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Original poster

To be put off by recruitment process ?

87 replies

Tocontinu · 01/11/2025 18:52

I am going to the recruitment process for a job and already passed two interviews; next one is a presentation for a case study. The company and role seem to be good on paper; but I have a been putt off by this presentation to 3 people. I can’t help thinking that it is a bit over the top; there is one more interview, or perhaps I am being lazy; haven’t had to go through all this rigmarole since I left university. All jobs I have had in the last 20 years the recruitment process has been very straightforward. After the presentation there is still one more interview about values for one hour and another to meet the funders of the company.

I already have an offer for another job which was very straightforward; but wanted to see the other process through before I confirm.

OP posts:
HundredMilesAnHour · 01/11/2025 19:50

Pretty normal in my industry (Financial Services). Most places do a minimum of 3 interviews (even for contract roles) but on average it’s more like 5 but I’ve had as many as 8. In my current dept, everyone has to do a case study interview regardless of grade but obviously the case studies get harder and the expectations higher the more senior the role. Even internal candidates do them. They’re actually a very useful tool and are often the deciding factor for if we proceed or not. Some candidates talk a good game and/or are very well prepared but the case study shows us how they really react under pressure and with zero preparation time (both of which are common in our role)

Original poster
Tocontinu · 01/11/2025 19:45

jkjkazcfdspor · 01/11/2025 19:42

Hmm it does seem heavy handed, I’m on a similar salary and level and just had to do an interview. At most we do an interview with a short presentation included. I think for me it would depend how much I like the company, is the robust recruitment practice due to high demand and particular recruitment expectations (not necessarily a bad thing if it results in a high quality work force which I can’t say my place has!) or is it indicative of a micromanaging hard work culture. Not sure how you dig into that, but potential for it to be a positive or a negative I think.

Thank you. I like the company and the role but can’t help thinking it is a bit heavy handed

OP posts:
jkjkazcfdspor · 01/11/2025 19:42

Hmm it does seem heavy handed, I’m on a similar salary and level and just had to do an interview. At most we do an interview with a short presentation included. I think for me it would depend how much I like the company, is the robust recruitment practice due to high demand and particular recruitment expectations (not necessarily a bad thing if it results in a high quality work force which I can’t say my place has!) or is it indicative of a micromanaging hard work culture. Not sure how you dig into that, but potential for it to be a positive or a negative I think.

Cartot · 01/11/2025 19:41

If it reassures you, the interview process for my current job was (a) over the top and (b) seriously off putting. However, that process is
no reflection on the culture of the workplace itself, which is the best I’ve ever experienced.

IDontHateRainbows · 01/11/2025 19:37

For a managerial role 2 interviews is possibly on the light side. 3 would be normal these days, 4 excessive.
I know someone who had 8 separate interview for a mid-senior role. Then ghosted for 2 weeks before, finally, an offer. By then they had got something else so it was the first company's loss.

Original poster
Tocontinu · 01/11/2025 19:13

Thank you all. I really need to make a decision on whether to continue with this process or accept the other offer.

OP posts:
Original poster
Tocontinu · 01/11/2025 19:01

Is this standard process these days for many companies)

OP posts:
Original poster
Tocontinu · 01/11/2025 19:00

70k Finance Manager.

The other company that offered me just had two interviews.

OP posts:
jkjkazcfdspor · 01/11/2025 18:59

What’s the seniority level and salary?

Original poster
Tocontinu · 01/11/2025 18:58

Not, it is not free work; relatively senior position, but not supper senior.

The recruitment process was explained at the beginning so it is their process. Can’t help thinking that the case study could have been shorter, something simpler to taste presentation skills, etc.

OP posts:
ApathyCentral · 01/11/2025 18:54

Unless this is for a fairly senior post, they sound indecisive. Or they’re trying to get you to do free work and will they take it without compensating you and reject you.

IDontHateRainbows · 01/11/2025 18:52

Pull out then.

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