On the corporate ladder, you’ll inevitably come across a rung that requires a stretch, especially under tight hiring conditions. “Prospective employers want to know more about your thought processes and your ability to lead a team in resolving issues without personally stepping in to solve problems,” explains Peg Tobin, owner of Ohio-based executive recruiting firm Tobin & Associates.

“Expect a longer, more thorough interview process,” Tobin says. “The idea is to see how you behave when you let your guard down, to learn as much as possible about your personality.” That means a thorough peer review through formal interviews and less formal shadowing or lunch meetings, all of which are critically important. And you may be asked to undergo cognitive testing to reveal your ability to think tactically and strategically, deal with abstract concepts and express ideas.

Sound invasive? That’s exactly the point. “When this much is at stake, prospective employers want to understand the complete package,” Tobin says. But if you’re up to the challenge, the reward can be a giant leap on your career path.