How to handle multi-stage interviews on tech or telecom jobs

Multi-stage interviews aren’t unusual within IT and telecoms recruitment, particularly for mid-to-senior-level roles.

However, we typically see just one stage for contract roles and three stages (as a maximum) for permanent roles, writes Pendy Hou, senior delivery team lead at First Point Group.

Surely not more than three stages at interview?!

On the very rare occasion, a candidate for a telco or IT company job may experience more than three interview stages, but that’s not been the case for candidates we place.

Multi-stage interviews -- if dragged out -- can leave candidates uncertain about what lies ahead.

Multi-stage interviews: 5 top tips for tech and telecoms job candidates

If you’re undergoing a multi-stage interview process, here’s our five top tips for navigating them effectively, exclusively for Free-Work readers:

1. Ask early about the process, with these 3 questions

If a tech contract posting or telco’s job advert doesn’t specify a single-stage interview, assume there will be multiple rounds.

Then, during your first conversation with the recruiter or hiring manager, ask:

1. How many interview stages are there?

2. What will each stage involve?

3. Who will be present in the later interview stage(s)?

These three key questions will help you plan and manage your expectations while avoiding unnecessary frustration, assuming you can get them answered fully!

2. Understand the purpose of each interview stage

Multiple-stage interviews often serve different purposes.

Knowing the objective of each stage ensures you can tailor your responses accordingly.

Don’t be shy about finding out the aim of each stage – simply ask your agent or hiring manager.

3. Maintain energy and engagement

Long interview processes can drain motivation.

Discipline yourself to stay enthusiastic, and treat each stage as if it's your first phase - bringing energy and clear examples of your experience.

Hiring managers remember candidates who show consistent passion for the role.

In short, don’t show any interview fatigue!

4.  Keep notes on each stage and reflect

After each interview stage, jot down or record key points.

Make a note of the questions you were asked, your answers, and any areas you could improve on if you get an opening to give a response again.

These notes help you to refine your replies for later rounds. And your log should help you avoid repeating the same examples, or even mistakes!

5. Assess whether numerous rounds of interviews are worth it

If a company or organisation is dragging out the interview process, consider whether the role is worth the wait.

End-hirers will likely be aware that contractors, in particular, may lose interest if the interrogation process extends beyond a couple of weeks.

If delays start to seem excessive, discuss your concerns with the recruiter and get clarity on the next steps including, ideally, obtaining an end date for the interview process.

Again, this assists with managing your expectations and should help pace yourself, if fatigue has set in but you want to continue anyway on the basis that it’s too good an opportunity for your CV to miss.

Multi-stage tech job interview: how to prepare

• Research the company thoroughly, whether it’s tech or telecoms.

• Practice for technical assessments. Be aware many roles in tech or telecoms, require coding tests or problem-solving scenarios.

• Be ready to explain projects you’ve worked on with clear, structured answers. Don’t necessarily name all your past projects in interview round one, if you know that interview round two will want you to detail your previous assignments too!

• Remember interviews are a two-way street. So ask your own questions -- about team structures, company growth, and potential challenges in the role.

Three mistakes of multi-round interviews to avoid 

1. Failing to prepare for later rounds: Just because you passed the first interview doesn’t mean you can coast through the rest!

2. Showing frustration: If the process drags on, remain professional—venting to an interviewer can backfire. Save your objections for when you’re calmer, and with your recruiter later.

3. Neglecting recruiter communication: If a recruiter is involved, keep them in the loop—they often have inside knowledge of the process, and can advocate for you

Multi-stage tech or telecom job interview: must-dos

While multi-stage interviews can be frustrating, there is usually a good reason for them – namely for the hiring organisation to understand if they have the right technologist for the role.

You should try to reassure yourself that they want to be thorough in their decision-making. And you can use the longer interview process to ask more questions of your own – when appropriate and invited to do so.

If you’re going through a multi-stage interview process for an IT contract or telecoms role, use the five top tips above, but consult an experienced tech recruitment agency for bespoke advice.