Should I pull out of the process after 7 interviews?

[NewKidOnTheBlock99]

I started a process with a company around 4 weeks ago and it seemed to be going so well, as soon as I would finish an interview within the hour I had the offer of the next interview and my final interview was booked in before I even had my third. I was initially told it would be two stages and then that it would be four. I met the hiring manager, two senior members of the team and then had to do a panel. This was all within two weeks. The last interview was on the Thursday and I was confident I would have an offer by the Friday. Feedback within the interviews and after (via recruiter) is that I’m perfect for the role, ‘glowing reviews’ etc. There was tumble weed and apparently a couple of internal candidates had entered the process but the hiring manager just wanted to give them a chance and nobody had made it past second stage. Then the hiring manager wanted to meet again, which I did. After that she wanted to meet again which is booked in for next week. I was then called and talked through the offer process which would involve a SEVENTH interview so HR can talk through the culture and then you get an initial offer and then that has to be approved and then you get the final offer. I’ve just noticed that the recruiter reposted the role three days ago… just wondering what people think of the situation? It’s making me so stressed and I’m started to get really annoyed that I’m being strung along that I’m really tempted to pull my application. I also have intel as I know someone internally that I was mentioned in the weekly team meeting as joining but this was before the hiring manager asked to chat again. I’ll be honest during the interview process it has come to light that the company isn’t great to work for and the manager can be a bit of a nightmare. What shall I do?

For context 2-3 interviews within my industry is standard.

I’m on a bit of a time limit

I was nodding along and thinking ‘weeeell’ until you said they reposted the role? At that point it sounds as though they’re keeping you dangling and hoping to find something better. There’s obviously something that’s not quite fitting for them and it sounds like they’re hedging their bets.

No run away! They will be putting on their best “front” for a new candidate so what’s it really like when you are in there. I’d be worried they are so risk averse/unable to make decisions that it would be a nightmare getting anything done. Recruitment is always a risk for both sides but that’s why you’ve a probation period. The manager needs to have the courage of their convictions if they like you and hire you.

It sounds like it may be managed in a nightmarish fashion -- too many decision makers, a body with too many heads all needing input before anything is accomplished. I'd be willing to bet it's a frustrating place to work.

Honestly, 7 interviews and this whole process would be a big no thanks.

I am in a very senior role now I had 4 interviews with my company over the space of a year. But that was only because I turned down a role after interview 2 and walked away, then again after interview 3. Then I had interview 4 where they basically asked me what I wanted to make to join them.

Not a chance would I have done 7 or been messed about with them reposting the job, deciding to hold off for internal candidates to see if they did any better.

It sounds like you are the best person they have had interview but they are waiting incase someone they think is more suitable applies.

Thanks for all of your replies! During the interview process people who currently work there had said exactly that; hard to get anything done, manager new, out of her depth and trying to prove herself and also that the culture isn’t great. My gut is telling me to run but it’s a very large pay increase, hybrid, good commute and a step up career wise which is why I’m even hanging around.

Pull out. This is their best side/honey moon period, and it's awful. Not worth your time.

Don't worry about the interviews you've already done, time has passed anyway.

They are stringing you along here. It says a lot about the company that they are looking for another candidate and you are a second choice or they are have completely convoluted processes.

Cut your loses and walk or keep them on the back burner and look for something else.

It’s not a financial company is it? There’s a company near me that’s notorious for this. The last stage is a coffee/lunch with the MD and you get the job if he likes you. He doesn’t like many people…

I know someone who did this, he's in business development, went through loads. Then wrote a business plan and where he would be looking to generate growth over next 2 years for final presentation to board. They loved it and hired someone who would work for 30K less. He didn't last a week. They have come back asking to reopen conversation. The recruiter have told them that he has been through the process and his salary requirements haven't changed. He'll restart the conversation for a solid job offer but that's it.

It's hard to walk away when you have invested so much time and energy but sometimes you need to.

