It’s hard to believe just a few short years ago that interviewers would need to conduct four or more interviews to fill an opening at their company. But for many, this was the status quo in applying for a job. And if you were frustrated by this process, we get it.  Some good news for anyone considering a job in tech: the days of meeting with multiple offices and several interviews look to be over.  Why So Many Interviews?  Put yourself in the shoes of the hiring manager. They have a lot riding on their next hire. They want to make sure their newest employee is going to be a highly successful addition to their team. They need to be as certain as possible that their candidate is not only great at interviews but, once hired, will be the very best employee. The strategy behind multiple interviews is to cover all the bases and weed out applicants who are not a good fit, and who can demonstrate verifiable results and skills. So while multiple rounds of interviews can be taxing, it’s nothing personal.  That’s why it's not uncommon for interviews to extend to a third conversation. Sometimes it helps to keep perspective once you're this far along in the interview process. Imagine your hiring manager is buying a car. It makes sense they’d want to test drive it and learn as much about the features as possible. Is a Third Interview a Red Flag?  Tech talent is in such short supply, and there is such a great demand to hire, that several interviews and a lengthy vetting process can be a red flag or it could be a positive sign. It's more complicated than a cut-and-dry scenario. So here are some things to consider when facing a third interview: Is the hiring team organized? Have they been sharing notes? Have they been discussing results? How substantial were the first two interviews? Are they being transparent about the overall process? You can tell a lot with these questions. Are you making headway in the vetting process? Or do you feel like you're being passed around the office? If you feel like you're spinning your wheels in "interview limbo," it may be a bad sign, and might be time to move on.  How Can You Help? These days, many candidates are frustrated with an overly lengthy interview process, and rightly so. That doesn't mean you don't have any influence over the process.  Remember: you are the main player in your next hire. Stand up for yourself. Be clear with your prospective employer about what's suitable for you—what you need. If you're unsure about your next interview steps, hiring timeline, or when it's appropriate to follow up with a hiring manager, ask.  You might be surprised to learn just how busy some hiring managers are and, when pressed for more information, they're often more than willing to cut to the chase and discuss your application in frank terms. Moreover, they may even appreciate the assertiveness that demonstrates your enthusiasm for the role, and your eagerness to become part of their company.   Get Hired Now Do you need more guidance throughout the recruiting process? We can help!  Harvey Nash USA is one of the most trusted recruiters for tech and other industries. Let's work together to help you find the role that's right for you! Contact us today.