What to expect from a job search, application and hiring process

Whether you’re hoping to find the perfect first role, or already have years of career experience behind you and are looking for the next step on your journey, the job search, application and hiring process can be daunting.

Thanks to the ever-changing job market and variety of approaches that recruiters and employers take, it is difficult to know what to expect from each specific job hunt.

But whilst we can’t predict how each process will go; it still pays to be as prepared as you can and to benefit from as much as insight and helpful information you can get.

Our handy guide below is a great place to start.

What to expect during your job search

• It may take some time to find the right role: When you begin your job search, you’ll likely have a specific role, and specific expectations, in mind. And that’s fine. But finding the job that is ideally suited to what you’re looking for will likely not be a quick and easy process – it may take a fair amount of searching and time to find roles that you want to apply for, sifting through the variety of job listings and advertisements you’ll find.
• Prepare for a rollercoaster ride: A job search can be frustrating. Not only is it a potentially time-consuming process, but it is also one that can create a seemingly endless list of hurdles to clear too. Expect to find jobs that, after further investigation, aren’t quite as initially advertised; be prepared to find that your ‘perfect role’ isn’t in a location that suits you or doesn’t offer pay and benefits that you deem fair, and to face strong competition in a very competitive market.
• Expect an employer-driven environment: Whilst you’re busy looking for your perfect role, remember that potential employers are out there looking for the perfect candidate too. So, job listings and processes may seem overly specific, demanding or even critical, as employers look to narrow and streamline their own search – this can be a little disheartening if you don’t know to expect it.

Carbon60’s Job Search Advice: Don’t let potential hurdles such as these put you off – the right job, at the right time, offering all the right opportunities, pay and benefits, is out there for you! Yes, it may take some time to search for and find the perfect role, but it will be time well spent. It is better to be patient and thorough, than to rush into something.

And don’t be disheartened by employer’s approaches in the market – use it to your advantage to focus your search and prepare yourself to showcase what you could bring to a role when you apply for any.

What to expect during a job application

• No two application processes are the same: Long gone are the days of popping into a business and handing over your CV to Reception and asking to be considered for any roles that may be available. Today most job applications are through websites or online portals. Unfortunately, whilst online job applications are usually simple and offer the convenience of allowing you apply from practically anywhere, there isn’t a ‘one size fits all’ approach, and the systems and software used by one employer will likely differ to that of the next. So, expect to see, use and experience several different formats when applying for different roles.
• You’ll likely need more than just your CV: The job market is extremely competitive, with the number of people looking for and applying for certain roles often hugely outweighing the number of roles available. As such, to help them decide who would be most suited to their available jobs, and the best fit for their company, employers will usually want and need to receive much more than a CV from applicants – additional, supporting documents and information they may require could include a cover letter, a portfolio of relevant work, reasons for applying for the role and what you value feel you could bring, and much more.
• You may not always get a response: As mentioned, employers will be looking for the ideal candidate for the role they have available. And as it is very likely they will receive a vast number of applications; they must be selective in their approach when deciding who to take to the next step. This can take considerable, valuable time – time that they may not be able to afford to use on replying to every single applicant. As such, unsuccessful applicants may not hear back regarding their application.

Carbon60’s Job Application Advice: It is important to ensure you’re as prepared as possible for what applying for a job entails. So, before you start looking to submit any applications, make sure your CV is up to date, create a generic, easily to edit and adapt covering letter, and research the companies that you’re potentially going to apply to, to gauge an idea of their expectations, culture and their processes.

Be prepared to change your CV and covering letter in accordance with what may be required and asked for during the application process, and to promote yourself and your skills most effectively.

And don’t be disappointed or aggrieved if you don’t hear back regarding any application – it’s not your fault. And don’t be afraid to contact anywhere you’ve applied to, asking for an update or feedback.

What to expect from a job hiring process

• Initial Contact: Given that “The average time it takes from applying for a job to ‘landing it’ takes 28 days”, you may find – despite how long the rest of the finding and applying for a job process can take – that the hiring phase may actually develop and progress quite quickly. Having narrowed down their search for candidates to those they wish to proceed with, employers will likely want to contact chosen applicants and arrange interviews and next steps quickly. So, if you’re a shortlisted applicant, expect a phone call!
• Interview: If you’re contacted as a shortlisted applicant for a role, it is likely that this contact will be made to arrange a first interview. Again, there may be a quick turn around between initial contact and the interview stage. In some cases, you could be asked to attend multiple interviews, and complete tasks that will showcase your ability to be a success in the role. Post-pandemic, many employers have adopted remote, online-hosted interviews, though in-person interviews are still preferred by many. Either way, the experience will be very similar, and it is your chance to present yourself and your skills and make an impression.
• Background Checks & References: During the hiring process, the company you’ve applied to will likely reach out to applicants’ provided references and conduct background checks, to ensure that any potential hire is the right fit, professionally and culturally, have any required qualifications for the role, and have the right to work. This is very common, and completely normal – so don’t panic!
• Job Offer: If you find the right role, get your application right and do a great job during the interview stage, you’ll hopefully move on to the final and most exciting part of it all – being offered the job! In most instances, job offers will be made via phone or email, with a follow-up afterwards to discuss further details, such as salary, start date and more about the role and company.

Carbon60’s Job Hiring Process Advice: Even before any initial contact between you and any company you’ve applied for a role at, it pays to be interview ready – you never know when you’ll be reached out to and asked to attend an interview! Of course, all interviews are different, but to help you prepare as best as possible for what could be to come, be sure to read through our handy guide.

Make sure your reference contacts are up-to-date on your CV at initial application too, just in case the company does wish to get in touch with them to carry out their checks and find out more about you, and ensure that anyone you list as a reference will speak will of you, your skills and your employability.

And, if you do receive a job offer, don’t be afraid to give your potential new employer a counteroffer or negotiate the salary or any other aspects of the offer to ensure the role suits you, as well as them, before you accept or reject.