Large employers hire at a scale that would overwhelm a traditional recruiter, so they use portals, online assessments and scheduled hiring events instead. Once you understand the process, you can move through it faster than most applicants.

Step 1: the portal profile

Most big employers ask you to create a profile on their own careers site before applying. Do it carefully once: work history, availability, and whether you're open to multiple locations. Many portals let you apply to several sites with one profile. Set up job alerts on the portal while you're there.

Step 2: the application

Applications are usually short and may not ask for a résumé at all. The screening questions on availability, lifting, licences and shift preferences are scored automatically, so answer them accurately and consistently with what you can actually do.

Step 3: the assessment

Within hours or days you may receive an online assessment: situational judgement questions ("a customer is upset because…"), work-style questions, or a short skills check. Three rules:

  • Complete it the day you receive it; many employers schedule interviews in order of completion.
  • Answer consistently; these tests check for contradictory answers.
  • Choose the response that puts safety, the customer and the team first.

Step 4: the hiring event or appointment

Many hourly employers replace individual interviews with scheduled hiring events or pre-hire appointments where paperwork, identity checks and sometimes a short interview happen together. Bring identification and proof of work authorization as listed on the invitation, arrive early, and dress neatly.

Step 5: screening and start date

Background checks are standard; drug screening depends on the employer, role and state and is stated in the posting. Start dates are often set at the event, subject to screening results.

Where to find these employers: our employer career portals page links to the official careers sites of the largest US employers, with notes on how each process works.

Making the process work for you

  • Apply to two or three sites of the same employer if you can reach them; they are often separate requisitions.
  • Keep your phone on and voicemail set up; scheduling calls and texts come quickly.
  • If you're not selected, most portals let you reapply after a set period. Note the date in your tracker.