What are the odds, do we think?

[Corporatepreggolady]

Hello all

I was made redundant 2.5 weeks ago and have been trying to find a job post haste. There's one company and role that seems an excellent fit, and we're pretty far through the hiring process.

I've had one conversation with HR, one interview with the hiring manager, one interview with two members of the wider team and completed a task. The task went well, I feel.

They said the fifth and final stage would be a conversation with the 'head of'. I haven't heard back to see if I've made it that far, but only completed the task on Friday.

I know it's IMPOSSIBLE to say, but what do we think the odds are? Surely they wouldn't make me go through four rounds unless I was in the final running...? But I suppose three other people could be in the final running too.

Feeling super anxious and would appreciate any advice on managing job search anxiety too.

Bump beep

It sounds like you're doing well and I know how horrible it is when you really need to get the job but have to go through such a lengthy process.

But... I don't agree with being interviewed by future same-level colleagues - its not fair on you to be seen in a vulnerable position by people who you'd be working alongside or even managing if I got the job.

I also feel very uncomfortable that you have to have a conversation with the 'head of' before a job offer is made. Why after a long interview process and a task - which show you can do the job - should it be up to the Head if you're offered the job?

The interview process you're going through sounds lengthy and full of biased behaviours. I hope it works out for you and you get the job if it's right for you but from what you've said, if you don't get it, personally I think you'll have dodged a bullet.

Sounds likely it's only you still in the process, at most one other.

Companies that require 5 interviews would make me weary. That is a hell of a lot of interviews and our latest chief executive only had 3 rounds and that's for a multi million pound company.

Thanks so much all for your thoughts. I do agree with this process being a possible "red flag" situation. Needs must for me but yes, I had the same thoughts as PP - I'm mid-level (no line management responsibilities), not the CEO! Bit bonkers.

Oh and yes, I very much agree with the same-level colleagues point. Speaking to friends, apparently this is somewhat common to assess "culture fit" but I quite agree that a manager should be able to judge this, not future colleagues.

This^
They sound flaky and indecisive, like no-one trusts anyone else or is empowered to make decisions.
Full of red flags, if you've got any other options I'd take them.

A company that includes a 'culture fit' in any part of the recruitment process is a huge red flag. So basically if your face doesn't fit you don't get the job!? That's not very inclusive...

I once had 6 interviews for a role I didn't get, and that also included same level employees as part of the process. Dodged a bullet as 7 or 8 years later the company went bust.

I recently interviewed for a role where I'd been passed by HR and the CFO during round 1 and 2, then final interview was with same level colleague. I could actually feel him sizing me up with a "you're not on my level" type disdain. This is exactly how the gate to senior positions is kept by men of a certain ilk.

Good luck OP, I hope all goes well!

Hmm, no update yet. Interviewed on Thurs and did the task on Friday. I assume I haven't got it.

Will nudge tomorrow at the one-week mark. But I generally feel quite miffed that companies make you jump through so many hoops for a "no".

and - if they have gone with someone else, I'm pretty sure it was a tight thing. The interviews went well, they said they were impressed with my CV, commented on how good some of my answers were, said they'd be "delighted" to invite me to the middle round...

I'd you have two strong candidates and it's clearly going to be hard to choose between them, surely the kinder thing is to move forward with whoever pips it in terms of relevant experience. Not to keep both going through interviews and tasks until you decide the victor, like the Hunger Games.

It's ridiculous.
Honestly you've probably dodged a bullet!
I really think it sounds like no-one trusts anyone to make a decision and everyone has to "fit in".
I bet your GP, who you put your trust in and potentially your life in their hands, didn't have 5 rounds of interviews!

Update: just got an invite to the "fifth and final" interview. Exhausting.

Update: just got an invite to the "fifth and final" interview. Exhausting.

Update again just in case anyone cares: had the final interview with most senior person. Rather than the "double check our preferred candidate" vibe I was hoping for, it was a proper grilling. She said at the beginning that she wouldn't ask about capabilities, and then asked how I went about XYZ project... So, very much assessing capability.

I can't believe companies operate like this. It's such a waste of time and such biased, unfair hiring practice

With 5 interviews it doesn't surprise me at all. You really have dodged a bullet with this company.

Thank you @LuckysDadsHat , it makes me feel better.