How many job interviews could you handle?

"I want a new job!"

OK - how many different jobs interviews will you attend in the next 4 weeks? 1,2,3 or maybe 5.

This is a question not often considered but it's incredibly important. When you're working full time, want a change, and have 5 great opportunities, do you interview with all, or swing the axe and keep it simple?

Let's think about that for a moment - 5 different interviews, with an average of 5 steps (HR, Hiring Manager, Case Studies, Fit Interviews, Cover letters). So let's say that's 5 hours of phone interviews, then 5 days of interviews, all within the same 4 week period - while your current manager is breathing down your neck to deliver that report, or the CEO wants a last minute meeting. That's hard work, and a load of holiday allowance.

I can mentor a candidate through 5 interview processes. But it's a truck load of work, and requires; preparation, preparation, and preparation. Personally I think 5 is the maximum you should consider - if you're working full-time. Otherwise quality really starts to suffer. But on the positive, if done right, you'll be an interviewing machine, well versed in the case study process, and you'll be able to tell anyone "which fruit I'm most like" without cracking a smile!

Why is this important? Given that hiring companies are usually deploying a passive recruitment campaign to locate Hard to Find Talent, and as I've mentioned 5 is the upper limit, finding the right opportunity (or talent) can be a as simple as being first in line.

So pick your opportunities, headhunter, and timing wisely - if you juggle too many processes, it could all come crashing down. But if you get in the rhythm, it can be a beautiful thing to behold. 

I would love to hear how many different interview processes you've attended at one time. Were you in full-time employment, and was it a good experience? 

Please add your experiences in the comments section. It's all for a good cause - shared knowledge :)