Playing Leapfrog from Level to Level in the Interview Process

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Anonymous

12/03/20 at 11:38PM UTC

Career

Playing Leapfrog from Level to Level in the Interview Process

I'm finding it difficult to interview while having a mid-level managerial position. While I enjoy my current role, I'm looking for a career position with a matching salary. I get called for screenings and then early rounds with hiring managers only to find that there's three or more rounds afterwards. I understand a few rounds but when it starts getting to be everyone in the company, on different days and for hours at a time, I can't justify being away from work. I have people reporting to me and can't just disappear for hours on end. Does anyone have any advice? I've had to forgo three positions after the third round as I couldn't take off more time or have the process linger for months.

10 Comments

Deborah Frincke

132

12/04/20 at 1:02AM UTC

Sounds like a case where we should say both Congratulations and Sympathies! It's great that your background is getting this kind of interest. Since you have a job, and since you are clearly able to get interviews - you might try a new strategy and speak with your recruiter about the issue. Let them know that you have a demanding job you enjoy, and that you will need to schedule around your availability. If you keep your interviews to one company at a time, it should be achievable. I've had applicants work with my recruiter along these lines, and we'll schedule early morning or slightly after hours interviews for those candidates where we have a serious interest. Recruiters will even do the pre-screening on a weekend. I don't like to ask my staff to work after hours, so for that part, we do put a panel or two during the workday - often near lunch - and then allow the final interview with me to be later, perhaps 6. Something like this might work. You'll have to be willing to let go of certain positions, though, since not everyone will be willing or able to be this flexible.

1 Reply

Anonymous

12/04/20 at 1:16AM UTC

Thank you, Deborah! I appreciate your advice and I feel bad complaining about finding a different job when so many people are looking for one. I've tried to wait until things get better but in an uncertain market, that could be the second half of 2021. I'm at an age where I need to settle into a career position. I have 15 plus years of experience and understand that it's going to take time to find the right role. I appreciate your advice regarding working with the recruiter to determine what's possible. I'll admit, I've declined further interviews after hearing about the multiple steps as I knew that during the the workday, it wasn't possible. If offered further rounds, I'll now consider my options. Have a good night!

Deborah Frincke

132

12/04/20 at 1:20AM UTC

No need to feel bad - you have a legitimate problem, and not every HR organization has the time to step back and think about what the candidate needs, unless the candidate asks :) So often the "machine" runs until someone calmly asks it to deviate a little. I hear you on wanting to settle down, without settling :) Hope all goes well for you, and you find that excellent role where you are happily productive, and valued for your expertise. Stay well -

1 Reply

Anonymous

12/04/20 at 2:42AM UTC

Once again, I appreciate the best wishes! That's the dilemma I'm facing as staying in my current role, would be settling. I could see a career there but it's not what I want as well as I'm debating moving back to a larger city. I'm facing an uphill battle trying to relocate and job search during a pandemic. You helped instill that I just need to keep going and asserting what I need. Stay safe and you optimize why I enjoy this community!

Sabrina Greenwood-Briggs

HR Amazon / Warrior

12/04/20 at 2:11AM UTC

I definitely agree with both of the above. I work in HR and it can definitely be tough to remember that candidates cannot always take large amounts of time away. The suggestion to see if the recruiter can work with you is a really good one, as often people who are doing the interviewing would actually prefer early mornings or later afternoons but get scheduled midday since no one else has expressed that preference. Good luck on finding something that suits you well and that you are interested in.

1 Reply

Anonymous

12/04/20 at 2:56AM UTC

Thank you Sabrina. It's helpful to hear an HR Manger's point of view. I'm at the crossroads of my career as I know what I want but trying to figure out how to procure it is another story. I have regional and international experience and that doesn't play nicely with ATS. The interviews I've obtained, I've done so by contacting recruiters, hiring mangers and pitching myself on what I could bring to the company and fit the needs of the position. I've kept this post anonymous as my current company doesn't know I'm looking for a new role. I've worked throughout Asia, Europe, UK and the States and while that's of benefit if I get in front of the right hiring manager, it's not the traditional management experience most companies are seeking. I've worked for Fortune 100 to independent companies and I'm now seeking a mid to large-scale company in a metropolis to reside. I know it's going to be an uphill battle but I appreciate the best wishes and support!

Anonymous

12/04/20 at 2:59AM UTC

Oh man, I have been in two processes that felt like they were just a bit much. I was once interviewed by five different people on the same day - three via Skype in someone’s empty office - and the whole process took hours. It didn’t pan out and it was such a bizarre experience that I was okay with that. The second time was an assessment center. I hated every minute of it (but the roleplaying scenario with a guy playing a difficult employee the most), but I got the job. It was the first time I missed going to panel interviews. I sympathize and wish you the best!

1 Reply

Anonymous

12/04/20 at 4:45PM UTC

Thank you and I'm glad you go the job despite hating the experience. Interviewing isn't for the faint of heart even in a normal environment. Coping with online interviews, multiple rounds, taking time off of work, scheduling around meeting and just the overall process is difficult. I think a lot of it comes down to character and how we deal with the process. I appreciated everyone's advice! The pandemic creates added confusion and heighted concerns regarding whether it's better to stick with what you know rather than take a chance. A friend switched careers for her dream job and she was furloughed within a week of starting. I think we're all trying to navigate the new normal.

Jen Salseg

Candidate Advocate + Recruiter

12/04/20 at 5:15PM UTC

I agree with what the others have said regarding letting the recruiter know of your schedule restrictions. If they know that up front and can prep the managers to find different time slots that may work better it helps. Sometimes you'll find managers that "don't think it's worth the hassle" and that's ok because it lets you know you don't want to work with them anyway!

Anonymous

12/04/20 at 9:15PM UTC

Thank you, Jen! I appreciate your advice and you're right that if they aren't flexible at that point, it sets a precedence about future interactions. Have a great weekend!