Searching for a job that pays well, is challenging, fulfilling and a good fit for your skill set can often feel as elusive as finding that proverbial needle in a haystack.
Applying through a job board sounds like it makes the most sense, right? Not necessarily. Among hundreds or thousands of applicants for a particular role, it’s hard to stand out from the crowd of competitive job seekers, where only a select few resumes are screened and considered.
Working with a recruiter improves your chances of getting noticed by employers without feeling as lost in that great big shuffle. The right recruiting agency will connect you directly with an employer, advocate on your behalf, arrange interviews with the right people and keep you abreast every step of the way regarding your candidacy.
But how long does the hiring process take with a recruiting agency? Here’s what you can expect.
Recruiting Agencies: Hiring Process Timeline
By first signing up with a recruiting agency, you take a proactive first step in syncing up with a recruiter who can begin looking for a position that’s tailored to your personal needs and professional goals. Talk with your recruiter; they’ll let you know about the positions available that meet your qualifications.
Step #1: The Resume Submission
Expected Wait Time Until Next Step: Up to two weeks
After submitting your resume for any open positions through a recruiting agency, expect an initial wait period of about two weeks. Recruiters work with several candidates, and this gives them ample time to sort through several applications for different positions with different companies. Be patient while they connect you with a match! In the meantime, keep applying to other openings through both your recruiting agency and via traditional means.
Step #2: The Interview
Expected Wait Time Until Next Step: Up to a month
Landing an interview with an employer is a crucial next step in the hiring process because it means you and your resume impressed them in a big way. Your recruiter will be the conduit — the middle person — between you and the employer, arrange any correspondence and set up any initial first interviews, a process which can take from a week up to a month. This may seem like another long waiting period, but use this time wisely to do some interview prep. Do your research about the company to make a good impression using your knowledge of the organization when interview time comes around. Devise questions to ask the hiring/HR manager. And jot down some of your key accomplishments, biggest career challenges and career goals.
Step #3: Interview Feedback
Expected Wait Time Until Next Step: Up to three weeks
Twenty-four hours after your interview, send follow-up emails to both the recruiter and the person you interviewed, thanking them for their time while re-emphasizing your interest in the position and how your skills, experience and qualifications would make you a seamless fit for the role. A courteous thank you email speaks volumes to furthering your chances of being considered for the role. In the meantime, only follow up with your recruiter weekly if there’s no news. While this might be the most arduous wait with bated breath to see if you’re granted a second interview, just continue with your search (Remember: don’t put all your eggs in one basket) and cross your fingers for a second interview.
Should a second (or even a third) interview be granted, expect the wait time between events to be considerably less — no more than a week between interviews. As always, these would be facilitated by the recruiter.
Step #4: The Decision
Expected Wait Time Until Next Step: Up to three weeks
Yay or nay, job offer or job rejection … it can be hard to tell which direction the process will go, even when you know you’re a shoe-in for the job after acing your interview(s). Expect a wait time from one to three weeks; the employer likely interviewed numerous candidates for the role and needs time to make a decision. However, if you made it to round two or three, that means the candidate list is likely narrowed down to just a few finalists, so the wait time for the employer to pick a lucky winner will likely be significantly less.
Being declined for the job after all that preparation and waiting can be a big letdown, but take it as an opportunity to know you did your best. Your recruiter will convey this news to you, but this should not mean the end of your relationship with them. Tell them that you’re still actively interested and invested in finding future opportunities through them.
If you’re offered the role, congratulations! It’s cause to celebrate. Your recruiter pulled through, rallied for you and you got the job. At this point, you’d be handed off to the employer to begin the next steps of the hiring and onboarding process.
Work With AP Professionals in Your Job Search
Information technology jobs, engineering jobs and more … a leading staffing agency with five regional offices, AP Professionals specializes in finding top-tier roles for dynamic professionals across numerous verticals and industries. Our experienced recruiters work with you every step of the way to match you with the right employer and advance you along in your career. Interested in working with us to take the straight path to your next role? Contact us today.