8 Interviews for a Job You Probably Won't Get: Get Used to It

"Is 6-8 interviews over the span of 1-2 months just new the norm with large companies in industry? Going through the interview process with two different companies and feel like I’ve basically met ever…" - Fishbowl Consulting, June 30, 2023

What might seem to be an excessive number of interviews had been the usual for many jobs on Wall Street. Way back when I was an assistant in a Dale Carnegie 8-week seminar and a student used that platform to prepare for each round of interviews. He did get the job.

Now multiple interviews have become more standard. The difference this time around is that those put through the ordeal probably won't get the job, at least not in much of Knowledge Work. There's a glut of talent in most white-collar sectors. 

There are myriad reasons why employers have adopted this ritual. 

One is the uncertainty of the economy has made them uncertain about what they want in an employee - or should want. 

Another is that hiring mistakes are expensive. The cost of a hire which doesn't pan out is about one-third the employee's yearly salary. 

Third, all those encounters of the stressful kind over a period of time allow employers to stretch out the search, conserving cash. This is the era of cost-efficiency.

Fourth, organizations can learn from applicants lots about what's going on in the industry and in their specialized niche. Insider information? Not quite but lots of useful information and insight turn up.

And with video technology such as Zoom, the interviewing process is inexpensive. No flying in the applicant, at the organization's expense. 

What I recommend to those I coach is this: 

Decide if the opportunity offers enough to go through all this. Otherwise they could develop a negative mindset.

Approach it as a chance to obtain the information needed about how the organization does business, its culture and how the players manage power. It's a cliche but it really is true: Interviewing is a two-way street. 

Drop out, at any time. That is, applicants have to be decisive and determine, no this isn't for me or it's going poorly so I will end this new type of mating ritual. The important thing is to do that smoothly. Yes, a credible exit story. 

Incidentally, the many many interviews aren't just for plum full-time jobs. For a non-lucrative contract position I went through three interviews. I wish I had stopped after the second. I didn't like the culture. When offered the assignment, I didn't accept.

2023. It’s the year of AI, along with uncertainty, inflation, war and more. Your communications and career need a fresh edge. Complimentary consultation with award-winning marketing communications crafter and coach Jane Genova. (For appointments text 203-468-8579 or janegenova374@gmail.com)