Why Do Companies Have So Many Rounds of Interviews?

It’s a question many job seekers ask: why does it feel like some companies never stop interviewing?

Multiple rounds of interviews can seem exhausting, but there’s usually a method behind the madness.

1. Assessing Skills and Fit

The first round often focuses on basic qualifications and experience — making sure you have the skills required for the role. Subsequent rounds allow the company to dig deeper, looking at cultural fit, problem-solving ability, and how you handle real-world scenarios.

2. Involving Multiple Stakeholders

Many organisations want input from different team members before making a hire. This could include direct managers, team members, or even senior executives. Multiple interviews ensure everyone is aligned and confident in the candidate’s suitability.

It's not unusual for there to be multiple stakeholders involved in the hiring decisions.

3. Reducing Risk

Hiring is a big investment, and companies want to minimise risk. Each interview round gives them another layer of insight, helping to avoid costly hiring mistakes.

4. Testing Soft Skills

Beyond technical competence, employers want to see how candidates communicate, collaborate, and respond under pressure. Some rounds may include group exercises, presentations, or situational questions to test these qualities.

5. Benchmarking Against Other Candidates

When there are several strong applicants, multiple interview rounds help companies compare candidates more thoroughly. This ensures the final decision is as informed as possible.

The Bottom Line

While multiple interviews can be tiring, they serve a purpose. They help companies make better hiring decisions, assess fit from different angles, and ensure the person they hire is the right long-term choice.

Understanding this process can make it feel less frustrating — and allow candidates to prepare more strategically for each stage.