To be put off by recruitment process ?

[Tocontinu]

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.

Im in the private sector and anything over a 65k role is points 1-3. At point 3 the founders also attend and ask questions on the presentation.

Seems mad to me. When I first applied for a job, I just saw an advert outside, walked in, chatted to the manager, started the next week. Now, when I hear people talk to me about applying for the same kind of job, they have to fill in forms, attend interviews, do maths/literacy tests, and fill out all kinds of quizzes "A customer wants to buy X but it is out of stock. Do you so a, b, or c", which is stupid, because (then as now) if you're hired, the manager tells you what the basic procedures are before you start. And then you have more interviews, all for a minimum wage job, the kind anyone my age got with no hassle. And friends who do those jobs tell me that retention/quality of staff isn't any better with these crazy procedures.
Other friends, in professional jobs, tell me of HR processes which put the best people off applying-and actually are far worse in terms of getting the right people than if they had no HR.
The problem is that there are far fewer jobs available. The idea that anyone can get a job, and if they don't they're just lazy, isn't true.

So you think this is normal? For the role and salary.

My concern about the other offer is that is a small company and I may get bored.

They probably want to check your spelling.

That too 😂😅

Jet lag and typing on a mobile doesn’t help though 🤣

My goodness, I’d withdraw from that; who could be bothered?!?

The last 4 roles I’ve interviewed for were all Exec level and 3 were 2 stages, and 1 was 3 stages. I pulled out of the 3 stage one which was a panel including the Chair, Audit Committee Chair and Chief Exec as it was going to be held 6 weeks after the stage 2 interview, and I had another great offer on the table, so I accepted that.

Employers need to remember that you are also assessing them and if you want to work for them. This is complete overkill and very time consuming!

Thank you. I am glad is not only me who think this is over the top.

You ought to see what headteachers have to go through! Presentation, round robin interviews, staff grilling over lunch, meet the pupils and then final interview if selected after first day.

How much does the other role pay?

I’ve had a presentation be part of the interview process a few times but I admittedly was interviewing for ‘Head of’ level roles with higher salaries. If a significant part of the role involves you needing to effectively engage with, and present to, the exec team/board, I’d say it’s fair enough (its baffling the number of mid/senior level professionals I have come across over the years with absolutely no idea how to craft or deliver a fit for purpose presentation. If this isn’t a key aspect of the role then it does seem like overkill.

Ultimately, only you can decide if the time and energy required for this recruitment process is worthwhile. But don’t forget this is a two way interaction; you’re interviewing them too! And one advantage of multistage interviews (especially when meeting different people who work at the company), is that you get more chances to do some due diligence on them, the culture, personalities at play etc. That insight can be invaluable when it comes to making your decision on next steps.

Good luck with the job hunt!

This sounds v similar to the process my DH recently went through (5 interviews, including a presentation and technical interview). Senior role. The company look great and the people he spoke to seemed smart and nice; he’s accepted the job.

It does feel OTT to me but seems to be the norm, particularly now with online interviews! Hopefully it’ll mean a really strong team where people are suited to their jobs and are competent…

Personally I don’t think it’s over the top as there is a purpose for each stage.

Now you’ve explained it fully it doesn’t seem over the top to me. The case study presentation is pretty standard at that grade where I am. The earlier call with HR is a screening call. It does sound like you’re a bit miffed about the process, probably need to be careful that doesn’t come across if you intend to proceed. As PP have said, you can pull out at anytime though if it’s not for you.

Each stage makes sense now you've set it out, although an hour presentation does seem long. One of my DC is in an industry where 4 -6 interview stages is deemed normal, it's a pain.

The reality is no-one here can tell you whether to withdraw or not. Do you want the role? If you picture yourself after you've pulled out, how do you think you'd feel? Would you be relieved or would you regret your decision? There's your answer.

I was just thinking that! Two full days is standard for headteachers and some deputy headteachers, with the expectation to respond to a job offer immediately or within 24 hours at the very most. One hour presentation standard but usually in response to data or information given during the selection process, with limited time to prepare.

I think you've answered your own question, OP. If you were really excited about the role you wouldn't mind preparing for the presentation. The only caveat is perhaps to reflect on whether the presentation was the final straw because you lack confidence presenting - if so, and if it's relevant to your role to develop this skill, it might be something to work on in the future.

How good are you at presentations and case studies?

My husband and one of my colleagues are good at that type of thing they could probably knock up a presentation in a few hours and wouldn't have any difficulties thinking of what to say.

I am TERRIBLE at both of these elements, it would take me the best part of a day to prepare and I honestly don't think the end result would be much good so I wouldn't get the job. So unless I really wanted to give it a go for practice / experience I would probably pull out.

I usually have a presentation as part of the interview though it’s usually 25 mins preparation time and 15 minute presentation. In my role we often need to do presentations or chair meetings at short notice and with limited prep time, so it makes sense.

How long do you get to prepare the case study for an hour long presentation?

I don’t think the issue is the presentation in itself, that’s pretty common for senior roles (well any roles really, I’ve been doing presentations since my graduate traineeship and beyond, ironically my most senior job is the only one that hasn’t required one) but it’s the the length that seems very disproportionate, the prep work required for an hour would be huge.

OP is the presentation definitely an hour or is that the slot to deliver it and do the Q&A? Might be worth double checking?

I reached a level of head of team/department in my career and my rule is that I never take part in any interview process that requires more than 2 interviews or has a really convoluted application form or advertise the job with an endless job description/list of skills required.

For me those are early signs that the company would be a bureaucratic nightmare to work for.

A one hour presentation is ridiculous by the way.

I know someone that had nine interviews! BUT senior, international role, and a very specific 'fit' was needed, and buy in from various international partners.

5 to 8 interviews does seem over the top for most roles. Are you expected to take time off from your current job so.often?

If you don’t like the process, just withdraw. Do give them feedback that this is why you are pulling out.

A presentation can be really useful, and gives you so much more insight into a candidate’s approach, skills, knowledge and thought process. I’ve sometimes found that the top running candidate comes out weaker in this style of interview and that their smooth confidence in verbal interviews isn’t always backed up at presentation. Whereas it’s no 2 candidate who can be perhaps quieter and less polished at verbal interview who shows their true depth at presentation. For us any leadership role would usually have a presentation element.

However, I would normally cap a process at 3 stages. In my experiences stages 4 plus are more about something internal rather than assessing the candidate.

Thank you all. I thought this was the right company and role, but their process is making me doubt it now. I am moving from Big 4 due to politics and bureaucracy. As soon as I received the case study my heart sank; not that I can not do a presentation but I think it a big long; they said not to spend more than 1.5 hours preparing but it seems to take longer. I need to present to 3 people as well, is this normal?

I am exhausted with jetlag; will see if I can pull myself together to do it.

What are you presenting about given you don't work there yet? What facts? Jeez some of us like being accountants rather than sales directors..

Presumably there is also a finance director and they are not trying to get an FD on the cheap?

The presentation has 3 parts:

Part 1: 3 questions, 20 mins

Part 2: 2 questions: 15 mins

Part 3: 1 question: 10 mins

15 min questions and answers

Presentation to 3 people; one cant attend do they want it recorded. I had to cancel the first one, and told them that I only allowed 1.5 hours and this wasn’t enough so they agreed to reschedule it. They have been helpful and professional as they know I have another offer so trying to speed it up a bit.

Also the last part of the process: in person 1 hour values interview plus 45 min meeting with founders.

These all seems excessive. I was really excited about the role, until I got the case study. I am having serious doubts now.