Lateral hiring refers to hiring experienced professionals (as opposed to campus/fresher hiring). In India, lateral hiring processes vary significantly based on company size, industry, and seniority level. Here's what to expect.
Stage 1 — Sourcing & Application (Week 0-1): Your resume enters the pipeline through: online applications (portals/career pages), employee referrals, recruiter outreach (LinkedIn/Naukri), or recruitment agencies. Referrals typically move faster — referred candidates skip the initial screening queue.
Stage 2 — Recruiter/HR Screen (Week 1): A 15-30 minute phone or video call to assess: your interest in the role, salary expectations, notice period, communication skills, and basic qualification fit. This is not a technical interview — it's a compatibility check. Be concise and enthusiastic.
Stage 3 — Technical/Domain Assessment (Week 1-3): For tech roles: coding test (HackerRank/online), followed by 1-2 technical interviews (DSA, system design, technology-specific questions). For non-tech roles: case study, domain knowledge interview, and practical assessment. This is the most critical stage — prepare accordingly.
Stage 4 — Managerial/Hiring Manager Round (Week 2-4): A conversation with your potential manager about: past projects and achievements, problem-solving approach, team fit, and career aspirations. This round assesses cultural fit and leadership potential alongside technical capability.
Stage 5 — HR Round & Offer (Week 3-6): Discussion of compensation, benefits, joining date, and any final questions. The offer is typically extended verbally first, followed by a written offer letter. Negotiation happens at this stage.
Timeline varies: Startups move fast (1-2 weeks total), MNCs take 3-4 weeks, and large Indian companies (TCS, Infosys for lateral) can take 4-6 weeks. Product companies with multiple interview rounds (Google, Amazon) may take 4-8 weeks.