We must first understand that the major essence of holding multiple interviews among others is to be able to pick the most suitable candidate for the job.
However, a lot of people tend to ask how many interviews are too many, especially for a particular position.
This article tries as much as possible to not just answer the question but also provide answers to several other frequently asked questions that have to do with this topic.
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How Many Interviews Are Too Many – Best Answer
There is no one-fit answer to this question, however, interviews that exceed four rounds should be considered “many.”
Additionally, there are other factors that determine the number of interviews a company can conduct, and such factors include the size of the company, and the position being interviewed for.
For instance, a company with just 23 employees may be searching for the best hands, and as such may conduct several rounds of interviews before a decision can be made but a larger corporation with more than a thousand employees may conduct fewer interviews because they already have numerous employees.
Another scenario is one that has to do with the position in question. You don’t expect to have the same number of interviews for the position of an administrative assistant as that of a marketing manager.
Unlike the administrative assistant, the marketing manager would likely have more responsibilities, and as such, the company wouldn’t risk hiring an incapable hand, so multiple interviews may be conducted to avoid this mistake.
Reasons Why Companies Hold Many Interviews
Going forward, we will be looking at the reasons why companies hold many interviews before filling an open position:
1. Confirm Application Documents
One of the reasons why companies may hold several interviews is to ascertain that the candidate is no different from the picture he or she painted about themselves on resumes and cover letters.
It is an opportunity for the candidate to defend the claims in their credentials.
2. Confirm Their Choice
Most times, a candidate may have experience in a certain industry, however, no two jobs are the same, so holding several interviews helps to determine if the candidate they already have in mind is the most suitable choice for the job.
3. Gather Additional Information
The more interviews companies hold, the more information, and opinions they gather.
Sometimes, they allow candidates to meet with other people in the organization aside from the hiring managers or your potential direct supervisors.
This way, they can get feedback, opinions about your interactions, and how they feel about you potentially joining their team.
Again, they may want to use this opportunity to understand your personality, especially beyond the walls of the work environment.
4. To Make Other Offers
If a company has several but slightly different positions, they may request another interview with a previously interviewed candidate to see if he or she is suitable for a different position.
Also, if their first-choice candidate declines the job offer, hiring managers may check their list of qualified candidates and conduct more interviews to make another offer.
What Are The Various Types Of Interviews?
There are various types of interviews, and during the hiring process, candidates may experience a combination of two or more types depending on the position and the number of candidates the hiring manager intends to meet.
Below are some types of interviews:
1. Phone Interviews
From the name, you can deduce that this is a type of interview that takes place on the phone where the hiring manager may schedule a call with the candidate or sometimes, call the candidate unexpectedly to see how prepared they are.
Sometimes, the essence of a phone interview is to help shortlist the names of people to invite for in-person interviews. Check: Phone Interview: How To Put Your Best Voice Forward
2. Video Interviews
In a case where an in-person interview can’t be conducted, hiring managers may opt for video interviews, and this is also seen when a client is applying to remote positions.
Just like phone interviews, companies use this type of interview to narrow a candidate pool and invite people to meet in person. Check: Video Interview Tips: Top 7 Guides for a Successful Interview
3. Group Interviews
In a bid to make the hiring candidates comfortable, companies can invite several candidates and one manager. This way, they are relaxed.
Also, they can as well invite a candidate to be interviewed, and evaluated by a panel of interviewers so as to help compare potential employees faster.
4. Case Interviews
This interview is the type where you are presented with a fictional challenge and asked how you would tackle the problem.
This is particularly employed in roles that prioritize problem-solving skills and analytical ability.
5. Behavioral Interviews
In this interview style, you may be asked to tell a story of how you probably solved a problem, overcame challenges, or addressed an issue with a coworker.
All these are in a bid to predict how your past behavior may affect your performance at a new job.
6. Competency-Based Interviews
This type of interview is also known as job-specific interview, and you are required to cite examples of specific skills needed for a position.
You can achieve this by completing a practicum test or assignment, telling stories, or showing a portfolio.
7. Mock Interviews
This is a type of interview that prepares candidates for their real interviews.
Having done the mock interview, you will get feedback on what to improve on such as your attire, mannerisms, resume, cover letter, portfolio, and responses to questions.
This interview style is usually done by career coaches, counselors, and university career centers to provide encouragement and tips for improvement.
8. Restaurant Interviews
The essence of a restaurant interview is to assess the social skills, communication, and table manners of a candidate over a meal, usually lunch or dinner.
9. Third Interviews
The last interview before the final interview or a combination of a final interview with a job offer is referred to as the Third interview.
10. Final Interviews
Depending on how the interview process of a company works, they may combine this final interview with another interview type, and you may have to meet a member of upper-level management or the company CEO.
This is where you will find out if the job position is yours to occupy as being asked to attend a final interview is not a guarantee of a job offer.
Are There Disadvantages Of Holding Many Interviews?
Of course, there are a few disadvantages to holding many interviews for candidates, and some of these risks are seen below:
1. Loss of Interest
Many rounds of interviews can be exhausting, and candidates may lose interest in the position as they don’t know how many more rounds of interviews to expect.
While at it, some of your best candidates for the job may land another job offer with another company.
2. Slows The Hiring Process
Several rounds of interviews slows the hiring process because the more interviews you conduct, the longer it takes to select someone for the position.
FAQ
How many interviews do you need for one job?
Prior to receiving a job offer, you can anticipate anywhere between two and four interviews.
However, you might need to attend more than four interviews if you’re applying for a high-level executive post.
You might only need to attend one or two interviews if you are applying for an entry-level career.
Is it normal to have multiple interviews for a job?
Multiple job interviews at once are becoming more usual, say Toronto recruiters.
For candidates, it’s the perfect circumstance.
Having options for your work is always a positive thing, but what is important is how you react to it.
Multiple job interviews can be handled correctly or incorrectly.
Conclusion
We hope you are clarified on how many interviews can be considered too many.
We also discussed why companies would rather go through the rigorous process of conducting multiple interviews, the various types of interviews as well as the risks of holding many interviews.
Did you find this guide informative? Share your thoughts with us in the comment section.