A recruiter I really respected and taught me a lot about recruiting said the following about job interviews and how job seekers can improve their interview skills.

He said, “Great candidates know what they are good at and go into interviews knowing what they like to do, and see if they can understand the company’s challenges, objectives, and goals.”

Then I shared about how I heard someone say many years ago that job seekers should have a consultant mindset. He built my thoughts on this, “…draw information out of the interviewer’s information about the business solutions the company needs. Talk with the interviewer collaboratively, creatively, and constructively.”

Just the way he said it, in such a prescriptive manner, shaped what I had advised when I was a coach, but now, as a career writer with an investigative heart.

Piece by piece, you may think that’s what you do, when all of these most do the contrary. They have been told to embody advertisements about themselves. While that’s not wrong, it’s not the spirit of what companies often want. Job seekers do better when they research and use sharply honed applied knowledge to the company’s specific problem.

One of the last things he said specifically resonated with me and again, shapes my outlook on job interviews, “You be the doctor and let the company be the patient. Don’t be a screaming advertisement.

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This episode explores the complexities of HR background checks with Ghislaine Knauff, who has worked in HR operations for a Fortune 100 company for the past 15 years. This discussion rarely occurs on podcasts and would help many job seekers understand background checks have many snares and nuances. 

I learned a lot, not realizing how much could happen along the way. As you’ll see in the episode, it’s not just what an employer says about a former employee. I’ve shared notes with you, but hearing them will add much context to my quick talking points. 

Highlights: 

Hiring Process Delays:

– Hiring delays are common and frustrating for candidates.

– Varies by industry; some are highly regulated (e.g., financial services), requiring extensive background checks.

Factors contributing to delays:

  – Industry-specific regulatory requirements

  – Comprehensive background checks (e.g., criminal history)

  – Candidate responsiveness

Role of HR in Hiring:

– HR’s involvement begins after the resume review and initial interview.

– HR checks applications for employment history, education, and criminal records.

– Verification processes may include contacting previous employers and checking licensing databases.

Employment and Background Checks:

– Background checks vary by industry.

– Common checks include employment history, education verification, and criminal background checks.

– Performance issues noted in past employment may be considered but are only sometimes a dealbreaker.

References:

– The importance of references can vary.

– References are only sometimes required in some industries.

– Ideal references include supervisors or peers who can vouch for work ethic and teamwork.

Challenges in the Hiring Process

– Delays obtaining information from external sources (e.g., understaffed courts, previous employers without automated systems).

– Differences in checks for industry-specific roles.

– Potential application discrepancies (e.g., incorrect employment dates) can lead to distrust.

 Social Media and Hiring

– Social media checks are handled separately, not as part of initial background checks.

– The impact of social media presence can be significant if it is negative (e.g., hate speech).

– It is essential to maintain a professional online presence.

Industry Trends and Advice

– Some industries are consistently hiring; consider exploring new fields if you need help finding a job.

– Skills can be transferable across industries.

– Research and understanding of where skills fit can broaden job opportunities.

 Conclusion

– Encouragement to explore different career opportunities.

– Contact Just Lane via LinkedIn for more insights.

– Stay informed about upcoming job-related podcasts and resources.

Here’s the full conversation: