Is there anything about today's job search that is normal? Are there steadfast rules to follow for resume writing and submission, interviewing, networking, negotiation, etc? The best advice is to expect the unexpected.
I spoke with someone yesterday who had been called in for interviews by the same company 3 times and had met with over 20 people. Some of those 20 he met with more than once. It has been grueling and emotionally taxing for him to go through this. He asked if this was normal.
Why is this happening?
The job seeker asked me why they would bring him back so often. The short answer is, "I don't know". The longer answer is they are not sure where he would fit- they like him, but maybe not for the initial position they were advertising for. Or perhaps the answer lies only in the mind of the employer. In other words, could the job seeker tactfully ask what their normal hiring process is like? Most likely they will divulge their reasoning for calling him back so many times.
Don't let the unknown eat away at you. Find the answer.
If you were to go to the airport for a flight today and you had not
flown for a couple of years, what would you find? They would take your
toiletries and plunk them in a big garbage can. Most likely, you would
be hopping mad. They would ask you to take off your shoes and you would
feel violated. However, if you were a regular traveler, you would know all these
things. If you asked people questions about their flying experiences, you would have learned about these changes. If you read
the airlines recommendations for flying, you would have also been
informed.
Hiring practices vary from company to company. They don't all follow the same guidelines. Is it reasonable to expect them to do it similarly? Asking questions up front is the best way to prepare yourself for the experience.
Have you experienced "unusual" things during your job search? They may not be that unusual after all. Please take a minute and share in the comments.
Hannah Morgan speaks and writes about job search and career strategies. She founded CareerSherpa.net to educate professionals on how to maneuver through today’s job search process. Hannah was nominated as a LinkedIn Top Voice in Job Search and Careers and is a regular contributor to US News & World Report. She has been quoted by media outlets, including Forbes, USA Today, Money Magazine, Huffington Post, as well as many other publications. She is also author of The Infographic Resume and co-author of Social Networking for Business Success.
