In everyone’s experience, when you get to 5th or 6th interview, how many other candidates have been in the mix?

Anonymous

February 23,2023 at 2:54PM UTC

Welcome to Fairygodboss!

We’re the largest online career community helping women achieve their career goals. Gain access to articles, jobs, events, and a supportive network of women and allies. Membership is free, always.

In everyone’s experience, when you get to 5th or 6th interview, how many other candidates have been in the mix?

Why women love us:

Daily articles on career topics
Jobs at companies dedicated to hiring more women
Advice and support from an authentic community
Events that help you level up in your career
Free membership, always

7 comments

Share your insight

Join an authentic community that helps women support each other at work. Share your professional experience or ask for advice — you can even post anonymously.

7 Comments

Join the conversation

Lesa Edwards, Career Coach & Master Resume WriterFebruary 23,2023 at 5:52PM UTC
Arggh...these companies that can't make an efficient decision! I would expect it would be down to 2-3 candidates at this point. Keep in mind, the longer it goes on, there is natural attrition as the candidates still in the mix get other offers. (This is what so many companies don't seem to be able to wrap their brains around.)
AnonymousFebruary 23,2023 at 7:48PM UTC
The company is just shopping around and not anxious to hire. So they are most likely stringing along several candidates that are being considered viable. After a few more interviews most folks will pass.
AnonymousFebruary 26,2023 at 2:27PM UTC
If they are still interviewing after three rounds, they haven't seen their "perfect" candidate yet, and don't want to settle for anything less. I agree that they are just stringing you along. The good news is that they like you enough to keep you on the proverbial "front burner." Few positions, short of C-suite, require this many rounds of interviews. Are you meeting with the same people, just different questions, or are they continuing to bring in upper levels of management? If it's the same people every time, it shows that they can't make an effective or efficient decision.
AnonymousFebruary 26,2023 at 5:34PM UTC
5th or 6th?? Please keep interviewing with other places. They are not decisive and clearly not in a hurry to hire.
AnonymousFebruary 27,2023 at 2:16PM UTC
5th or 6th?? I’d run if they are still putting you through the ringer.
are they trying to get you to talk to every single manager?
I would ask directly what is your status and what is their aim?
how much longer should you go through this before they make a decision.
in the meantime, I would start looking for plan B and C.
Terra WolfeFebruary 27,2023 at 2:17PM UTC
5th or 6th? 1-2 is standard. Anything past 3 is a red flag and wasting your time. Move on.
Mich.Fr.February 27,2023 at 5:14PM UTC
I was one of two who made it through all the interviews (7 in total), and ultimately got the job. My company is VERY thorough with background checks and personality tests. Honestly, I am happy I jumped through al the hoops!