Jumping Through Hoops - The Interview Process (updated 2024)

Have you ever gone through a rigorous interview process in order to get hired?  Multiple telephone interviews, then face to face interviews, possibly followed by some seemingly unnecessary personality assessment or qualifications testing process.  While I've surprisingly had clients call me and hire someone for a contract position after only reviewing their resume, typically there is a interview process one must go through in order to become employed. (Either as a consultant or permanent employee).  Some of the toughest jobs to land can be Epic related positions.  Just when you think you have all the certifications and experience necessary to get the job you've been envisioning - Epic adds another hoop - certification requirements.

In speaking with candidates as I walk them through these processes, I've had many express exasperation at all the "hoops" they're asked to jump through and frankly, I can't blame them.  Sometimes the process can seem like hours upon hours of your life you aren't going to get back.  However, the best way to look at each interview process is as a learning experience.  The more you interview, the more you learn about how to interview.  Like any skill, for most people interviewing takes practice and experience to become good at it. 

Consider that; permanent employment is like marriage, you go into the experience hoping it will last forever.  With this in mind, isn't it worth your while to take the time to go through the interview process and learn as much as you can about the potential employer before making one of the biggest decisions of your life?  Making sure the position is a good fit not only benefits the potential employer but also benefits the candidate.  Many people, myself included, have dived head-long into an employment situation without much hesitation, only to find out after a few months that we've jumped out of a frying pan and into a fire.  By taking your time through a lengthy interviewing process and jumping through each hoop with a level of understanding that both you and the employer want to make the most educated decision possible, it will make the process easier to tolerate.

So..., the next time you're in the middle of scheduling yet another interview, keep the above points in mind - try to put a smile on your face and consider what you're learning about yourself and your potential new employer.

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