Apprehensive about the on-going interview process!

50 Comments

1. AnonymousMarch 7,2022 at 6:26PM UTC

   I think it comes down to priorities. If finding a new position is a priority then making time and being focused on 10 rounds is the cost of winning that position.

2. AnonymousMarch 7,2022 at 7:40PM UTC

   Thank you, Anonymous. While my priority remains that I want to find a new position, until I receive an offer, I need to safeguard my current role. There's only so many times that you can take off at the last minute.

   One of the reasons that I'm looking is due to the company's culture. I've watched firsthand the treatment someone received after the word was out that he was looking for a new position. He was basically blackballed at work and quit before finding a new job.

   The 10 rounds of interviews that you alluded to is the problem. Since I'm running a team and have to report to senior teams in the company, it's not easy to be away for long periods of time.

   If the interview process was more linear, I would take off that week. However, that's not how the process works. Lingering over months of roundtables, hiring managers, HR, team meetings, Zoom etc., interviewing is very difficult to do when working more than 40 hours a week. I appreciated your advice but it's not for not prioritizing but trying to keep a job while searching.

3. Crystal HowellMarch 7,2022 at 7:40PM UTC

   I know what you mean; I had to manage my time with recruiters. I told them these are the days and times I am available. I explained they have a job to do, and so do I.

   Let's work together. I took off one day and scheduled several interviews from 7 am to 5 30 pm. Did it work for me? Yes!

4. AnonymousMarch 8,2022 at 12:35AM UTC

   Great job, Crystal. I'm not used to telling them what I need. Early in my career, if you didn't interview when they wanted you, you were out of luck. I actually missed out in a job I really wanted as my boss wouldn't let me have the afternoon and they were only holding interviews that afternoon. It's a different concept that I need to wrap my head around.

5. Lorna Rose, J.D., M.S.March 8,2022 at 3:43AM UTC

   There’s a LOT of change to embrace these days and I am so glad that this is one of them. You are VALUABLE in a way that you’ve never been before as a worker, and you can insist on being treated like it!

6. AnonymousMarch 9,2022 at 1:43PM UTC

   That whole “We are only interviewing today and only for two hours and twenty minutes at 9:37 this morning and yes, we did reach out to you at 8:00am this morning” annoys me beyond all human belief. No, I will not be there. If this is how you treat my time, BIG red flag.

7. rgstaffing@bellsouth.netMarch 9,2022 at 1:58PM UTC

   we have no candidates and so companies are complying...if they want to fill their jobs

8. Lorna Rose, J.D., M.S.March 7,2022 at 8:17PM UTC

   Instead of figuring out how you can manipulate your life to accommodate an unreasonably long interview process, you can avoid the long interview process altogether! Apply for the positions you’re interested in and whenever you get an interview request, ask them first what the interview process will be like before scheduling the interview. From the perspective of a recruiter and manager, this is a very reasonable question and it’s valuable for both of us to be on the same page about expectations from the very beginning!

   “Before I confirm a time and date for our interview, could you please let me know [what to expect from the overall interviewing process/when the company would like the new hire’s start date to be/if there will be more than one interview for this process]?”

   Any company that responds less-than-favorably to a question like this is probably a company that you don’t want to work for because they do not value transparency with the people they manage.

9. AnonymousMarch 8,2022 at 12:36AM UTC

   Thank you, Lorna. I had a good interview today and they asked me what days would work best for the next interview. That was the first time in my career it was put in my court. I appreciated your advice.

10. Lorna Rose, J.D., M.S.March 8,2022 at 3:36AM UTC

    That’s awesome!! I hope this one works out for you just as smoothly

11. rgstaffing@bellsouth.netMarch 9,2022 at 1:56PM UTC

    Yes!! Interview shame them:)

12. AnonymousMarch 9,2022 at 1:30PM UTC

    When I was an HR Coordinator, part of my job was scheduling interviews. My boss told me I should tell the candidate when to come in for an interview as opposed to working around their work schedule. I always felt this was unfair. In the end, I always worked with them as I know how difficult this process can be.

13. Peggie Arvidson * Career Consultant | Adoptee Advocate | RecruiterMarch 9,2022 at 1:51PM UTC

    While I believe that a process should be longer than 2 30 minute interviews for a senior level job - the fact that there are some big name companies that will stick to a practice that includes 4-5 months of interviews that last 3 or more hours is excessive.

    You are in charge of your career. Neither the potential new employer, nor the current employer are in charge of your career progression.

