Executive Career Search - How Crazy is This Market?

Recently, I had lunch with a friend who shared his experience looking for his next position.He is a senior media executive and is the final candidate for two positions, while still employed. How many people would like to say this?For one position, my friend had 15 interviews which included 10 different visits. I can see 5, maybe 6 visits – but 10 - and over six months??  Seems over the top. It begs many questions – difficulty making decisions? Budget-shy due to economic concerns? Do the job specs keep changing? Are they being ridiculously picky on meeting all the specs to every degree?

My friend ran into someone who was on his roster of interviewers at an industry function. The job is still in play and this individual asked my friend if he could interview him for one of his own departmental positions. Awkward.For another position, my friend was asked to create an entire strategy and branding campaign for a live situation for a potential employer. In my line of work, that is considered free consulting, among other things. My friend did not get any substantial feedback on this work and the next month the entire business was rebranded. The company also never ended up filling the vacant role.

My takeaway? Anything goes. You have to be clear in how far you are willing to go to get the job - and then let the chips fall where they may. Years ago, when I was interviewing at a Fortune 500 company, they brought me in five times over a year timeframe and wanted to bring me in again – for only a mid-level position. I finally said no. “I am not going in again. You know enough about me – make your decision with what you know.” I got the job.What’s the balance point between accommodating requests in a “buyers market” and being willing to jump through any hoop?