Dreading A Long Interview Process?

Don't get discouraged when companies call you in for more than 3 times during Interview process.

The first interview you are probably very nervous and scared. You went in, gave a warm greeting, answered all the questions properly and they even asked you when are you available to start. You walk out of there with confidence THINKING you got the job until they explain to you that it’s a 4 interview process :(

Now don’t get discouraged when you hear this. Understand what each interview is for and prepare accordingly.

First interview is possibly where you meet with the HR team to determine if you may be the right fit for the role. They analyse your CV , asks questions regarding reasons for leaving and analyse your personality and how you are conducting yourself in the interview. This interview is very important to both you and the company as you also must establish if this is the right fit for you.

Second round you are possibly meeting with the Line Manager. Here you are most likely going to be grilled on technical ability and soundness. What do you know and where have you done it? What have you achieved so far and what projects you have been involved in that saved the company money or brought in revenue? What have you introduced to business that is still being implemented in the organisation? This meeting is just as important as the first one as it gives the Manager an indication of where your strengths lie and if you will fit in into his environment.

So you walk out feeling extremely nervous that you screwed it up. There were possibly 3 other candidates that got in after you and you just thought they are way better than you. Until they call you for a 3rd interview. 

I know what you are thinking. That I nailed it and I have the job and they love me. But hang on a minute! They don’t call one candidate in for 3rd round. You are possibly one in 4 or 3. They are possibly struggling to make a decision because you are all so technically sound and seem fitting for the job. So they ask the CEO/CIO/COO either one of them to help with this decision. 

Now don’t be intimated by the title, they are human beings like you and me. Most of the times what they are looking for is culture fit. So you go in there and be yourself. Show your personality and do not be afraid to make examples of achievements and teamwork exercises you have been involved in and most importantly to share how you will implement some ideas into the role you are interviewing for. There is nothing more exciting than a candidate who shows preparation and creativity in an interview. 

Now you done with this meeting and it was most probably 30 minutes maximum and you don’t know which way it went. You wait maybe 2-3 weeks before you hear anything from them and start to loose hope. DONT! 

There are many things happening in an organisation besides hiring process so it is not a reflection on how good or bad you did. 

So now they call you and explain that you impressed the Executive and now you need to do a psychometric assessment. I advice that before you do this test understand what each test entails and how long it should take. Many people rush during the test and some come out strong and some come out too weak because most probably you were nervous. 

Remember there is no right or wrong answer in psychometric assessments. What this test does is reveal your character and personality. Most times it’s accurate but not all the time. 

So while some companies opt for the longer route in their employment process, some companies do a single interview and hire. Why the big difference is what we will discuss in next weeks article: 

However for now stay committed to the process it reveals great character. Be patient and don’t be in a hurry to just accept any job that comes along. Understand your WHY for the job search and stay selective about the environment you want to be planted into.