Job interviews can be daunting, but some companies seem determined to turn them into endurance tests. A recent post on Reddit has gone viral after a user, Duifer, shared a screenshot of a friend’s interview process that has left many stunned. The hiring process in question spans seven stages and more than ten hours, and Reddit users weren’t exactly applauding it.
According to the post, the journey begins with a 45-minute phone screening with a recruiter. This initial step is meant to evaluate the candidate’s basic qualifications and cultural fit. From there, candidates are asked to complete a 30-minute at-home Ruby coding assessment to showcase their technical skills in a controlled, self-paced setting.
Next up is a 60-minute interview with the hiring manager. This stage focuses on understanding the candidate’s prior experience, approach to problem-solving, and how well they align with the company’s expectations. But the real challenge lies ahead: the infamous final interview loop.
The last stage of the process is a 4-hour-long interview block broken into four separate one-hour sessions. Each session targets a specific aspect of the candidate’s capabilities. One interview covers system design, testing the ability to architect scalable solutions. Another is dedicated to coding, focusing on algorithmic thinking. The third session assesses teamwork and contribution to organizational goals, while the final one delves into the candidate’s understanding of the company’s product and delivery strategies.
Unsurprisingly, Reddit users were not impressed. Many speculated that the company’s rigorous process might be aimed at candidates on H-1B visas. One user remarked, “They are begging for H1Bs. Skip.” Others chimed in, questioning why companies would prefer H-1B candidates. A popular response explained that such employees are often less likely to leave quickly, as changing jobs means finding another visa sponsor or returning to their home country, giving employers more control.
Some commenters highlighted how inefficient and excessive the process is—not just for applicants, but also for the company’s own staff. “Just imagine how many hours of their devs and managers go to interviews and checking assignments,” one person wrote. Another added, “As someone who conducted tech interviews, this is absurd.”
The general consensus? Enough is enough. Redditors urged candidates to stop tolerating such grueling hiring procedures, suggesting that job seekers should feel empowered to walk away from excessively demanding recruitment processes. After all, if you’re expected to survive a corporate version of a triathlon just to get hired, maybe it’s time to reconsider who’s interviewing whom.
