When students complete their diploma, many of us go for an engineering degree, while others decide to get a job right away. At this young age, there is very little chance that we know the entire recruitment process of any company. Hiring process of a company is something that isn’t taught in our diploma syllabus either. As a diploma student, you have probably wondered, “What is the actual hiring procedure in big companies, and how can I prepare for it?”
In this article, we are going to answer that question. We will break down the hiring process, explain how many rounds there are, and tell you the purpose of each one. Most importantly, we’ll show you how to prepare for every step.
Hiring Process of Any Company
Let’s break down the typical hiring process into the steps you’ll likely go through:
1. Resume Shortlisting
When you apply for a job, many other students are also applying for the same position. The very first step a company takes is resume shortlisting. The purpose of this round is to filter the large number of applicants and select only those whose skills match the job description.
Nowadays, this is often done by an automated system called an ATS (Applicant Tracking System). This system scans resumes and checks for relevant keywords, educational qualifications, and key skills.
Your Goal
Your goal is to create a well-structured resume that fits to the job description. This will help the ATS select your resume for the next round.
➡️ Also Read: If you want to learn how to build a resume that gets noticed, you can read our separate article here.
2.The HR Phone Screen (optional)
This is an optional round, but it’s good to be prepared for it. Sometimes, an HR representative will call you for a brief chat.
The Purpose of This Round
- To see if you are genuinely interested in the job.
- To check your communication skills.
- To understand your salary expectations.
- To ask about your current location and if you are willing to relocate.
Your Goal
Prepare a short, confident introduction about yourself. Be ready to talk about your diploma branch and your final year project. This call is your first chance to make a good impression.
3. Online Assessment (Aptitude Test)
n this round, the company will test your skills with an online assessment. This is often called an aptitude test. They want to see your problem-solving abilities and your knowledge of basic logic, math, and coding.
Many consider this an easy round, but it can be tricky! You need to solve challenging problems with a timer running, which creates a lot of pressure. Good preparation is key to clearing this stage.
Example of a Common Aptitude Question
Here is a simple example of a logical reasoning question you might see:
Question: What is the next number in the series? 2, 5, 10, 17, 26, ?
- Answer: 37
- Logic: The pattern is n2+1. (12+1=2, 22+1=5, 32+1=10, 42+1=17, 52+1=26, so the next number is 62+1=37).
Your Goal
Your goal is to practice these types of questions online. For all branches, focus on logical reasoning and quantitative aptitude. For CS/IT students, regularly solving problems on platforms like HackerRank is a must, as it proves you are serious about your coding skills.
4. Technical Interview
This is a crucial round where you have a detailed interview with a technical expert from your field, like a senior engineer.
The Purpose of This Round
They will check how well you know your core subjects and if you can apply your knowledge practically. You should be prepared to discuss everything you have mentioned in your resume, especially the skills related to your branch.
Your Goal
Your goal is to prepare for technical questions related to your subjects and interests. You must be an expert on your final year project, as almost every interviewer will ask you detailed questions about it.
Diploma Student Tip
It’s okay if you don’t know the answer to every question. Instead of guessing, it’s better to say, “I’m not sure, but here is how I would try to approach the problem.” Interviewers are more interested in your thought process than just the final answer.
➡️ Also Read: To build a strong profile for your technical interviews, check out our guide on the 5 Platforms Every Diploma Student Must Use to Get Hired.
5. HR Round
In this final round, you’ll have a conversation with a manager or senior HR person.
The Purpose of This Round
The main goal is to see if you are a good fit for the company’s culture. They will assess your personality, your attitude towards work, and your long-term career goals. This is also where salary negotiation happens, and they will likely ask for your salary expectations.
Common Questions
- Tell me about yourself.
- What are your strengths and weaknesses?
- Why do you want to work for this company?
- Where do you see yourself in five years?
Your Goal
Be positive and enthusiastic. When you answer questions, try to connect them back to what you learned in your diploma and how you want to grow. Also, prepare one or two thoughtful questions to ask them about the company or the team. This shows you are genuinely interested.
6. The Job Offer
This is the final and most exciting step of the hiring process. If you have cleared all the other rounds, the company will officially offer you the job.
What Happens in This Stage
You will receive a formal offer letter from the HR department. This document will contain all the important details, including your job title, your salary, the company’s rules, and your joining date.
Your Goal
Your goal is to read the entire offer letter very carefully. If you have any questions about anything, don’t be afraid to ask the HR manager for clarification. Once you are happy with the offer, you can accept it and start your new career! Congratulations!
Conclusion:
So, that is the entire journey from applying for a job to receiving an offer. The hiring process might seem long and difficult, but every round has a clear purpose.
Now that you know the map, you don’t need to be nervous. The key to success is to prepare for each stage. Be confident in the skills you learned during your diploma, and remember that every interview is a great learning experience.
Good luck with your job search!