How long does a typical interview last?
If you know how long an interview might last, you can make the most of your time with the hiring manager and make a good impression. Preparing for a certain amount of time makes sure that your answers stay on topic, so the interviewer can make a well-informed decision about whether or not to offer you the job. The length of the interview will probably depend on how it is set up and what stage of the process you are in.
In this article, we’ll talk about the different kinds of interviews, how long they last, and how to get ready for your next one.
How long does a typical interview last?
The length of an interview can range from 15 to 30 minutes to several hours. The length of an interview depends on a number of things, such as how it is set up. During the hiring process, you might have several different kinds of interviews, such as:
Interviews by phone
Most of the time, phone interviews are the first step in the hiring process. Most of the time, a recruiter or someone from human resources will call you to confirm basic information on your resume. They may also ask when you can start work if you get the job and when is the best time for you to come in for an interview. Sometimes, they’ll ask how much money you want.
Some recruiters may also ask you questions about the culture of the company during phone interviews. Questions can show how well you work in a group, how you deal with stress, and how well you plan your time. They might ask you these questions to decide if they want to set up an interview with the hiring manager for you.
If the recruiter only asks basic questions about your resume, the interview should take about 15 minutes. If they ask you more questions about how you work, you may need up to 40 minutes.
Interviews in person
Person-to-person interviews usually last between 45 and 90 minutes, depending on the hiring manager and how many employees you need to meet with. In some cases, you may have an interview with a company for up to a full day, during which you will do some of the main tasks of the job while being watched.
During face-to-face interviews, you can expect to be asked a variety of questions that test your ability to do all of the job’s tasks. You may also meet with possible coworkers to see how well you would fit in with the team. During panel interviews, you will meet with several managers and coworkers at the same time.
You may also have to meet with the department head or employer in person for a final interview. Most of the time, these interviews only last about 15 minutes and cover basic things about the job, like pay, hours, and benefits.
Video interviews
During the hiring process, video interviews can happen at any time. Some recruiters might replace phone interviews with video interviews so they can see how you answer different questions. If you applied for a job in a different location than you or if the hiring manager works from a different location, the recruiter may schedule a video interview instead of a face-to-face meeting.
A phone interview can last anywhere from 15 to 90 minutes, depending on whether you’re talking to a recruiter or a hiring manager.
Interviews with experts
Some companies do technical interviews for jobs in engineering, software development, and other similar fields. These usually last between 45 and 60 minutes, which is about the same as the first round of face-to-face interviews. They could happen at any time during the process of hiring. During this time, the interviewer will probably test how well you can use technology. They might ask you to say your answer out loud or write it down on a piece of paper or a whiteboard.
A technical interview questionnaire may be sent by some recruiters through a secure website. Most likely, you will have a certain amount of time to answer the questions and send back the form. Then, they’ll look at what you said and decide if you should move on to the next round of interviews.
Interviews in groups
During a group interview, you and a few other candidates will meet with the hiring manager or panel at the same time. Some companies do group interviews to see how candidates interact with each other and to save time during the hiring process. Most of the time, these interviews take about an hour, but it depends on how many people are in the group.
Open hiring interviews
Some companies hire people on the spot on certain days or at job fairs. During these events, you can talk to interviewers whenever they are available. The interviewer will look at your resume and then ask you questions on the spot. Sometimes, the hiring manager will give you the job right after the interview. Most open interviews for jobs last between 30 minutes and an hour.
How to get the most out of an interview
Follow these steps to make sure you make a good impression in the time you have:
1. Make a plan for the interview
You should make a plan to make sure that the interview goes well from start to finish. Make sure you get there early and have everything you need for the interview ready, like your resume, cover letter, a notepad, and a pen. If you have a phone or video interview, make sure your phone service and internet connection are working before the scheduled time.
2. Prepare answers to common questions
At any point in the hiring process, most recruiters and hiring managers will ask standard interview questions. If you think of some basic answers ahead of time, you’ll be ready to answer without needing extra time to think.
3. Make a list of your questions.
Most hiring managers or recruiters will give you time at the end of the interview to ask questions. When you plan your questions, you can think carefully about what you want from the organization. You should tailor your questions to find out what the company wants from you, how well you fit into the company’s culture, and who you will be working with.
4. Stick to the point
Depending on what they do at the company or how they act in general, you may find your interviewer to be very interesting. You might want to ask more about their job or hobbies, which could cut into the valuable time you have for the interview. Having a plan helps you stay on topic and finish the interview in the time you were given.
