From the Battlefield to the Boardroom Podcast - Episode 2 - What to Expect During the Interview Process

In this episode, Chris Hurst, a Recruiting Manager at Orion, joined the show to discuss the interview process, including a typical interview timeline, the different types of interviews, and interview curveballs.

In this episode, Chris Hurst, a Recruiting Manager at Orion, joined the show to discuss the interview process, including a typical interview timeline, the different types of interviews, and interview curveballs.

"The number of interviews a job seeker should expect will vary greatly," Chris stated. "It can happen that you will attend an Orion Hiring Conference and receive an offer the same day, but it is not typical." For transitioning military technicians, you can expect to have at least two interviews, while Sales and Managerial jobs can have up to four or five. "The process can be long and extensive, and can vary with the company and even the position," Chris added.

All interviews start with a resume screening process, in which companies will look over potential resumes to make sure that the candidates are a match for the position. "Companies will often defer to Orion at this stage," Chris stated. "We know the fit, and can make the match for the companies."

The first interview can take place at an Orion Hiring Conference, a phone interview, or can be with Human Resources or a Hiring Manager. "At this stage, the goal is to find out if you're a fit based on the basic parameters of the open position and also what you are looking for, based on the job location, job type, and salary," Chris explained. "The company wants to make sure that it makes sense to continue." The goal of the candidate is to receive an offer for a follow-up interview. "This will affect how you answer the questions that are posed to you, and what you should ask in return," Chris stated. "Questions need to be more about the company and what they are looking for."

The second interview can be on site, a follow-up phone interview, or with another person from the company, usually a Hiring Manager. "This is another step to get deeper and learn more about the position and for the Hiring Managers to learn more about you," Chris explained. "You will most likely be going on site and meeting the team, and from there that could be the final interview before an offer is made, or the next step."

"The final interview usually involves meeting more people from the company, usually a Vice President or District/Regional Manager," Chris said. A final offer is usually made at this stage in the interview process.

"Sometimes there are things that you are not expecting in the interview process," Chris explained. These interview curveballs can take the form of logistic issues. "If you're going on site and your flight is delayed or canceled, call and let someone know, whether it's your Orion Recruiter or the Hiring Manager."

Other times, you may have to participate in a panel interview, or give a practical presentation. "Panel interviews are not much different than traditional interviews," Chris assured. "Be sure to make eye contact with each person when you answer." During a practical presentation, you may be given a problem and have a set amount of time to come up with a solution. "Since there is not a way to really prepare for this curveball, the best thing to do is relax and do the best you can," Chris advised.

Lastly, Chris offered some final advice for candidates going through the interview process. "At every stage of the interview, keep your energy and positivity up. Be excited about the role, and stay on your game," he stated. "Use follow-up interviews to shore up weak areas in a previous interview, and use any next interviews to your advantage. Always assume business attire for first and any follow-up interviews, never be late, and communicate well with all parties involved in the process," Chris added.