Why are interviews six rounds now

Had a mid-level PM interview last week that stretched into six calls plus a 3-hour take-home, and I walked. Are you seeing any companies keeping it to 2–3 focused conversations, or is this the new normal?

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My last two offers were from teams that kept it to ‘2–3 focused conversations’ and a 45-min case — six rounds feels like a Netflix limited series. I now ask the recruiter to map the full loop and push for a consolidated panel instead of serial 1:1s; if they can’t trim it, I bail. Only caveat: regulated orgs or safety-critical products sometimes need extra steps — what industry was yours?

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I’ve started asking the recruiter to consolidate into one half‑day panel and to confirm a decision date in writing; if they insist on six calls plus a ‘3-hour take-home,’ I pass. @athompkins42 I’ve also had good luck swapping the take‑home for a 45‑min live working session — anyone getting pushback on a 3‑interview cap?

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