Imagine this: you're a job seeker, eager to land your dream role, but instead of a straightforward interview, you're faced with an exhausting 11-round marathon. This is the reality for many job hunters today, as 'skills testing' has become the new norm.
Take James, for example. When he spotted a security engineering role at a major finance company, he thought he'd found a great fit. Little did he know, the interview process would turn into a never-ending saga. After multiple interviews, coding tests, and a panel presentation, James was left feeling deflated.
"It was a complete waste of time," he says. "I had already invested 14 hours of my life into their tasks and interviews, only to be met with more rounds."
James' story is not unique. In fact, 85% of companies now prefer this rigorous skills-based hiring process, according to TestGorilla's 2025 survey. But here's where it gets controversial: while employers see more success with these methods, the process is taking a toll on job seekers.
"Landing a job is taking far longer than it used to," says Jim Moore, an employee relations expert. "Companies are placing value on multiple tests, but is it really necessary?"
Role-specific tests are deemed the most effective, with 75% of employers using them to screen candidates. However, this extensive process has its drawbacks. According to Indeed, 50% of hiring companies admit to losing good candidates due to the lengthy delays.
"It's an abuse of power," James adds. "If they don't respect potential employees' time, how can we expect them to respect their actual employees' time?"
Jim Moore agrees, suggesting that anything beyond three or four interview stages indicates a lack of effective decision-making within the business.
"The more rounds a candidate endures, the more demoralising rejection becomes," he says. "As a candidate, you should see this as a red flag - a workplace culture that doesn't value your time."
So, is this extensive skills testing really worth it? Or are companies missing the mark by overcomplicating the hiring process?
Have you experienced a similar situation? Share your story and let's spark a conversation about the future of hiring practices.
