Some job seekers may remember a time when the interview process was pretty simple – send in a resume, interview for the position, receive an offer…

For better or worse, those days are by in large over. The search process often includes a plethora of steps, stages, and hoops through which you must jump, and it is best to know what may be coming before entering this process.

If working with a good recruiter, you should know every step of the process before authorizing submission to a particular opportunity. If you are pursuing a position directly, you will need to ask questions about the process in your first interview.

Some parts of the process that may surprise candidates include:

Drug testing

If a candidate has recently sampled the newest Colorado “recreational” industry, he or she may be unpleasantly surprised when a job offer is made contingent on a drug test. Many legal professionals do not realize that many corporations require drug tests for ALL employees (not just those operating dangerous equipment, etc.) – so it is a good idea to stick to skiing in Colorado if in the midst of a job search.

Background check

Most lawyers are not particularly nervous about a background check, but bear in mind that a long ago conviction could come back to haunt you depending on the position. If you were convicted of a financial misdemeanor during college, for example (even if the state Bar found you fit for membership), a potential employer that is a bank or financial institution may not be able to get past this issue.

Personality/behavioral tests

There is not much that one can do to “prepare” for these aspects of the interview process, but you should know that they exist and sometimes are strongly relied upon by employers in deciding whether or not to pursue a candidate. So, even if your interviews were spectacular, do not count on an offer until moving past this sometimes important hurdle/step.

While you can only prepare in advance for some of the above aspects (i.e. drug testing), it is important to understand the requirements and know your vulnerabilities before investing time in a lengthy interview process.