Ask HN: When did 7 interviews become “normal”?

Article summary

The author, a professional in the IT industry, expresses surprise at being told to expect 5-7 interviews for a job, questioning the efficiency and productivity of such a process. They ask when hiring managers lost the authority to make decisions and how this process became normal. The author is concerned that this process may be counterproductive and exclude good candidates. They seek insight from the community on this matter.

Main themes

• inefficient hiring processes
• risk aversion in hiring
• effectiveness of interviews
• candidate assessment
• industry comparisons
• company culture

What commenters say

• The number of interviews required for a job has increased over time, potentially due to risk aversion and a desire to avoid bad hires.
• Multiple interviews can be unnecessary and may not accurately assess a candidate's abilities.
• Some argue that a small number of interviews is sufficient, while others believe that more interviews can help identify the best candidates.
• The interview process may be flawed and favor candidates who are good at interviewing rather than those who are skilled at the job.
• Experienced developers may be more effective at identifying good candidates than a lengthy interview process.
• The use of tests and screenings can be an effective way to filter out unqualified candidates.
• The interview process can be compared to other high-skilled professions, which also have rigorous hiring processes.
• The emphasis on 'culture fit' and multiple interviews may lead to the exclusion of talented candidates who do not fit the company's mold.