An Insider Look into the Recruitment Process – Practical Tips for Job Seekers
In today’s Algerian job market, many job seekers wonder: How does an HR manager think? and What makes one candidate stand out from the rest?
To understand the employee selection process in Algeria, JobsDZ conducted an exclusive interview with a recruitment officer at a private tech company.
In this article, we reveal the secrets behind interviews, the selection criteria, and key advice to help you increase your chances of getting hired.
🎙️ Question 1: What is the first step after posting a job ad?
Answer: First, we define the exact requirements of the position with the concerned department. Then we create a clear and detailed job ad. Once it’s published, we sometimes receive hundreds of resumes, so we use an automated filtering system based on keywords (like degrees, skills, or specific experiences).
🔹 JobsDZ Tip: Make sure your CV includes the same keywords used in the job description.
📋 Question 2: What are the main criteria for selecting CVs?
Answer: We evaluate:
- How well the experience and skills match the job description
- The clarity and structure of the CV
- Attention to detail (grammar, formatting, contact info)
❌ CVs with spelling errors, unprofessional design, or missing information are usually eliminated early.
🔹 Tip: Tailor your resume to each specific job — don’t send a generic one.
🗣️ Question 3: How do you assess candidates during interviews?
Answer: We focus on three main areas:
- Hard skills – Can they actually do the job?
- Soft skills – Communication, adaptability, teamwork
- Motivation – Have they researched our company? Do they show real interest?
🔹 JobsDZ Tip: Prepare answers for common questions like “Why do you want this job?” or “What are your strengths?”
🧠 Question 4: What makes a candidate stand out?
Answer: Simplicity and professionalism. We’re not always looking for the “best” candidate, but the most suitable one. Someone who shows maturity, flexibility, and a willingness to grow is always appreciated.
🟢 Things that impress us:
- Mentioning real achievements (ideally with numbers)
- Speaking clearly and confidently without arrogance
- Asking smart, relevant questions about the company or role
🚫 Question 5: What are the most common mistakes candidates make?
Answer:
- Arriving late or coming unprepared
- Speaking negatively about previous employers
- Not knowing anything about the company or position
🔴 Some candidates don’t even know the company name, even though it’s in the job ad!
📈 Question 6: Do you prefer experienced candidates or fresh graduates?
Answer: It depends on the position. For technical or senior roles, experience is important. But we also hire fresh graduates if they:
- Are motivated
- Communicate well
- Show potential to grow
🟡 We have an internal onboarding program for training new graduates.
🧩 Question 7: Do certifications and online courses make a difference?
Answer: Yes, especially when they’re directly relevant to the job. We value candidates who take initiative to learn. A certificate in Excel, digital marketing, or programming can sometimes compensate for lack of experience.
✅ Conclusion: Understand what hiring managers are looking for
Hiring managers aren’t looking for perfection, but for the right fit—someone who understands the job, respects the process, and demonstrates seriousness and motivation.
At JobsDZ, we don’t just share job offers — we empower you with practical guidance to succeed in your