"Surviving Long Job Interviews: 4 Tips to Prepare for the Worst and Ace the Interview"

Long Job Interviews Are Becoming the Norm: How to Succeed in the Extended Process

Economic uncertainty has led to longer interview processes

Economic uncertainty has resulted in not just layoffs and hiring freezes — job interviews are also getting longer. "Hiring, onboarding, and training is an expensive process and companies want to be sure they're getting the right candidate from the outset," said Richard Lambert, a resume and workplace expert. While three to five rounds of interviews were once expected for non-managerial positions, the new norm is much more demanding. "I've had clients who have had hellish interview experiences," Lambert shared. "They're elated to have gotten the call back after their resumes worked their way through the screening process, only to be run through the thorniest of briar patches with interview round after interview round, tests, and producing actual work for a job they don't yet have."

Be prepared for the long interview process

As long interviews become more commonplace, job seekers need to adapt to this process of jumping through more hoops. "Be prepared for the worst. If you start getting calls for interviews, I recommend assuming that you're going to be engaging in a long slog process with lots of competition," Lambert added. "It's better to be surprised by a quick and easy interview procedure than be caught off guard by the more arduous procedure."

Evaluate the opportunity based on your goals

When facing an extended interview process, take time to evaluate the opportunity based on your personal and professional goals, said Steven Leitch, a career coach and resume expert. That will determine if it's worth investing more energy into the process. "Look into the organization's reputation, culture, and growth prospects. This will help you determine if the company aligns with your values," Leitch advised. You should also assess the role and its potential for growth. "Consider the position's potential for learning, career development, and advancement. Evaluate if the opportunity aligns with your long-term goals and if the investment of time and effort will be worthwhile," Leitch added.

Communicate and seek clarity

Long job interviews can be frustrating, but that can be managed if you first seek clarity on the road ahead. "Open communication with the hiring manager or HR representative will give you a better understanding of what to expect," said Leitch. "Seek clarity on the number of interview rounds, tests, and the estimated timeline from the early stages of the process." This will help put you in the state of mind to last the distance as a candidate. "When preparing for a marathon, one does not get upset at how long the marathon course is — they train themselves to meet the challenge," said Lambert. "Same with the now-normal long interview process: If you have the frame of mind that interviewing is going to be a marathon, you'll expect it and you'll be better prepared to see things through until the end."

Keep exploring other opportunities

While going through a long interview process, it's essential to keep exploring other opportunities. "Don't put all your eggs in one basket. Consider other job openings and continue networking to keep your options open," said Leitch. Exploring and interviewing for multiple roles can also help you to stay on top of changing needs in your industry.

Remain consistent and adapt your responses

If you are going through numerous rounds of interviews with various individuals in a company, it is important to remain consistent when answering similar questions. "But candidates should also adapt their responses to the specific context and individuals involved," said Leitch. Lambert added: "Someone conducting one interview may not have been privy to the previous interview notes — or they may have been fully well aware of the previous interview and want to see how consistent you are in your answers." Here's how you can approach each round effectively, according to Leitch: Review previous interactions; Tailor responses to the audience; Demonstrate growth and new insights; Use storytelling techniques. "Ultimately, trust your intuition. If you feel the company is genuinely interested and the role aligns with your aspirations, it may be worth going through the extended interview process," he added. "However, it might be best to reevaluate the opportunity if you sense red flags, such as a lack of transparency or disrespect toward candidates."

Conclusion: The Impact of Lengthy Job Interviews on New Businesses

The trend of extended job interviews, driven by economic uncertainty, has significant implications for both job seekers and new businesses. While longer interview processes may seem daunting, they provide an opportunity for new businesses to carefully evaluate potential hires and ensure they are getting the right candidates for their organization.

For new businesses, thorough interview processes can help in mitigating the risks associated with hiring and onboarding. With the financial burden of training and developing new employees, it is crucial for businesses to select individuals who align with their values, culture, and long-term growth prospects. By incorporating multiple rounds of interviews and assessments, companies can better assess candidates' skills, fit, and potential for future growth within the organization.

However, the extended interview process can also pose challenges for new businesses. It requires careful communication and transparency with candidates to manage expectations and keep them engaged throughout the process. Maintaining a consistent and respectful approach is essential to provide a positive candidate experience, regardless of the final outcome.

Moreover, the lengthier interview process may increase competition among job seekers, making it imperative for new businesses to stand out from the competition and showcase their unique value proposition and growth potential. It becomes essential to emphasize the advantages of working with a new and growing organization, such as opportunities for learning, career development, and advancement.

Ultimately, while the lengthening of job interviews may create additional challenges for both job seekers and new businesses, it also presents an opportunity for organizations to make well-informed hiring decisions and for candidates to carefully assess their fit with potential employers. By effectively managing the lengthy interview process, new businesses can ensure they are attracting and retaining top talent, setting themselves up for long-term success in the competitive marketplace.