Referral interview process without a job posting

As many of you know the job market sucks.  I may be biased, but I think it's worse for people at a mid/senior level.

Anyway, I was referred to a very large institution and began an informal interview process. I am getting close to the end of the road here, but they just now requested a multi-hour in-person model test.  

I am currently a VP and have extensive deal experience, with some overlap with what this group does, but it is not truly apples to apples. Due to the nature of this interview process, I haven't seen a job spec, discussed compensation, or title whatsoever.

Does anyone else find this slightly strange? I guess I am just worried that if I go through the process and they offer me something below what I can take, it would feel like a waste of time, but given the current state of the market, I do not want to leave any stone unturned.

Has anyone experienced taking a model test for a VP job? I have also explained that, as a VP, I am not living in Excel all day. I manage a team of analysts and associates and oversee this process while getting involved when necessary. 

4 Comments
 

I am in the market looking at VP and SVP jobs and that is not typically part of the process.  I have 15 years of experience with nearly 7 with direct analytical responsibilities and the rest managing an team of analysts.  So a test seems like a lot of time if you don't actually know anything about the comp.  VP can mean a lot of different things if its a bank.  That being said since it's a very large organization they may have a mandate for anyone coming on to take a the test.  If you have the time and feel up for it, just do it.  

 

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