The Interview – Process

Most interview processes nowadays require more than one meeting.  Indeed, it is common to have three or even four interviews.  There is no rule of thumb, but it does seem that the more high profile, or senior the role, the more interviews are required. You should prepare for each stage although it was the interview!

The Interview – How Many?

The reason is normally that there are a number of people to see.  For example, immediate line manager, his boss, HR, etc. You may also be asked in to “meet the team”.  If this invitation is extended to you, it is important not to let your standards drop.  This may seem obvious, but if you have met someone three or four times, the temptation is to start to get familiar.  In doing this, it is easy to let your standards slip.  Always be on your mettle no matter how many times you have been interviewed.  You do not have the job until you start work, or until you have a signed offer letter.  All it needs is one major slip, and it’s the end of the road, no matter how many interviews you have had!  It would be a tragedy to go through four interviews only to lose out because the interviewer thought you were a little too cocky on the last interview.  Take care.

How To Interview

Just a little warning, beware of the “come and meet the team for a social” tack.  This normally means a drink after work, and is a potential minefield.  If you get an offer to do this, accept, but practise restraint.  No matter what your potential colleagues do, keep the amount of alcohol taken to a minimum.  Alcohol has a habit of inducing a lack of co-ordination between brain and mouth / body.  If you drink even slightly too much, you can guarantee you will do something which will jeopardise your chances of landing the job.  If all the others there end up absolutely leg-less, then perhaps you should question their discipline and your desire to work there.  It is O.K to socialise, but be careful.