Reaching a Consensus

Often used in the 2^nd round of interviews, consensus is a process for group decision-making. It is a democratic method by which an entire group of people can come to an agreement.

The input and ideas of all participants (or interviewees in this case) are gathered and synthesized to arrive at a final decision acceptable to all. Through consensus, they are not only working to achieve a better solution to their hiring problem – who can plug a gap in terms of personality & cultural fit – it also promotes the growth of community and trust within the hiring business itself.

According to Wikipedia … Consensus decision-making is a group decision making process that seeks the consent of all participants. Consensus may be defined professionally as an acceptable resolution, one that can be supported, even if not the "favourite" of each individual. Consensus decision-making is thus concerned with the process of deliberating and finalizing a decision, and the social and political effects of using this process.

Having been through this process before, I’ve been through it in the last few months and yet again, will be doing it all again next week for a different role. Far from a negative, an opportunity to get to meet and talk with some of the key stakeholders within the business BEFORE you start working there along with, more chances to demonstrate why you are the man / woman for the role in question.

Before joining 118118 in 2004, my 2nd round interview(s) consisted of 7 face to face meetings; entering the building at 10am and leaving gone 6pm that evening.

More on Preparing for an Interview

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