PHILADELPHIA, PA – March 31, 2010 – Sixty percent of job seekers can expect to participate in three or more interviews with prospective employers before getting an offer, according to a survey of more than 2,000 individuals by Right Management. Right Management is the talent and career management expert within Manpower, the global leader in employment services.
Most job seekers have at least two (34%) or three (39%) interviews. As many as 20% have been asked to come in for four or more interviews. Only 3% of job seekers receive one interview.
“Employers are carefully assessing prospective employees in order to select the best from the larger pool of candidates available,” said Melvin Scales, Senior Vice President of Global Solutions for Right Management. “But the number of interviews does not seem excessive. In any case, a job candidate doesn’t want to sabotage his or her opportunity by failing to prepare. Make the most of an interview by doing your research and being prepared to talk about how you can make a difference in the organization.”
Among key findings:
· The more senior the role, the more interviews. Twenty-seven percent of C-level and VP-level candidates can expect four or more interviews.
· Older workers participate in three times more interviews. Forty-eight percent of those 55+ receive four or more interviews compared to 18% for those aged 25-34.
· Women participate in more interviews. Sixty-five percent of women get three or more interviews compared to 61% of men.
Today there are more applicants, more phone screenings and more steps in the recruitment process, notes Scales. “It’s harder to land an interview, let alone an offer. Once you have the opportunity to present yourself, be prepared to come back again, and perhaps again and again. Communicate how you can add value to the specific opportunity presented and what related strengths and experiences you bring to the organization. Tailor your messages to address the unique needs of each interview.”
Scales observes that most candidates are terrified about interviews. “Once you have the employer’s attention, don’t blow it. What they really want to know is how you will fit with their team and the company’s culture, as well as proof that you have the needed skills and aptitude to get the job done. Practice how to best articulate your own value proposition based on each specific opportunity.”
And for those who’ve been in extended searches, be prepared to talk about what you’ve been doing while looking for a new job advises Scales. Talk about volunteer work, consulting gigs, or participation in professional associations. “It’s important to demonstrate that you are actively engaged, staying connected with peers and keeping your skills honed.”
Right Management surveyed 3,603 individuals globally via an online poll on LinkedIn® conducted between February 16, 2010 and March 11, 2010.
About Right Management
Right Management (www.right.com) is the talent and career management expert within Manpower, the global leader in employment services. Right Management helps clients win in the changing world of work by designing and executing workforce solutions that align talent strategy with business strategy. Our expertise spans Talent Assessment, Leader Development, Organizational Effectiveness, Employee Engagement, and Workforce Transition and Outplacement. With offices in over 50 countries, Right Management partners with companies of all sizes. More than 80% of Fortune 500 companies are currently working with us to help them grow talent, reduce costs and accelerate performance.