It’s not your imagination. If you’ve been searching for a new mid- to senior-level opportunity recently, the interview process is taking longer than it did during the Great Resignation, according to a recent report.
The research by human capital advisory firm Josh Bersin Company and workforce solutions business AMS found that the duration for global hiring is at an “all-time high.” The recruitment process now averages about 43 days, which the report calls “unsustainable if companies are to remain competitive and keep pace with the fast-changing needs of their industry.”
A competitive white-collar job market, caused partly by many displaced workers due to layoffs, gives employers the green light to take their time selecting candidates.
With more people seeking new positions and companies instituting stealth hiring freezes and putting pressure on human resources, internal recruiters and hiring managers to find the perfect candidate within lower budgets has made the hiring process longer and more frustrating. Recent layoffs have also disproportionately impacted HR professionals, so organizations are also working with less recruiting firepower.
Candidates for white-collar positions must endure a seemingly unending number of interviews. The pandemic ushered in video interviews, displacing in-person meetings. This online trend has made it easier for recruiters to request and conduct more and more rounds of interviews compared to the prior process of setting up an appointment and going into an office.
The Market Dictates The Process
If the economy and overall mood are positive, businesses will hire quickly, so as not to lose out to their competitors. Conversely, managers are reluctant to make quick decisions when there are elements of fear and uncertainty. Economic and geopolitical concerns, record inflation, a steady stream of layoff announcements and ongoing chatter about a possible recession make it easy for interviewers to kick the can down the road instead of taking decisive actions.
When companies are laying off workers and cutting costs, your job search is much more difficult. Desirous of keeping costs down, businesses are reluctant to hire unless they can find a superstar who will generate impressive revenue and profits for the organization. With more than 200,000 tech professionals laid off in 2023 alone, there will be intense competition for the fewer remaining job openings.
Decision-Making Inertia
It used to be that a job applicant would interview with human resources, the hiring manager and maybe a senior-level manager to round out the interviewing process. Now, candidates meet with around six to 10 people at a company, as organizations rely on a “decision-making by consensus” hiring model.
Making a decision by consensus creates a feeling of safety in numbers. If something goes wrong, the blame is spread out among many people. Some feel pressured to make the hiring process as involved as possible to justify their own jobs.
Be Prepared For Tough And Rude Treatment
It will be tougher to procure a premium to your current compensation when competing against a large pool of other top applicants. The steady flow of résumés will make human resources presume that job hunters are desperate and willing to accept lowball offers. They don’t feel the need to offer feedback, constructive criticism or advice before each round since there are so many people. It’s easy for HR to ghost candidates as there continue to be more applicants. The long and drawn-out process, lack of feedback and the threat of rejection can seriously affect an applicant’s self-esteem.
What You Need To Do Now
When searching for a new job, focus on what you can control and don’t be too hard on yourself. You are not alone.
View the hunt as a marathon and pace yourself so you don’t get burned out. To help with interview fatigue, try practicing relaxation techniques. Learn how to do deep breathing, yoga or meditation to manage stress and anxiety.
Try to be patient, stay engaged and push yourself to be upbeat and positive as best as you can. If you don’t hear back from the company, politely and persistently follow up with the interviewers. Ensure you let them know you are interested in the opportunity and would love to work at the company.
It helps to stay motivated when you view the experience as part of a larger purpose. For instance, it’s not just a job but rather the chance to build wealth for your family and provide them with a better life.
We all fall prey to negative ruminations. When this occurs, think of all the times you’ve overcome obstacles and challenges in your life. Have a mantra that cites all your wins and achievements. It will help improve your mindset and interviewing style.
Source: Forbes
