I applied online and was contacted that day by the company's internal recruiter by telephone. A one-on-one first initial interview was set up for two days later. The first interview was pretty straightforward and simple. I was asked why I wanted to be a recruiter and also, "WHY WOULD YOU MAKE A SUCCESSFUL RECRUITER AT HAYS?" It lasted about 10-15 minutes and right after I was informed that I would be moving onto the next stage of the interview process, the GROUP INTERVIEW, or the ASSESSMENT. This happened the following week and was probably if not without a doubt the most challenging part of the interview process.
This portion involved myself as well as 7 other viable candidates in a room with 5-6 managers present evaluating our communication, written, oral, presentation, and public speaking skills, among other things. We were first put in groups and told to come up with a convincing business plan and present it to a panel (a la dragon's den). After that we were given a made-up brief job description an had to take turns asking intelligent questions about the position as we were told we would later be writing up a mock job advertisement (we were told it had to be captivating and enticing as well as include all of the necessary ingredients and incorporate the answers to our questions in the previous stage of the interview)
After we all had 10 minutes to write up a job advertisement that was creative and unique.
The last part was the hardest. We were all given different mock resumes and had to present our "candidates" to the VPs and managers of the company. Many people choked on this part because it isn't something you can prepare for. Here, the panel was looking for confidence and ability to think on the spot and come up with solutions and answers quickly. Many people even declined to continue on this round. The managers asked really tricky and provocative questions which is understandable. At the time, it seemed intense, but looking back, I understand it made a lot of sense and managers were looking for candidates with the best communication skills. They were looking for people who, even under pressure and with little knowledge of the industry, were able to sound confident in what they were saying. It is critical to be confident in yourself and what you are saying during this part of the interview, even if you don't feel that way.
This ended the interview (whole thing was 3.20 hours including some talk about the company)
I was contacted 3 days later for a third interview which again lasted 3 hours. I met with all the divisional managers for a one-on-one to discuss their respective divisions and where I felt I would fit in best. Some tough questions were asked (behavioural questions like "Tell me about a time you struggled to complete a task"). They really put you on the spot.I had to tell the same story at least six times because I had a one-on-one with each division manager and each one asked me about my personal background and why I had chosen to pursue a career in recruiting. At the end of 3 hours , I was presented with an offer (from the division of my choice! Lucky me! :))
It all comes down to you. If you really truly want this as a career, and you truly feel this is the career for you, and you will be successful in it, then you will succeed. If you don't make it to the end, I wouldn't take it personally. Sometimes you think a career is for you, but later realize it's not. I truly believe Hays has an unbelievable screening process that is designed to attract the most passionate, capable, and ambitious people for the job. Recruiters must be ambitious, and if you don't appear that way in the interview, then recruiting is not for you.
GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
