What Job Seekers Should Know About the Recruitment Process

When navigating the job market understanding the recruitment process can help job seekers better align applications with employer expectations; recruiters often use structured systems and criteria to evaluate candidates before interviews occur.

Some employers use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to screen applications before a human reviewer sees them. These systems identify applications with desired keywords and characteristics. While some employers have candidates complete psychometric or skill tests. These tests evaluate competencies, personality traits, and work styles.¹

Key Phases of the Recruitment Process

1. Recruitment typically begins with a role and job description published.
2. Resume Screening occurs using ATS, psychometric or skill tests.
3. Interviews are conducted if a candidate advances from screening. These can take place on the phone, virtually, and in-person. These interactions allow a hiring team to evaluate if the candidate is a potential fit for the role and vice versa. The interview process may involve more than one interview, depending on the number of candidates, the size of the organization and the demands of the role.¹
4. A decision will be made after interviews and reference checks are completed. An employer may extend an offer with terms and start dates laid out.

Tips to Navigate the Recruitment Landscape

Tailor Your Resume for Systems and Humans

Using clear formatting and job-appropriate keywords can help ensure resumes are readable by both ATS and hiring professionals. Avoid complex fonts or nonstandard layouts that may impede digital parsing.

Understand the Role and Industry Language

Researching industry terminology and echoing relevant phrases from job postings may help improve your application's relevance in early automated screening stages.¹

Engage in Professional Communication

Professional and timely follow-up communication reinforces interest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is an applicant tracking system (ATS)?

An ATS is software that scans and scores job applications based on keywords, qualifications, and job-specific criteria before passing select candidates to human recruiters.¹

Q: Does tailoring a resume really make a difference?

Yes. Aligning a resume's language with the job description can help increase its relevance to both automated systems and hiring professionals.

Q: How has recruitment changed in recent years?

Hiring practices have evolved to include hybrid and digital processes, such as virtual interviews and AI-assisted screening, reflecting broader shifts in workplace technology.²

Q: Where can students learn more about AIU's online career services tools and resources?

Students and alumni are encouraged to explore AIU's career services tools and resources, which offers online guidance and tools to help support career development and professional growth.