COVID-19 has altered almost every aspect of our lives, and has shifted the way we do things at Yelp and the hiring process in industries across the board. Job interviews primarily take place in virtual settings, and job seekers are left wondering how they should change their approach to fit this new setting.

However, many of the same job seeking principles and standards apply to virtual interviews as they do to in-person interviews. We’ve asked our very own Sales and General & Administrative Recruiters at Yelp some of the common questions that many job seekers may have, and how to avoid common mistakes during the job interview process.

What is the interview process at Yelp like?

When it comes to interviews for a role in Sales, typically a job seeker will start out by completing a short assessment. This assessment will help measure the candidate’s sales skills and sales acumen, as well quiz the candidate on their understanding of the role. When the assessment is passed, the recruiter will schedule a 30-minute phone interview with the candidate. If the candidate is a good fit for the role and the candidate feels excited about the opportunity, then they will have a virtual interview with a Sales Manager.

The hiring process for General & Administrative roles is similar, although the assessment is not a requirement as it is for a Sales role. In this process, a recruiter will start by reviewing your resume to make sure you’re set up for success. If you have the relevant experience, you will be scheduled for a 30-minute phone interview with the recruiter. If that goes well, you will then be scheduled for another interview with a hiring manager who will then take more time to learn about your skills and interest in the role.

What are some important things to keep in mind on a resume?

One of the most important things to keep in mind when it comes to resumes is that the format should be clear and easy to read. Oftentimes, recruiters are reviewing over 50 resumes per day, so it is in your best interest that they are able to gather your relevant skills and experience quickly. In this case, it is better to stick to a standard resume format that is clear and concise.

Additionally, make sure to take time to review your resume for spelling and grammar mistakes before applying to an open position. Taking a moment to read through your resume can help you spot mistakes that may not be obvious at first glance, but will likely be picked up by a hiring manager that is reading your resume thoroughly. 

It is also a good idea to tailor your skills and experience on your resume to the role that you’re applying for. Not only do we want to make sure that your experience is relevant to the role, but also that the role will be a growth opportunity for you based on your previous experience. For a role in Sales, relevant experience includes having held previous jobs that provided customer-facing experience such as retail, customer service, serving at a restaurant, or call center positions.

Tenure also plays a big part in what a recruiter will look for in a resume. Tenure is an indicator of your ability to progress at your previous or current job and also shows commitment to grow where you are. Make sure to include the names of the companies you’ve worked for previously, list out the positions you held within the company, and how long you were in each position for.

What are some things job seekers can do to stand out from other candidates?

We’re fortunate to have incredibly talented, passionate, and experienced professionals in the workforce all competing for limited job openings. One thing that truly excites our Recruiting team is when a candidate not only has the skills and knowledge to perform a job, but also when they align with the mission and values of our company. If a candidate can tie their own professional work and personal life experiences into how they resonate with Yelp’s mission of connecting people with great local businesses, and they are also able to demonstrate our company values, that’ll help them distinguish themselves from other applicants with similar academic or professional backgrounds.

What is your take on cover letters?

Cover letters usually don’t make or break your chances of getting an interview. However, they can help in cases where a recruiter is trying to find more information on your relevant experience. For example, if a recruiter wants to dig in a little deeper into how your experience is related to the role you’re applying for, a cover letter can help them find more details and tie everything together.

When writing a cover letter, keep it short, sweet, and to the point. Since you are addressing a person, it helps to be as courteous and professional as possible. Additionally, tailoring your cover letter to the job and company that you’re applying to is important. For example, ensure that you’re using the correct company name and title that you’re applying for in the letter, and use a personalized introduction instead of using a broad salutation like “Dear Sir or Madam.” 

What can job seekers do to prepare for their interview at Yelp?

The key to every successful interview is to conduct thorough research about the company ahead of time. A great place to start is by reading up our latest product blog updates, Investor Relation pages, as well as Yelp’s Corporate and Employee social media pages. These resources should give candidates a well-rounded understanding of Yelp’s latest products and services.

It stands out when a candidate demonstrates that they’ve done their research before their interview. We’re always looking for a talented person who can hit the ground running and has a genuine interest in the role that they are applying to, and taking time to do some research can help you be best prepared for that. 

Additionally, professionalism is a must-have at all stages of the process. From making sure you are asking questions during the interview, making eye contact, setting your phone on silent, and being courteous in your email communications.

You are now ready to nail your Yelp Interview

We hope that these tips will help you navigate your next interview like a pro and shed some light on some common questions about the interview process. At Yelp, we work hard to make our hiring process transparent so job seekers can have the best possible experience during the hiring experience. 

Looking to make a change in your career? Yelp is hiring immediately for a variety of careers in Sales and General & Administrative roles. Check out our careers site and throw your hat in the ring to be considered for an exciting role at Yelp. We can’t wait to meet you!

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