How many people is too many people for an interview?

12 Comments

1. Mary MelloyApril 18,2022 at 1:05PM UTC

   I think it depends on the position and company.

   One of my first interviews, I had 7 interviews scheduled for 1 day! I started with the team manager, then division director, then 3 team members interviewed, HR recruiter, and, sorry can't remember who else was there :) I was also taken to lunch by 2 team members so I consider that an additional interview, just in a more relaxed environment.

   While I thought the process was overly rigorous and a bit bizarre, I will say that the position they were interviewing me for normal went to someone who had been with the company for over 10 yrs and worked their way up from the support center. I, on the other hand, was a new college grad. They had never put someone like me in that type of position. So I think I kind of understand why they put me through so many interviews.

   I left that position after 6 yrs and the next company I worked for only had me do the recruiter interview and 1 manager interview before they gave me a job offer.

   Now, I just recently took another position with another company and had the recruiter interview, tech manager interview, and a panel interview of 3 product managers. So I think it might be a bit normal for the type of positions I was interviewing for.

   So again, I think it depends on the company, position and the hiring process they have in place.

2. AnonymousApril 18,2022 at 1:30PM UTC

   I think this definitely depends on the position and industry.

   Most of the roles I interviewed for my first round was either with the entire office I would be working with or a hiring committee with a mix of people from inside and outside the office I would be working in.

   Most of my interview ranged from 4 people to 8 people interviewing me. These were all first round interviews. I only had one interview that was one on one but due to the nature of the institution I was working at it made sense.

   I don't think it is all that odd to have larger groups interviewing you, especially if you are going to be working with them in some capacity. While I agree getting too many opinions can make the decision more difficult, I think having their input is good.

3. AnonymousApril 18,2022 at 2:17PM UTC

   It is really common for companies to have an interview party.

4. AnonymousApril 18,2022 at 2:26PM UTC

   It's a good number, and a good sign that they value input.

5. Indira DiazApril 18,2022 at 2:34PM UTC

   I do not think it is excessive. I was interviewed by 9 people and, even though I felt a little overwhelmed, they did a really nice approach to the department I was applying for. I finally got the position and that interview was key to breaking the cellophane when I started working. It was a structured interview, everybody did have 2 questions for me and then my final round of questions. Before that, I passed 2 phone interviews. So, I would say it depends on how they make you feel during the interview and how the company values input, I definitely think it is not counterproductive for the company to have a group interview, it is actually a holistic concept that I discovered as beneficial on targeting talent.

6. Lesa Edwards, Career Coach & Master Resume WriterApril 18,2022 at 4:12PM UTC

   I come from higher education, where 7 or more people were likely going to be in the room for interviews.

7. Dawn S. CrossApril 18,2022 at 6:19PM UTC

   Yes. Feels like they would micro-manage since everyone had to be involved.

   The interview process we went through (prior to Covid) was to have a location leader speak about the company and role in general. Then 2 people (manager level) would interview the person and make a recommendation after that.

8. Shenelle S. LaPierreApril 19,2022 at 11:02AM UTC

   Definitely excessive and probably unprofessional bringing in the 2 employees in my opinion. Sounds like the hiring manager doesn’t know what she’s doing and needs more support by having 5 people on an interview who doesn’t even introduce themselves in the call. Did she even explain the reason for the number of people??I’ve done group interviews and it’s always been the mgr, potential employee and another mgr. that’s it. Some people may feel attacked or put in a corner when there’s so many people on one call and the spotlight is on you.

9. AnonymousApril 19,2022 at 12:36PM UTC

   Although it may seem excessive and leave you feeling out-numbered, this isn’t a completely horrible way to interview or be interviewed.

   I had an interview where I spent a half hour with four different people separately. I did my best, but received feedback that one of the interviewers didn’t feel I asked enough questions about the role. Well, when you have four separate interviews, you may have already asked questions of other interviewers.

   I prefer to meet with everyone in one sitting, but there are advantages and disadvantages to every approach!

10. AnonymousApril 19,2022 at 1:28PM UTC

    I agree. Shows the company cannot make a decision without full consensus. But, that is a style many companies use.

    Don't be surprised if it takes a long time to get an answer to you.

    We have the same thing happening in our company and as a TA partner I am always encouraging the hiring manager to make the panels reasonable size, and and the time to be considerate of the candidate. But, yet, there they are, with 3 panels and 3 people on each, plus a tour.

    On one hand, the candidate does get a really good look and meets many people so the big decision is easier, but on the other hand, too many managers with all different feedback makes it hard to decide.

11. AnonymousApril 19,2022 at 9:33PM UTC

    I recently interviewed for a job, and it ended up being three separate interviews with two people each. While I did appreciate being able to speak more in depth with each person, I would have preferred just one longer interview with all six people at once. While each one progressed into fewer questions for me and more info on the position, there were multiple questions I was asked (and answered) three times. I think it would have been more efficient to do it all at once. All of them are people I work with directly, so I understand why they were all involved, but I wish it had been consolidated!

12. Twannetta WeaverApril 20,2022 at 12:57AM UTC

    Seems excessive but partly due to the amount of people it’s taking them to make a hire. How much salary was sitting in front of you to make those decisions. That company is inefficient.