    Of course, you still have do good work, show up and provide value in order to be fairly compensated.

    In this instance - if your gut says "no" just tell them, "while I've been excited to learn about your fine company and enjoyed the people I've met, I know you're looking to hire someone who is committed to doing great work. In that light, I'm currently working for XYZ and very much committed to living up to my own expectations there. Therefore I'm going to bow out now to save you and the others time. I simply cannot commit to 5, 6, 7, or 8 additional rounds of interviews! (That's more than a week of comp time!)

    Let's stay in connection and leave the door open should something change."

    Or you can tell them, "Right now you're in my top 2 opportunities, however, I need to move forward within the next 2 weeks. I understand that's not your process, so I respectfully remove myself from your process."

    and in future, when you are first approached by a recruiter/HR person about an opportunity that sounds good, ask them up front - "what does your hiring process look like for this role? How many interviews and how many people in the process?"

    This will give you good information about what they expect from you BEFORE you even get an offer.

    Also, a company that takes this long to make a decision MAY have problems moving the company forward on other issues as well. (If your new role needed to hire - who would be holding down the fort while you had to endure all this hoop jumping to get someone on the team?)

    Good luck and don't hesitate to reach out if I can help!

14. Tracey PriceMarch 9,2022 at 3:50PM UTC

    Great answer. I'm going to use part of what you have said here as part of my roadmap as I job hunt. Thank you!

15. AnonymousMarch 10,2022 at 12:07AM UTC

    Hi Peggie,

    I'm finding that the larger and older companies you referenced are more in align with the longer interview processes. While I'm excited to be selected to interview, that extensive process is daunting.

    Some people referenced that I'm not sure I want to leave. That's not true, I definitely want to find another position. With my current role, I can block off some time but I have so many meetings during the day, that my schedule is often booked in advance.

    Trying to carve out time for multiple rounds is very difficult especially when they are spread out over weeks or months. I appreciated your advice!

16. Peggie Arvidson * Career Consultant | Adoptee Advocate | RecruiterMarch 10,2022 at 1:42PM UTC

    definitely agree - I would let your recruiter know - you are doing a full time job and would appreciate blocking the calendar a week or more in advance.

17. rgstaffing@bellsouth.netMarch 9,2022 at 1:53PM UTC

    I think companies are going to have to revise their interview process if they want to hire working candidates. They are going to have to pull their people together and do it in one interview or zoom interview after hours. The world has changed and companies are going to have to make adjustments in their interview process or only hire the unemployed and even then...

18. AnonymousMarch 10,2022 at 12:40AM UTC

    I wish they would. I would be all for taking off a day and interviewing with multiple people and rounds if necessary.

19. Maria Paula CalvoMarch 9,2022 at 2:25PM UTC

    I truly believe that if you find a vacancy that you really see is your dream job, you will have the energy and willingness to go through any process -no matter how long it takes- to make it yours. So my recommendation would be for you to focus just on what you sincerely feel passionate about and don´t waist time and effort on other options.

20. AnonymousMarch 10,2022 at 12:47AM UTC

    Thank you, Maria. This year, I've started applying for only roles that I would fully commit to the process. That being said, the nature of my current position makes it difficult to interview.

    I'm seeking senior management positions and those require more interviews. My problem is that my current role requires all-day meetings and being on call. I've blocked out time but subsequent rounds are harder to just take time. It's not about passion but being able to keep my job while searching.

21. Antonia CalzettiMarch 9,2022 at 2:32PM UTC

    Unless you're a c-suite candidates, having 8 rounds in an interview process is ridiculous. If a hiring manager / team is unable to figure out who to hire within 2-3 interviews (4 absolute max), move on. It's not the company for you. You do want to be part of an inclusive process but companies need to be realistic about time and respectful of a candidate's time as well. Organizations are asking too much of candidates during an interview process and to keep someone hanging through too many multiple rounds is a complete disrespect to you as a candidate.

    The interview process needs to change and companies need to make the adjustments. Agree with rgstaffing comment below!

22. AnonymousMarch 10,2022 at 12:54AM UTC

    Hi Antonia,

    I agree that the process need to change and with rgstaffing's comment. I'm going for a higher-level role but some of these companies want you to meet with everyone to determine 'your fit' and I can't get that time away.

    I finally had to leave a prior process after the 7th round and 3 months as I still had the CEO, board etc. to meet. I understand a few rounds after HR but if they know you're working, I don't understand why the company doesn't arrange a round with the required employees instead of prolong the process. I wouldn't take part in the interview if I wasn't committed but after 3 months, I finally had to look elsewhere.

