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Anyone here have in-depth experience in the job interview process, either in HR, as a hiring official, or simply years of experience going on interviews?
I went on an interview on Friday for a Senior Program Assistant (I don't want to get into details, but needless to say it's my dream job at an agency I really, really , really want to work for, and salary-wise is a substantial step-up from my current position). I submitted my resume & cover letter last week on Thur., got a call this week on Wed., and was asked to interview Friday morning. During the interview, I made sure I was at the top of my game, did substantial research on the agency and the division I was to work for, and asked substantive questions on the agency's mission.
Even though the director didn't offer me the job right then, afterwards she showed me around the office and introduced me to practically everyone in the division, even the student interns. She seemed to take a liking to me. Later that day at work, I found out an HR person from the agency contacted one of my references, and was asked to fill out a reference form.
Question for those of you who have experience in this sort of stuff: is this common in the interview process? Being introduced to co-workers by your interviewer, a reference check the same exact day, etc? Is this a good sign I have the job, or is this fairly procedural stuff? Most of the jobs I've had I sort of "fell into" and was not really a formal interview process involved. Thanks!
I think that all sounds fairly common at least for my field. Jobs are never offered during the interview. References being checked are common for all applicants, and same day checking is very common. They are probably doing a background check on you, too, an informal one like public data, social networking, maybe calling someone they know who has worked at the same former employer (not an official reference, but just informally). They are probably going around to folks in the office and asking what they thought of you. Meeting all the office people can mean a personality match is as important to them as a skills and experience match.
It sounds good so far, but it's not necessarily a sure thing because they may have another applicant they are comparing and contrasting you with.
I work in a school, so it may be different. Still, the people that the principal showed around after the interview were hired. Good luck, I hope you get it.
I've been through enough interviews and interviewed plenty people before as well in my time, and I can say it's definitely a positive sign. Introducing interviewees to the staff is not common in my field during interviews, but the one time that it did happen, I got the job.
In terms of verifying references and performing background checks, generally speaking, a company would not go through that effort if they did not plan on making a offer to the candidate.
Obviously, there is no guarantee - but I would say your off to a good start.
Its a good sign, but not a definite shoe-in. The interviewer is doing their job, and sometimes their job is to show the people in the office, they can be replaced, "See how easy I can replace you, look at this person right here." Then later when one of those current employees mentions something to the HR about "who was that "masked man" and what job is he taking, they use it as a tool to control the current people. Not nice, but effective.
I've been through enough interviews and interviewed plenty people before as well in my time, and I can say it's definitely a positive sign. Introducing interviewees to the staff is not common in my field during interviews, but the one time that it did happen, I got the job.
That's great to hear! My optimistic side is telling me this is a positive sign as well, and not merely procedural.
Quote:
The interviewer is doing their job, and sometimes their job is to show the people in the office, they can be replaced, "See how easy I can replace you, look at this person right here." Then later when one of those current employees mentions something to the HR about "who was that "masked man" and what job is he taking, they use it as a tool to control the current people.
Yes, being showed around is a good sign, iin my experience. But these days you never know. We seem to be in flux regarding the unwritten rules. Good luck and I hope you get it. If you don't, you at least know your worth and can keep shooting high!
Same thing happened to me last week. Interview, meet the staff one day, checked refs and received the call the next day. I am giving my two-week notice on Monday, so, yes, in my experience it is a very good sign!
This is usually a very good sign. Make sure that you've followed up your interview with an email or voice mail telling them you want the job!
Yup! Already ahead of you on that one. Follow-up, professional email the same day.
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