Where I work now, I had to go through one management-level interview and one assesment center for 4 hours. Since then they changed it to 2 interviews up front (the second more technical). The idea was to spare the time and ressources for the assesment center if the second interview reveals that the candidate is not what we are looking for.

If I had a say in that I would combine the first two interviews into one. This way the management could judge the candidate by their responses to techincal questions at the same time, even if they cannot tell whether it is false or not.

I was already on the other side of the table for the assesment center. I had to give an evaluation for a part of the tests for new candidates who made it already to the first two interviews. Both of them finally got an offer, one of them declined.

I still find we are doing too much. I find the programming challange a bit stressful. Programmers not used to be watched solving a complex problem may fail at this. When I was on the other side of the table I asked whether they wanted a bit of time dealing with it alone, so they did and the result was not perfect, but we discuessed it and in the end I noticed that they did know what to do. I may have indirectly tested whether they are a teamplayer or not. I considered this a plus and told the management, that we can work with them and that they will learn quickly.

Now back to my own situation: I did not write an application for the job I am now on: I used honeypot.io to have companies find me. And I told my self that I only have 3 applications pending at the same time while I wait on this platform. I had only one additional interview with the recruiter from Honeypot; it was a very relaxed conversation and they optimized my profile for me, reflecting exactly where I stand with my skills (social skills as well). My own applications went nowhere and I may know why: I just did not fit to them as I thought I might. It only took 2 days after my profile was online when my current employer contacted me. One week later I had an interview. It felt like they are applying to me. I said yes to the assessment center and here I am. I can only recommend to take it a bit slow, to be able to recover from negative responses to applications and maybe make use of platforms like Honeypot which reverse the application process.

I am out of probation now and think I have many years ahead in this company. I whish everyone this satisfaction and a salery that fits the needs and your livestyle!