I would see the process through - what have you got to lose? See what they offer. Meantime keep an eye out for other things just as you would if you pulled out…

Pull out!! That sounds ridiculous, I would say 2-3 tops for a senior role (maybe more for exec, but I wouldn't know). It would make me wonder what sort of company takes this long to hire someone and what they'd be like to work for. I also think it's incredibly disrespectful that they expect this much investment from potential candidates. Unless its yoir dream job, industry etc ... run!

Is it for a 'Very Big Job?' Otherwise no, I'd pull out, ridiculous!

I'd force their hand and say either offer now or I walk. Surely the recruiter even thinks 7 interviews is ridiculous. Also ask straight out why is been reposted? Sounds like their messing you around. Trust your instincts.

they're messing you around

Unless it's to be Global President of HSBC or something this is nuts. Tell the recruiter you've spent enough time on this and they offer or don't. They're obviously luke warm about you as they are seeking other candidates.

Personally I would stick it out to the final call, but let the recruiter know that this is the last one you will be attending, and that any outstanding questions they have should be brought up in this conversation. At this point, what have you got to lose?

However, when you do get the offer take a long hard think about whether you want to accept it. Shitty culture and incompetent manager are difficult to deal with on a daily basis BUT if you can hack it, this could be a great 2 year stepping stone for you. You can use this as leverage in your next career step. And if you can try not to get too involved in the politics, and are able to work from home at least in part, perhaps it's manageable for a set amount of time.

Thanks so much for all of the replies! Its a senior manager role, so definitely not enough to warrant 7 interviews and even with that the title keeps changing from senior to just normal manager. I have already said that I have another potential job offer so they know they are on a time limit to which they have tried to get in interview 5 & 6 as quickly as possible. Just annoying as I pulled out of another process for this one as seemed like a sure thing!!

To be honest i would tell them that ill have one more meeting but thats the last one and if no offer within next 3 days you will be pulling out.

Start or continue applying for similar roles. Don't pin your hopes on this one.

Also I work in in-house recruitment so a bit of insight on the process:

• 7 interviews is absolutely nuts unless it's a very senior level role. I can understand the number more if US stakeholders are involved (they always want to involve more and more people); if this role is new for the company and especially if it's not a role that directly brings money in. What I really can't understand is why the manager would want to speak with you so many times. The recruiter you are working with should have managed this with them at the second conversation request, so many chats with the same person is ridiculous. Its probably a sign of the manager's inability to make a decision.

• reposting the job is sometimes automatically set up for some companies, don't panic about that.

• a chat with HR to discuss terms of employment & offer, and is usually a sign of a company that cares enough to make sure you have all the details.

You can definitely call them on it though, saying enough is enough and asking them to make a decision as you have now invested enough time. Do stick to any calls you have already committed to.

The thing that companies/organisations forget is that, throughout the process, there are two parties being interviewed.

So, based on the results of their seven interviews so far, how have they done in their application for the position of your employer?

@NewKidOnTheBlock99 maybe they decided they need two of the same role. Or perhaps due to regrading the role it has to be re-advertised. Or there are people at risk of redundancy so it has to be re-advertised. I would ask - you’re well within their rights. As for people you know that work there, remember some might feel threatened at you joining. It might be disorganised but maybe you’re the person who can change that. I had a really long and protracted process to join current employer and have been there for many years now!

Are you sure they have reposted the role? Sites like Indeed often just repost roles automatically and it might not have been a conscious decision from anyone to restart the process.

Hmmmm I don't know it's a hard one. I'd be annoyed at the time I've already spent so wld be tempted to go ahead. I would however ask the recruiter why it's been advertised again and why they want another interview given how many you've already had with them. Tell them your thinking of pulling out and gauge their reaction then make a decision.

This says it all - the 7 interviews well that can happen for many reasons and they are not all bad, working with colleagues who don't fit can be incredibly frustrating for the incumbents...so caution on hiring isn't always a bad thing but then you went and posted that getting anything done is like wading through mud, manager sounds like they have an ego problem - poor decision making could indicate a toxic blame culture and that's unlikely to change. So to hell with the interviews - the culture is unhealthy, be grateful they shared and walk.