Surviving the Extended Interview Process

If it seems that the interviewing process is getting longer, perhaps you can tie that to the Google effect. An article out this week highlighted the Silicon Valley company's demanding hiring process, which can drag on for months in the form of multiple rounds of interviews, each round including one-on-one interviews with a half dozen or so employees.

Google has long put much emphasis on attracting the best, most innovative minds to its rapidly expanding enterprise. The Wall Street Journal Online recently noted that Google is now streamlining its process, but getting hired there will never be for the faint of heart, nor the impatient. Needless to say, more than a few people found jobs elsewhere while Google still had them on the "to do" list.

This gives us a moment to re-think the interview process. While Google's history of multiple interviews and required personal essays puts it on the extreme end of the spectrum, there's much to be said for getting an offer from a company that takes an exhaustive approach to finding the right hires. The right fit between employer and employee not only contributes to corporate profit, it also plays a big role in job satisfaction.

If you are having to prepare for a lengthy interview process, it's time to review your strategy. If you have doubts about working for the company that's inviting you into this process, it's time to reflect. An ambiguous attitude is hard to conceal during interviews or on personal essays.

It's essential to go into the process with enthusiasm, and a strategic attitude. Every meeting will count and require the same protocols you would use at companies with that don't require so many meetings. Your people skills will be tested rigorously, as each interview will require you to tune into a different personality type. Remember, first impressions count, even when you feel like rerun. Each interviewer will provide feedback on their impressions of you. Don't ever let your enthusiasm run thin.

As you work you way up and down and laterally across the organization, remember that each party is going to be interested in different aspects of your work history and professional characteristics. Senior executives will be interested in how you can help the firm reach its big-picture objectives. Managers will be interested in your track record of producing quality results, on time. When talking with a prospective colleague, mention your collaborative successes and be sure to ask about how the company structures its teams.

Another point, remember that outside of the executive suite and the human resources office, your interviewers may by people who aren't all that comfortable interviewing others. Come prepared with questions that demonstrate genuine interest in the work they do, and allow you to connect that to your relevant experience.

Stay on message and be consistent. You don't want to sound scripted, but you do want to make sure that your messages are consistent on general topics. Why you are leaving your present job, why you want to work for this company, and your long-term goals are subjects that you will likely discuss with multiple interviewers.

If you have a chance to set the time for meetings, request mornings, when people have more energy and are less likely to be distracted.

Thank everyone, individually, with personal thank-you letters mailed the following day. Those, too, will require your best judgment to create  memorable impressions.

back to October blog