The real reason why interview process are a mess

There’s more steps because there’s more time. Duh.

Maybe bad interview processes are just human nature?

And all the extra steps? Just run-of-the-mill busywork.

Jeff Smith and I talked about this in our latest 10 Minute Talent Rant, how candidate experience is taking a nose dive. It’s not a bold take: interview processes are getting longer. New steps are being added at random. Inconsistencies pop up within the same company for the same role. And candidate communication? Often MIA.

You know, all the hits. Same stuff that happens in every down (or at least not ‘hot’) market.

The next question of course is, Why?

LinkedIn will tell you it’s because of lazy hiring managers. Or executives who think candidates grow on trees. Or internal HR and TA teams that aren’t equipped.

And my personal fav: companies are evil and hate job seekers…

My theory? That’s all wrong.

The real primary culprit is less devious and rooted in human psychology.

Parkinson’s Law: “Work expands to fill the time available for its completion.”

This is the opposite of “if you want until the last minute, it only takes a minute” which people think is a joke, but it’s actually true.

Anyone who’s dabbled in time-boxing knows this: the less time you give something, the faster it gets done. Give yourself too much time? You’ll add steps. Re-check your re-checks. Procrastinate.

Why do people think interview processes are any different?

Here’s what happens. Market uncertainty + tighter budgets = hiring delays.

It’s a fiscally responsible decision. Hold off until deals close. Keep opex in check.

Why things be any different for people managing an interview process?

Whatever the timeline was, it’s now longer. So what do you do?

• Add another technical screen. Make sure we’re really sure.
• Loop in so-and-so. They should probably meet the candidate too.
• Communication gap with the candidate? Let’s fix that With another interview.

There’s more time. Work expanded to fill it.

Not saying it’s right. Just saying it’s predictable. It’s the same psychological phenomenon every Office Dork™️ experiences on a daily basis.

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Full episode of The 10 Minute Talent Rant, ep 111 “Candidate Experience Has Never Been Worse” here.