What has been your experience with recruiters?

[Isitameproblem]

A bit of context, had 3 interviews were not convinced called me for a 4th

I think I'd OK/well but no idea of the real size of the gap.

Hiring manager has set-up a call with recruiter... IME it's just a quick phone call to deliver the results, not a pre-booked video call.

Is that normal? What could it mean? (I think it's bad news btw).

I would suggest you are over thinking it at this stage. Having both dealt with recruiters to provide support in hiring for a role in my team and when I was applying for a role myself - not unusual to have several calls to discuss candidates / compare outcomes of I/Vs etc.

All possible outcomes remain on the table 1) the hirer is phoning to give outcome - yes you are preferred candidate ( depending on arrangements it may be the recruiter who gives you the initial news )
2) Sorry you came close but didn’t get the role 3) could we re-circle and review all the candidates to ensure we have done proper comparison / assessment 4) Need some advice , candidate has covered most bases but one are is still a question ( hopefully unlikely after I/V 4 ) what can we do to test 5) we want the person but want to discuss terms & conditions - is what we want to offer reasonable etc. and what their fee will be as recruiter

The hirer obviously rates you as a contender to have had 3 / 4 I/Vs

Let it take it’s course - and try not to stress second guessing as it could be multiple outcomes and as I say a chat between hirer and recruiter isn’t unusual - good luck

I totally agree I'm overthinking it! I'm the only candidate though, as they didn't like any of the CVs the recruiter sent their way.

Them needing to interview you four times would be a major red flag for me tbh. Imagine what they'd be like to work for if they're that incapable of making a decision.

I agree, I would never work anywhere that required 4 interviews, I think it’s a massive red flag - I think two is acceptable but anymore just seems extremely onerous and pedantic - what are they going to ask you in the fourth interview that hasn’t been covered already?

Hey, I'm a senior manager in recruitment and I've worked in the industry for years, and I would say whilst it would have previously been a quick phone call to deliver results, it's now definitely best practise to organise a video call because it demonstrates commitment (in a really competitive market) from the client's perspective and ensures that feedback is scheduled and delivered on time. Clients can be pretty flaky and aren't always available to answer calls, but a pre agreed video call requires more commitment and ensures feedback will be taken at a specific time, to ensure the candidate does not have to wait too long for feedback. I encourage all my reports to do this so don't assume it's bad news, it's good relationship management on their part!

Also OP, I assume it's for a senior level position? As these hires can normally require three interviews if you're required to meet with different stakeholders. Perhaps they've been burned in the past and want a fourth interview just to solidify their decision. Good luck!

Bit odd they told you this tbh. Recruiters very much depend on how specialised they are. They’re a couple who did well by me over the years and I trust (as far as you can trust them) to find me a good placement with good package. Some are less good and operate on a shit against wall approach hoping something sticks. I’m quite specialised though so word gets out quickly on who’s good and who isn’t. It would be normal for them to be called by hiring manager, negotiate package and then call to tell me.

That has been my experience for the most part. They also normally tell me how many moved on to the last stages.

Most of the recruiters I've dealt with have been like cheerleaders (which I like).

To the pp who asked, yes it's a fairly senior role with a matrix reporting style.

Out of interest, which area do you work in? I work in law annd have a senior role and have never once had a video call with a recruiter; I’ve used them to recruit and to find a new role for myself and it’s always been a phone call. I’d much rather a phone call than a video call.

Ugh I was interviewed 6 times for a role I really wanted and was very much qualified for. My (potential) direct line manager really liked me, so did everyone on the subsequent interviews. At the last interview (with the CEO) for some reason we just didn't gel - I mean I understand but at the same time my interaction with them in the job would have been minimal. And six interviews! What a waste of time.

From that agency though - they could be dealing with multiple and therefore have other interviewees.

Apparently not... But I only know what they've told me