23. Monica DeFosseMarch 9,2022 at 2:35PM UTC

    I completely understand, I hope you are able to get a new position!

24. AnonymousMarch 10,2022 at 12:54AM UTC

    Thank you, Monica! I appreciate your best wishes.

25. Nicole ElmesMarch 9,2022 at 2:42PM UTC

    You make time for things you deem to be a priority.

    Are you certain you are ready to leave your current job? Are the roles you are interviewing for roles that you actually want? If you are serious about a new role and it requires a few rounds of interviews, then you need to perform the interview from a device without the urgent pings and to send someone from your team to the meetings you are missing or continue to take a few hours off to complete the interview. If you are interviewing for high level roles, there may be many rounds of interviews. You have to decide if it’s worth it for you. You are in charge of this process.

26. AnonymousMarch 10,2022 at 1:01AM UTC

    Nicole, I'm making this a priority. I spend hours preparing, researching, personalizing cover letters, resumes and researching the companies.

    After each round, I prepare for the next. Ask industry-related questions and express my interest.

    While working from home, I remove other cell phones, landlines and laptops away from my interview area. I never answer a phone or read texts when I'm interviewing.

    I wish I felt in charge of the process. I'm spending so much time job searching and interviewing that it's a second job. Unlike past positions where I had more freedom to take time off or structure my days, I'm at the mercy of a three or more booked out schedule. That makes it difficult to interview or block out time. I've debated quitting my job in order to find one to fully commit to the process. I'd do that as a last resort as I want to have money coming in while searching. Thank you.

27. Focused721350March 9,2022 at 3:27PM UTC

    Good Morning,

    Well! I first suggest you get organized. If you really want to change anything in your life. Take some time and write out the Pros and Cons......Don't make any big time decisions. You seem so confused about what to do.... Go with your gut!!!!

    Good luck and God bless, Ms. T ;)

28. AnonymousMarch 10,2022 at 1:04AM UTC

    Ms. T, I know what I want but my difficulty is how to achieve it. I'm trying not to jump and quit but I'm not certain I'll be able to fully commit to this process when I'm booked all day. I have savings so I could leave but I know the process can take a long time and I want to be responsible. Thank you for your advice.

29. Focused414995March 9,2022 at 3:37PM UTC

    I may not be any help, but I just did 7 interviews in a week for a second-level management job. It was hard to balance with my work/meeting schedule, but since I work from home, I was able to manage a bit easier (the same way you do by taking off for a few hours or scheduling before/after work). I did get the job offer, and although it was a hard week, but it was so worth it....what I had been praying for for a long time. But could I do this over and over, probably not. Maybe wait until a better time to pursue a new job, but it may always been "hard" so I wouldn't let that deter me.

30. AnonymousMarch 10,2022 at 1:08AM UTC

    Congratulations and I'm glad all your hard work was rewarded. It's the on-fatigue that's making the difficult. I wish I would have started this process while working from home but it seems impossible while at the office. As I mentioned in other replies, I'm starting to think the only way I'm going to be able to fully commit to the process is if I'm not working.

31. GirlBossanova934974March 9,2022 at 4:12PM UTC

    This one is simple. Don't take part in these long drawn out interview processes. Please have a candid conversation with the staffing agency or internal HR departments before the interview process starts. How many rounds will there be? If the answer is more than 3, it is time to withdraw. I myself have been part of these >3 step interview processes and frankly, everyone has been a big waste of time. These long drawn out processes are either there to 1) try to hide the fact there is really ONLY ONE decision maker in the crowd and he/she is trying to hide that OR 2) a big red flag that no one can make a decision where you are interviewing. Efficient organizations line up several interviews over 1-2 hours OR have a roomful of interviewers at the same time. No efficient organization has time to chew the fat and sit in wasteful meetings where nothing is decided.

32. AnonymousMarch 9,2022 at 4:29PM UTC

    I work as a software engineer and I can say if you weeded out these types of interviews you wouldn't be able to interview anywhere. The typical interview I see goes like this:

    • talk to recruiter for 30 minutes
    • 1 hour long call with the hiring manager or hour long technical exercise
    • Then the following is either over a couple of weeks or in day:
    • another hour long technical exercise
    • hour long system design exercise
    • hour long interview with either cross functional teams or a "tell me a time" interview
    • possible interview with another manager or CTO

    If I didn't want to go through that (and I don't) the only other option is not take a new job, or take one that pays much less.

