Changing jobs is a daunting prospect, regardless of how many times you’ve done it in the past. Every prospective employer will look for different things from their candidates. However, there is certain information that the vast majority of hiring managers will want to get from you before offering you a role. In this guide, we discuss five of the most common things you can expect to be asked about during the hiring process.
References
They say actions speak louder than words, and this certainly rings true when it comes to the recruitment process. It’s difficult for candidates to demonstrate hard skills or industry expertise through a verbal interview, which is why companies often rely on references from former employers to get a better understanding of your capabilities and suitability for the role.
Think carefully about who you list as a reference. It’s sensible to have a range of people in different positions, but don’t necessarily go to the most authoritative person at your former company if you’ve never worked closely with them. It’s also common courtesy to ask the people you pick whether they’re happy to be listed as a reference, since you’ll need to provide their contact details on your documentation.
Your salary expectations
It can be incredibly difficult to put a number on what you think you deserve to be paid. To make things even harder, recruiters won’t always include the estimated salary for a role in the job description. In this case, don’t just pluck a number out of thin air when asked about your expectations.
To start with, think about what you’re currently earning, as well as how much money you need to live. Then, it can be helpful to do a little market research to understand what similar positions are paying. Often, there’s a little room for negotiation, but don’t start haggling over every tiny financial detail early on in the process. Once you have an agreement in principle, you can discuss expectations in greater depth.
Your current notice period
If you’re moving from one company to another without a break, your prospective employer will be eager to know when you’ll be available to start should you be successful. Your current notice period will be included in the contract you signed at the start of your employment, so check these documents carefully. This period could range from anywhere between one week and several months, so it’s important to be clear about your current company’s expectations. Again, you may be able to negotiate a shorter time with your employer, but don’t assume this will be the case.
A portfolio
Especially if you’re in a creative industry, employers are likely to ask for a portfolio of your previous work. Whether that’s written content, website designs, or any other form of creative output, a collection of your best work is a great way to demonstrate your professional competence. Even if you aren’t actively applying for a new job, it’s a good idea to regularly update your portfolio with new work; this will save you time and effort further down the line. If you’ve produced work for external clients, make sure you’ve spoken to your manager about what can and can’t be included in your portfolio to ensure you’re not compromising any confidentiality agreements.
Self-Screen Background Check
In an era where personal branding is as significant as your professional experiences, ensuring your online reputation and background checks are employer-ready is paramount. Global Background Screening offers a 'Self-Screen Employer Ready' background check, enabling you to proactively manage your professional presentation. This service allows you to view yourself through the lens of a potential employer, ensuring that all aspects of your background, from social media presence to criminal records, align with your career aspirations.
Prepare for your next role
Understanding the sort of information recruiters are likely to ask for during the hiring process will give you a head start and help you prepare for your next interview. Keep these important areas in mind and you’ll be able to field any questions with complete confidence.
