Companies frequently utilize interviews to gauge job candidate’s skills and personality traits. Depending on the company, these interviews might span from a few minutes to a few days.

Some companies will require multiple interviews over several days, while others may only require a single meeting.

There are no hard and fast rules regarding how long an interview should be. While it is a widely held perception amongst hiring managers, there is little evidence to support the idea that longer interviews provide more in-depth information about candidates.

According to several studies, shorter interviews are preferred because they still allow candidates to demonstrate their abilities without monopolizing the interviewer’s time.

How long should a normal interview for a job position be? This piece will review the benefits and drawbacks of various interview formats and lengths and advise you on what to expect during your next job interview.

How to maximize interview time

It takes more than just a great resume in today’s competitive job market to land a dream position. You must show up prepared, ready to impress and make a lasting impression. Whether you are interviewing for a new role or returning to work following maternity leave, here are some tips to help you nail your next big opportunity.

• Be prepared. Research the organization ahead to find out what topics they want to discuss. This will give you an idea of how much time you should spend preparing. If you need to learn about the organization, consider asking someone who does. They can tell you what questions to ask and what information you should provide.
• Know your audience. When conducting research, try to determine who will be attending the event. Are they technical experts, management, or both? What type of personality do they tend to possess? Knowing this will help you tailor your presentation accordingly. For example, if you speak to a group of executives, you won’t likely need to show off your coding skills. Instead, focus on demonstrating your problem-solving ability and working within a team.
• Don’t ramble. Try to keep your speech short. It’s okay to take a few moments to collect yourself, but if you go too long without saying anything, people will start thinking you aren’t interested in talking to them.
• Ask open-ended questions. Interviewers love to talk about themselves and their experiences. By asking questions like “What challenges did you face while working here?” or “Why did you decide to join our team?” you demonstrate an interest in learning about the interviewer.
• Follow up. After the interview ends, send a thank-you note via email or phone. Tell the person why you enjoyed meeting them and mention something specific you learned from the conversation. Even if you didn’t end up hiring the individual, it’s polite to let them know you appreciated the opportunity to meet.
• Show respect. Always treat everyone with kindness and courtesy. Never interrupt others or speak over them. And never forget to smile. People notice when you look happy and confident.
• Dress professionally. Make sure you wear clean clothes, avoid distracting patterns and colors, and don’t wear perfume or cologne.
• Practice! Asking good questions is one thing, but being able to answer them is another. That’s why practicing mock interviews is so important. Find a friend or family member who works at a company similar to the one you are applying to. Have them act as the interviewer and practice answering common interview questions.

How long does an interview typically last?

When it comes to interviewing for jobs, there are many different types of interviews. Some companies conduct phone interviews, while others prefer face-to-face meetings. There are also online video interviews, Skype interviews, and even panel interviews where several people sit together for a group discussion. Here we will discuss how long a typical job interview lasts.

In-person interviews

Most companies conduct in-person interviews for entry-level positions. These are usually conducted over several days. Typically, you will spend most of the day meeting with one person while others observe. This interview allows you to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in real-life scenarios.

The length of the interview depends on the position. For example, a simple administrative assistant role could take anywhere from 45 to 90 minutes. It might take longer if you’re interviewing for a management position or sales representative.

You’ll likely find yourself conducting some group interviews, where you’ll meet with several people. You may also need to meet with a supervisor or HR representative.

Phone interviews

The duration of these interviews varies depending on the position. It’s common for them to last between 15 and 40 minutes.

If you have been out of work for more than six months, most employers will only consider you for a job if they can see you in person. However, that doesn’t mean you should give up hope. Many companies still conduct phone interviews to screen applicants before scheduling in-person interviews.

These interviews allow companies to evaluate you based on your voice alone. They can ask you questions such as: “What would be your biggest weakness?” or “Tell me about a time when you had trouble working under pressure.”

Video interviews

You can expect a video interview to last from 15 to 90 minutes.

This is becoming increasingly popular among hiring managers. Companies use this method to save money by reducing travel costs. In addition, it gives candidates a chance to show their personality without having to leave home.

There are two ways to conduct a video interview. The first involves sending each candidate a link to a prerecorded video. Once you watch it, you submit feedback via text message or email. The second way is to record a video interview directly through a webcam.

It takes less time to do a video interview than to schedule an in-person consultation. But if you are uncomfortable doing the video interview, you can always opt for a telephone interview.

Technical interviews

The length of a typical technical interview is 45-60 minutes, which is about the same as the length of a first-round, in-person interview.

Many people fear taking part in a technical interview because they think it needs to be easier. However, most employers have yet to use one-on-one technical interviews.

Instead, many companies conduct technical interviews in groups, where several candidates participate in a panel discussion. This allows everyone to see how well each candidate performs.

The technical interview is often combined with another type of interview, such as behavioral or cultural questions.

For example, some companies might include a coding exercise in the technical interview. Another common practice is to ask about previous work experience and whether the applicant has worked with certain technologies or programming languages.

Group interviews

Group interviews should range between 30 minutes and three hours, depending on the position and the number of candidates interviewed that day.

During group interviews, you and five other candidates will sit together and talk to the same person, typically the hiring manager or a recruiter. Each candidate will answer questions individually while the rest of the group listens carefully.

The idea behind group interviewing is simple: If you know what everyone else is thinking, you can avoid making embarrassing mistakes. Companies use this technique because it saves both time and money. They want to save resources by conducting individual interviews if qualified candidates are left. Instead, they ask everyone the same set of questions simultaneously.

Open hiring interviews

There is a 30 minute to 1 hour window of time allotted for open interviews during the hiring process.

Some companies conduct open hiring events where potential employees are invited to apply online. These events include available interviews, speed dates, and informational sessions. Companies like LinkedIn, Monster, Glassdoor, Indeed, and Career Builder host such events.

During these events, you will attend at any time during the day and meet with potential employers. Interviewers will review your resume and perform an informal interview. They might ask questions about your skills, work history, and education. If they decide you are a good fit for the position, they may invite you to join the team immediately.

Conclusion

In short, the length of job interviews depends on the position and company. The best way to find out how long your job interview will be is by asking yourself before entering the room.

You should also prepare ahead so you will only have to spend half an hour preparing for the interview. You can start by reviewing your resume and practicing answering basic questions.

The interview process may be daunting and can be quite tiring. However, understanding each stage’s length can help ease some of that tension. And if you’re still feeling lost in the process, remember that our team of expert resume writers is always here to help!

From creating killer resumes to acing virtual interviews, we’ve got your back every step of the way. So go out there and land that dream job!