33. GirlBossanova934974March 9,2022 at 9:07PM UTC

    I was in IT for 14 years. There is no justification for more than 1 technical exercise. It's 1 phone interview, 1 hiring mgr + team interview, and 1 technical exercise. Done! Anything more and keep on looking. As an IT mgr, I had no time to waste with multiple tech challenges. All you're really trying to assess is basic technical competency. The rest is experience and how the developer handles or has handled tech challenges in the past.

34. AnonymousMarch 10,2022 at 1:10AM UTC

    Thank you, GirlBossanova934974! I'm not in IT so my industry often requires a few rounds. I'm not opposed to a few but when it gets to be extensive, it's very hard to get or justify that time away. We're now back in the office and there isn't anywhere to hide.

35. AnonymousMarch 10,2022 at 7:06PM UTC

    I would push back a little bit, often the first technical exercise is for basic technical competency, but I do see the value in doing larger system design questions as well.

    One is much more in the weeds, and the other is a higher level thought exercise.

    I wouldn't do that for a jr-mid level engineer, but for senior/staff/principal engineers I think it makes sense.

    For the record I also think it's a PITA, but I see the value.

36. AnonymousMarch 10,2022 at 1:14AM UTC

    Anonymous, I don't work in IT but that's exactly what I'm facing minus the technical exercises. I have presentations, reports or pitches. It's so long and involved and after all that, they decide to go with internal candidates, put the position or I'm ghosted after being offered the position. I'm getting so tired or trying.

37. AnonymousMarch 9,2022 at 4:22PM UTC

    The interview process can be hard and long. I typically block myself off my calendar and leave my phone in my car. If I've said "doctor appointment" for half a day and people can see details on my calendar, I don't expect them to call me during that time. No matter what. If they complain later I didn't answer my phone, I point out I had a dotor appointment and it was unreasonable for them to expect me to answer a phone call. Few of us are rocket scientists or our job is life-or-death.

    In my old age, I've gotten less tolerant of people who think they are so important, everything must be dropped to accommodate their schedule/question/complaint. Nope.

38. AnonymousMarch 10,2022 at 1:17AM UTC

    Anonymous, I love your attitude! I'm starting to block off time on my calendar and removing myself from technology. That being said, at our company everything has to be approved including time off in advance. It doesn't matter your level. This controlling nature is part of the reason I want to leave. I'm finding it so difficult to plan days / time off when interviews aren't following those 'rules.'

39. Vidya RajaMarch 9,2022 at 5:01PM UTC

    Which company even does 5-8 rounds of interviews these days? I have interviewed with Fortune 500 companies and they have just one round of interview (and it's online these days due to the pandemic) and that's it.

    I feel these companies with so many interview rounds are depicting themselves as slow decision makers or just want to waste candidates time. Or are you interviewing for a really high profile executive level job, in which case multiple interviews may be justified? If not, my advice is to just move on and try elsewhere if you really want to change your current job.

40. Anne-MarieMarch 10,2022 at 1:03AM UTC

    I worked with a company that did a ridiculous number of interviews. People wore it like a badge of honour that they 'passed' upwards of 8-10 interviews or more. The highest was 21 people interviewing a VP. Just insane.

    When it boiled down to it, the company had chronic micro-management issues. From the top down. So to me if there are too many interviews it's indicative that there isn't much autonomy at local management levels. If local management can't hire who they want, at the market price needed without having to jump through several approval stages, and every man and his dog interviewing the candidates - it's a company to avoid. It screams of red tape and bureaucracy for anything and everything else beyond the interview processes.

41. Peggie Arvidson * Career Consultant | Adoptee Advocate | RecruiterMarch 10,2022 at 1:40PM UTC

    My understanding is that some big names - including one that starts with an A has a Z and ends with an N can hold 3-4 months of interviews and then release the candidate with no feedback. Those that make it through seem happy - and I applaud them. I understand that the process to get hired reflects the layers of work that come with the role.

42. AnonymousMarch 10,2022 at 7:09PM UTC

    I went through this for two positions. Was rejected for two positions. Maintenance scheduler and a stocking position. The first is more complex but the second does not have that many layers. Rejected for both.

43. Vidya RajaMarch 11,2022 at 3:44AM UTC

    True! I've heard both good and really really bad things about the work culture at this company (starts with an A has a Z and ends with N). I think most of these companies think they can find the ideal candidate who satisfies their requirements 100%. The truth of the matter is that a 100% perfect candidate DOES NOT EXIST! Thr funny part is that rmoyers realize this fact and still keep doing what they do. So if a job candidate has a choice, it's better to spot these red flags early on and decide if you want to move ahead with such a company.

