1. Application & Screening Resume/Application Submission You submit your resume, cover letter, or application form. Applicant Tracking System (ATS) Screening Many companies use software to scan for keywords and basic qualifications. Recruiter Review A recruiter checks your experience, eligibility, and fit for the role. 2. Recruiter Phone Screen A short (15–30 min) conversation where the recruiter asks about: Your background and experience Your interest in the role/company Salary expectations Availability They also explain the job and answer questions. 3. Hiring Manager Interview A longer interview (30–60 min), often video or phone. Focus areas: Your technical or functional skills Past experience and achievements How you’d handle job-specific scenarios Your long-term goals This is typically the most important early-stage interview. 4. Technical or Skills Assessments Depending on the role, you may be asked to complete: Skills tests (coding, writing, design, analysis) Case studies Role-plays Take-home assignments Personality or cognitive tests Not all companies use these. 5. On-Site / Final Round Interviews Often a series of interviews with: Team members Hiring manager Cross-functional partners Sometimes leadership Focus areas include: Behavioral questions (using the STAR method) Team/culture fit Deep dives into your experience Role-specific problem solving In technical fields, this may include whiteboarding or pair programming. 6. Reference Checks Employer may contact your past managers or colleagues to verify: Work performance Strengths and weaknesses Reliability and teamwork 7. Offer Stage If successful, you receive: Verbal offer Written offer with compensation details Possible negotiations on salary, benefits, or start date 8. Background Check & Onboarding Before starting: Background check (employment history, criminal, education) Paperwork (tax forms, contracts) Onboarding schedule Then you officially start the job.