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Should I pull out of the process after 7 interviews?

104 replies

NewKidOnTheBlock99 · 10/12/2022 09:16

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

OP posts:
WomanhoodIsABirthright · 14/12/2022 18:09

The prime minister doesn't even have one interview.

Choconut · 14/12/2022 18:26

I'd be careful. They now know that you will put up with being messed around for 9 interviews without putting in any boundaries. They may expect you to work that way too.

custardbear · 14/12/2022 19:15

Fucking hell ... that's just bonkers !! They'd better be paying you a shit tonne of money!

Palacepicker · 14/12/2022 20:58

ThirtyThreeTrees · 14/12/2022 16:40

9 interviews? Do they want you to donate a kidney as well?!

Most CEOs don't even have 9 interviews.

This company will drive you crazy even if you do get the job!!

How many interviews do most CEO's have? What are you basing this on and what are you classing as an interview - would you class a chat with a board member over coffee an interview for example? I'd imagine you'd want to meet with all the stakeholders to determine whether you had their support?

NewKidOnTheBlock99 · 14/12/2022 22:11

Choconut · 14/12/2022 18:26

I'd be careful. They now know that you will put up with being messed around for 9 interviews without putting in any boundaries. They may expect you to work that way too.

Not gonna lie, I am slightly worried that they think I’m a bit of a mug. Part of me is now becoming tempted to pull out as I think they have taken the mick.

If anyone can think of a professional way to ask why so many interviews during the directors Coffee that would be appreciated.

Also interested to see IF I get an offer and what it is, I know the pay bracket for this role and if it’s less then that I won’t even negotiate and just walk.

and for those asking, interview total will be 8!!!

OP posts:
NewKidOnTheBlock99 · 20/12/2022 13:20

Thought I would send an update! I had the final two rounds at the end of last week, they went really well and the whole tone of the conversation was as though I already had the role, I was given a tour of the office etc. I’ve been told the whole way through that there’s no one else in the process… and I was told they would let me know by EOD Friday aaaaand….tumble weed, haven’t heard a peep and neither has the recruiter - who if I’m honest has been less on it then previously so I feel like something is going on! I’m giving them until Friday and then I’m pulling out for my own peace of mind, I’m not willing to let this drag on into the new year (or at least without a very very valid explanation)!! If it’s meant to be it’s meant to be.

OP posts:
IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads · 20/12/2022 13:33

Is this recruitment for an astronaught or something!??

XanaduKira · 20/12/2022 13:38

That's a shocking way to treat a candidate @NewKidOnTheBlock99 - sorry you've been put through this.

To me, it definitely sounds like they have someone else in mind but aren't sure if the other person will accept or not, & you're a very strong second, so they're trying to keep you sweet too.

DaftyInTheMiddle · 20/12/2022 13:47

and most importantly the salary!!!
I know we’re in expensive times but I’ve fallen for this before, ended up with massive mental health issues and leaving with no job to go to because it was distressing me so much. You yourself are noticing the whopping red flags, people who work there are especially telling you it’s a terrible work environment. I just hope you don’t ignore the red flags and end up beck here in 6 months regretting everything

AngelontopoftheTree · 20/12/2022 14:01

I wouldn't be as worried about them being 2 days late with the offer, but everything leading up to it sounds like it's a shambles!
I agree with your plan of pulling out of you don't get a solid offer by Friday, you definitely don't want that hanging over your head over Christmas / New Year. There's no way they'll be organised enough to offer over silly season.
But if it does come to that make sure you let them know why!!

burnoutbabe · 20/12/2022 14:05

I would mentally write them off after Friday but I'd actually give them until end first week jan to respond (and chase first day back in January)

It is annoying but I assume nothing else will come up over next 2 weeks (and you can apply anyway)

LadyDanburysHat · 20/12/2022 14:10

That is a ridiculous amount of interviews for any role. I hate companies that do this. And especially then don't get back when they say they will.

Saying that I once had a phone interview and 4 in person interviews for an admin role. And I had to chase them to get the offer by informing them I had another offer and needed to know.

itsthefinalcountdown1 · 20/12/2022 14:10

OP, I genuinely wouldn't want to work for a company like that. Imagine asking for a pay review or anything you want further down the line. Everything would take months. No thank you.

Theyre showing you who they are. Believe them!

Rowthe · 20/12/2022 14:17

This is absolutely shocking.

I think even if they did get in touch I would have huge reservations about working for them.

Bookworm333 · 20/12/2022 14:56

This happened to a friend, I hope this isn’t the way companies do things now! 7 rounds of interviews and even had to pay to fly to a different city to meet a bunch of people. Said they would pay back the flights and they have not...and they didn't offer the job despite lots of assurances it was a "sure thing" and the interviews were just tick the box type meetings. Same issue as you with a lack of clarity around the job description, it was almost evolving as the interviews progressed. It went on for months and was incredibly stressful for her. I have no respect for a company that does that to people. Walk away now while you can - you have learned what you need to about the culture there!

TrixJax · 20/12/2022 15:23

Yep agree with PPs, walk away now. They will be a nightmare of a company to work for.
Personally I would have said no to anymore interviews after 3rd round.
It just smacks of indecisiveness and never actually getting anything over the line!

Hawkins001 · 20/12/2022 17:59

TrixJax · 20/12/2022 15:23

Yep agree with PPs, walk away now. They will be a nightmare of a company to work for.
Personally I would have said no to anymore interviews after 3rd round.
It just smacks of indecisiveness and never actually getting anything over the line!

Considering how unreliable people are in general, could it be the company is trying to make sure they get the right candidate, as by keep doing the interviews, it shows if the candidates are committed to the company ?

Pismascrescents · 20/12/2022 18:05

Who on earth has enough time to meet you all those times???

Everyone I know is snowed under. Very odd.

Hawkins001 · 20/12/2022 21:42

Pismascrescents · 20/12/2022 18:05

Who on earth has enough time to meet you all those times???

Everyone I know is snowed under. Very odd.

Maybe they have a good.time management system ?

willthatbeall · 20/12/2022 22:52

It's not Multiverse is it? They have form for pricking about during the interview process.

makingarunforit · 20/12/2022 23:39

Why wait until Friday? Pull out now.

They sound like a load of loons. Do you honestly want to work there after all that? I can guarantee it will be a bloody nightmare.

Rowthe · 22/12/2022 15:08

Any update?

I really think I'd be looking for other jobs by now

GardenDIce · 24/12/2022 16:07

@NewKidOnTheBlock99 Any update?
Put us out of our misery!
We won't enjoy our Xmas dinner with worrying.

NewKidOnTheBlock99 · 24/12/2022 22:40

Firstly thanks so much for all of the responses! Against everyone’s (and my own) better judgment, they offered on Wednesday and I accepted, the salary and benefits package was too good to turn down! I had a real wobble about it and considered turning it down but just thought I would go for it and once I did I felt really happy with my decision. If anyone is interested I’ll circle back in a few months and let you all know that you were right and I hate it lol

I hope everyone has a lovely Christmas x

OP posts:
XanaduKira · 24/12/2022 22:46

Congratulations Op. Fingers crossed that you love it and it was worth all the effort during the interview stages Grin

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