44. Pamela TorresMarch 9,2022 at 5:18PM UTC

    I know your frustration. I was laid off over 8 months ago and still applying . I have been through the long interview process and it is draining. Grant it I have it easier to schedule the interviews but I am doing side work to keep financially afloat. So, strong organization management is required.

    I found, especially during 4Q 2021, that potential employers used the process to see if the position is required or needs to be revised.

    Example: I applied for a Scheduler Production with a food processing company, interviewed twice (this was a small one). Discuss the responsibilities, and if this was a lead position. Did follow ups and was ghosted. This month I come across the same employer seeking to fill a new position Scheduler Production Supervisor. The responsibilities are the same with one addition "Will manage a staff of 5 personnel".

    Yes, I submitted my application and resume for this one too.

    Hang in there, it's not easy. Take heed of some advice given below. Assessing your own value, needs, necessities, and desires requires us to turn the mirror on ourselves. That's will always be the hard part, especially when you just wake up.

    I find it easier when I have my morning cup of java.

45. AnonymousMarch 10,2022 at 1:20AM UTC

    Thank you, Pamela. I agree, coffee makes a world of difference. Some days I feel like I need an IV drip!

    The ghosting after multiple rounds is so frustrating! I spend a lot of time and energy preparing for each interview. It sounds like you do the same. I sometimes feel they aren't real job or openings. I wish you all the best and thank you for the good wishes!

46. Karen GongawareMarch 9,2022 at 9:13PM UTC

    I will give a company 3 rounds and then I am gone. If they want to do 5 or 8 rounds of interviews, that's just crazy. Honestly if they don't know by round three then they are dithering hoping for someone better that has 10 yrs experience but wants entry level pay.

    That said, learn to ignore your phone. Very simple advice. No one needs to be plugged in 24 hours. And if you have taken a half day or stated you are out of the office, stick to your guns. Do you answer it during an OBGYN exam? NO of course not! So apply that logic to being on an interview.

    At this point you are sabotaging yourself by answering a phone during an interview. That's a HUGE no-no.

    And why are you looking for a new job? Your actions state you really don't want to leave your present one.

    Just be sure before you start job hunting that this is what you want, then fully commit.

47. AnonymousMarch 10,2022 at 1:24AM UTC

    Karen, I've learned my lesson. My phone and any piece of dinging, pinging or ringing technology remains in another room.

    I've never answered a phone or read text messages but I heard them arriving. Knowing that I'm responsible for a team and accountable to SLT, I'm trying to distance myself from having to be on call. I do want to leave my job, it's difficult in my current role to find time during the day to get away from work. We're now working at the office and have meetings all day. Those are set weeks in advance with our departments and teams. I don't have the luxury of simply declining a meeting. They are required and since they've been on the 'books' I've been refused when trying to arrange time away or off.

48. AnonymousMarch 11,2022 at 10:16PM UTC

    I had to laugh at the OBGYN comment. Yes, I have been there, stirrups and all! It was an ëmergency" and they needed guidance. Needless to say, I didn't stay there long. That said, I totally agree with shutting off the phone and giving 100% to the interview.

49. AnonymousMarch 10,2022 at 1:37AM UTC

    Yes, I understand! I’m wondering if you’ve had an honest conversation with your boss about your interest in transitioning. It’s a risk, but if you’re serious about leaving it could offer some benefits. The company may be more open to your concerns, and you can be transparent about why and when you will need time away. My boss knows I’m looking. In fact, we came to the conclusion together that I was ready for the next thing (she’s wonderful and I probably shouldn’t leave). I don’t flaunt it if I have interviews, but it’s also liberating not to play games. I understand that this isn’t always possible or a good idea.

50. Crystal CummingsMarch 10,2022 at 3:45AM UTC

    I cannot fathom the use of having such a long, involved process. It makes me think they are that company that has 4 hour prep meetings about the meetings they plan to have.. you know with follow up and progress meetings as well... but only 20% of your time is spent outside of the meeting to actually make any of that crap happen that was discussed in any of the multiple meetings.

    All I can hope is that this arduous interview process isn't indicative of the people you will be working with? Or perhaps you might get the opportunity to kill it with fire if they bring you on. ;)

    Wish you luck no matter what you decide!