Everyone in the workplace goes through it sooner or later. 

No matter your industry or level of experience, the job hunt can be one of the most stressful experiences in life. You’re searching for open roles, reaching out to friends and co-workers, updating your resume, and going to interviews. 

It’s easy to feel vulnerable. 

When an employer’s hiring process feels off, it can make things even tougher. You feel left in the dark about what comes next. Or you have a good first interview, but in the second interview with a higher-level manager, you realize it’s not a good fit. 

In some cases, the employer might take forever to get back to you--or worse, not get back to you at all. 

If you’re confused or conflicted about an employer’s hiring process, you’re not the only one. According to a CareerBuilder survey, more than half of job-seekers say employers are not doing a good job of setting expectations for how hiring interactions will go.

Even if it feels like you have no control over the process, you do have options. First, let’s look at some different ways to approach the hiring process.  

Steps you can take to navigate the hiring process

1. Find out what the next steps are during your interview. You don’t have to wait until a few days after your interview to find out what comes next. When the interviewer is finished asking questions, you can ask about the process and timeline before you leave. This not only will help you manage expectations in the weeks to come, but show that you’re an engaged candidate who cares. 

2. Share your experiences with friends and peers. When a hiring process feels off, it’s easy to second guess yourself and feel isolated. Connecting with friends and peers about your experiences in the job hunt can be a source of comfort and clarity. It can also help you move forward and get ready for that next interview. 

3. Follow up tactfully. One easy way to follow up after an interview is a brief thank you note. If you want to follow up beyond that, some use the 3x3 rule: Follow up 3 times with at least three business between each outreach. And if you aren’t offered the job, it’s okay to send one additional email to ask for feedback. 

4. Let the employer know if you aren’t interested. If you feel that a position isn’t the right fit, it’s okay to be honest. Sending a short email to the employer is not only appropriate, but considerate. Here are some examples. 

5. Keep your options open and continue looking for new roles. Worrying never helped anyone get a job. While you’re waiting on responses, move forward in your job search. If you do hear back a few weeks later, it will be a nice surprise--and maybe you’ll have another offer on the table. 

Now let’s dig into some steps you can take to make the hiring process easier. 

How to make the hiring process easier on yourself

Stay positive and keep your options open

You just had your best interview ever. You feel like you hit it out of the park and connected with the hiring manager.

Keep that energy. Regardless of the actual outcome, your outlook will really affect how you show up in the hiring process.

At the end of the day, you are absolutely deserving of a great job and keeping a positive attitude will shine through in interviews.

Don’t take it personally

3 out of 5 job-seekers don’t hear back from employers when they apply for a job. When you don’t hear back after an interview, it’s normal to feel personally rejected. 

But often there’s a lot happening in the background. Maybe the boss decided to conduct a final round of interviews. Maybe a key manager is away on business. Many different factors can slow down the process, and most of the time they are not about you. 

Ease up on the follow-ups

The wait to hear back after an interview can feel endless. It’s often tempting to send a follow-up email every few days, but this likely won’t help your chances. Remember the 3x3 rule here:

• Send 3 follow-ups max

• Make sure to send each follow-up is at least 3 business days apart

Going beyond this might actually make your potential employer less likely to respond. 

The road to a job offer can be a struggle for workers in every field. You’re putting yourself out there. When you don’t get the result you hoped for, it can be deflating. 

But even though the speedbumps might slow you down, they don’t have to stop you. 
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If you’re struggling with a hiring process, reach out. Text us: 510-674-1414. We’re here to listen, support, and talk through options.