you an edge over the other applicants that are vying for the position?
Applicant: *pauses* I don't know. I'm willing to learn.
Interviewer: But it's human nature that people are always learning whether they're willing or not. So given that, what else can you give to the position that other candidates can't?
Applicant: *long pause* *thinks* 

OMG. You can't even sell yourself. How can you sell our services/products? Good Lord.

2. Shot-gun their applications even if they don't know or aren't interested in the companies they're applying for

Actual Case:
Interviewer: Have you tried any of our services/products?
Applicant: No, because I'm not into those things.
Interviewer: So why did you apply to our company if you're not interested in our industry?
Applicant: I wanted to venture to other industries, and I think I can learn.
Interviewer: Yeah, but honestly, if you're not interested in our company, you won't enjoy it.
Applicant: Yes, I know, but I'm willing to learn.
Interviewer: So why would you want to apply in the first place if you're not into what our company is all about? Why should you apply for something that you're not passionate about in the first place?
Applicant: *pauses* Because I want to try and I'm willing to learn anyway.

Moral lesson: Don't shotgun your applications. Job hunting and recruiting people are srz bzns. Companies wouldn't hire someone who's not serious, and in the first place, why would you waste your time applying and going for an interview at a company you don't believe in or you know nothing about?

Tips for Job Seekers

- Always only go for the companies you know. If you don't know anything about the companies you're applying for, you'll be in big trouble when you're interviewed, even more so when you've already got that job offer there. It'll be really messy. So just go for the ones you know most about. - Make sure your resume looks professional. You don't want your resume to be laughed at if it's too colorful, or your picture there is the one from your FB profile. However entertaining it might be, it still leaves a really bad impression. - Keep your resume short, clean-looking and easy to read. Only put the essentials there, such as your work experiences. Recruiters don't want to "skim" through 5 pages of your resume filled with the trainings you've attended and find out you only had 1 work experience. It would also be bad if your resume is badly layout-ed that you can't distinguish one job experience from another. -When emailing your resume, write a cover letter, don't leave it blank (with yahoo! ads) with your resume just as an attachment. It leaves a really bad impression and at worst, recruiters might discard your email because they don't see anything written on it. That's what cover letters are for. -In addition, don't just put "please see attached" or anything of the like when emailing your resume. It looks even worse. It sounds unprofessional and discourteous. Again, just type in your cover letter introducing yourself. -During your interviews, try to answer ALL of the questions, no matter how silly or hard they are. Recruiters will second guess on you whether you're fit for the position if you can't answer the questions. If you don't really know the answer, make something up, no matter how stupid you would sound. But hey, at least you tried. And you never know if that's the answer the interviewer is looking for. -Don't be nervous on your interview. It would look like you're not competent enough for the job, and it would impair your thinking and you might screw up your interview if you can't think well. If you're nervous, just don't show it, or at least don't let it affect your performance. - Always remember to thank your interviewer/recruiter and write them a thank-you note, especially if you're rejected. An interview invite is an opportunity in itself, so be grateful for that. Also, it means that you really are qualified for the job (based on your resume), it's possible that: a. you screwed your interview up, or b. your qualifications aren't enough after all.