When you have an upcoming interview, there’s a lot to consider. Everything from your wardrobe and grooming to interview question prep and tools to calm your nerves are all considerations. Another consideration many job seekers wonder about is: “How long do interviews last?” It’s an important question because knowing how long an interview will last helps you better prepare to maximize your time to ensure you stand out to the hiring team.
How long do interviews last?
Interviews allow the employer to get to know you better and determine if you’re the right fit for the job while allowing you to prove that you most certainly are. The length of an interview depends on several factors, including the type of interview and the company’s hiring processes. Every employer is different and has their own set of procedures and approaches to interviewing candidates.
At the end of the day, the length of an interview depends on your specific scenario. Sometimes, interviews might run longer or shorter than expected, which some associate with a positive or negative result. However, if this happens to you, don’t read into it. A longer-than-anticipated interview doesn't necessarily mean the interview went well. On the other hand, it isn’t bad if a job interview is short.
So, how long do interviews last?
One way to determine the answer to “How long do interviews last?” is to understand the type of interview you’ve been requested to attend. In this article, we cover the various types of interviews you might experience, how long each type typically lasts, and preparation tips for success.
How long do phone interviews last?
A phone interview is likely the first interview type you'll encounter during the hiring process. A recruiter or HR professional generally conducts phone interviews with a focus on screening candidates to ensure they have the minimum qualifications for the job. If the minimum requirements are met, then candidates are referred to the hiring manager.
The phone interview involves being asked basic questions about your resume, qualifications, why you’re seeking employment, and your availability to start. A basic phone interview that serves as a screener is often scheduled for 15 minutes, though it can last as long as 30 minutes.
It's also possible for an initial phone interview to be more in-depth, where the interviewer asks additional questions to determine culture fit. Questions about your management style preference, time management skills, conflict resolution skills, and work style surface at this point. When a phone interview focuses on culture fit, it can last anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes.
How long do interviews last when they are in person?
The length of in-person interviews can vary greatly depending on who you're interviewing with and the organization's interviewing structure. Generally, a typical in-person interview, when you meet with a single hiring team member, is scheduled for 45 to 90 minutes. However, some interviews can take several hours, depending on the company's hiring processes. While some organizations are focused on efficiency and getting candidates through as quickly as possible, others that want to see candidates demonstrate skills that can take several hours.
The same length variation holds true if the in-person interview involves a panel of interviewers. Panel interviews provide an efficient way to interview and are sometimes used to see how well a candidate presents themselves under pressure and in front of a group of people.
You may also meet with several people in a single day, with back-to-back interviews. Each interview will typically last 45 to 90 minutes. You might also meet with some individuals who will be your peers and can offer insight into the job, company, and culture. These interviews are less formal and last about 15 to 20 minutes.
Another type of in-person interview that might occur when you get close to receiving an offer is meeting with the department head or someone higher up than your supervisor or manager. These are often brief – about 15 to 20 minutes – and serve as an introduction and final review of benefits, salary, and other job elements.
You might find yourself facing several rounds of interviews as you move through the hiring process, as well. Generally speaking, as you advance through the interview stages, the interviews tend to last longer. Also, if you're a mid or high-level candidate or applying for a hard-to-fill position, expect the interview to be longer. These positions can be challenging to fill and costly when the wrong candidate lands the job, so organizations like to take their time and ensure you're the right fit on several fronts.
How long do interviews take when they’re done by video?
Video interviews can occur at any point throughout the hiring process. They can sometimes replace a phone interview or an in-person interview. Often, recruiters prefer a video call over a phone call so they can see your expression and body language when you provide your answers.
A video interview might be scheduled if the hiring manager is in a location different from where you'll work or vice versa. If you're interviewing for a remote job, you'll likely have a video interview. Depending on who you're interviewing with, you can anticipate a video interview to be 15 to 60 minutes long.
How do technical interviews differ from other interview types?
For certain technical positions, like engineering roles, technical interviews are common. A technical interview involves a recruiter or hiring manager testing your technical skills. It can occur at any point during the hiring process and tends to last at least an hour, depending on what you’re being tested on and how.
As a form of prescreening, you might receive a technical interview quiz or test sent by secure email or a website where you have to complete and send back your responses. You’ll likely continue to the next round of interviews if you scored well or answered appropriately on the prescreen.
For in-person technical interviews, you could be required to write your answers out or respond verbally. Some organizations may want to test your skills in a real-world or simulated real-world environment. In contrast, others may provide a test or questionnaire during the interview.
It's important to note that technical interviews are very specific to each employer and can vary greatly. Generally, the employer will share what to expect and how long you should plan for the interview.
How long do group interviews last?
Group interviews involve the hiring manager or a panel interviewing a group of candidates together. These interviews allow for efficiency and provide a means to see how candidates interact with other candidates. The length of a group interview is dictated mainly by the group size, though, on average, it lasts between 60 and 90 minutes.
How long do interviews last for open-hire scenarios?
Open hiring interviews generally occur at hiring events, like job fairs or an open hiring day at the company. It's possible to meet with the hiring team at any point during the event.
Usually, the hiring event will be the first time the employer reviews your resume. If you meet the minimum qualifications, an interview will follow at that moment. These interviews typically last between 30 minutes and an hour. If all goes well, you can receive a job offer at the event or be asked to come into the office for another interview with additional hiring team members.
Tips to maximize your time for success
Whether you’re connecting with a recruiter for 15 minutes or a hiring team for 90 minutes, the goal is to make a positive impact so you can move forward in the hiring process. When you properly prepare for each type of interview, you’re more likely to succeed in achieving that goal.
Here are some tips to help you prepare and maximize your time, regardless of the interview type or length.
1. Practice responding to interview questions
You'll likely be asked several standard interview questions during an interview, some of which are easier to answer than others. Be prepared as you don't want to get caught off guard by the more challenging questions.
Practice answering interview questions with a friend so you have a general idea of how you'll respond. Practicing also allows you to feel more confident going into and during the interview. If you really want to up your game, you can hire an interview coach.
2. Do your homework
Go into the interview with as much information as possible about the company, the interviewer, and the position. This will allow you to focus your energy on only asking questions that you haven’t found the answers to or want more information about.
You should, at a minimum, know about the company’s history, their area of focus, and what they’re looking for in the position. When you share some of what you learned throughout the interview and inquire further, it shows you’re well-prepared and truly interested in the position.
3. Have questions prepared for the interviewer
There's a common understanding that candidates should go into an interview with at least three substantial questions to ask the interviewer. However, some fail to prepare in this area. Not having questions prepared can show a lack of interest in the company and position.
Asking questions is a great way to open the door to deeper and more meaningful conversations. These conversations lead to greater connection and allow you to highlight more of your skills and achievements.
It can also be good to blend the types of questions you ask. For example, you might ask a question about the interviewer's background, a question specific to the department or organization as a whole, and a question about the position itself.
4. Remain focused
Most candidates go into interviews with a general idea of how long the interview will last, but it's not a guarantee. To maximize your time, always keep your answers as focused as possible. It can be easy to go off the beaten path with a story or share more than necessary about your history. Do your best to avoid this so you can provide as much information as possible that is truly relevant to the position and makes you stand out from the competition.
5. Develop an interview plan
Things seem to steer us off course on the days that we really need things to go smoothly. To prevent this from happening, have an interview plan in place to keep things on track and help reduce unnecessary stress.
Your plan should include the following:
Be sure you know how long it will take you to get to the interview – considering factors like time of day and traffic.
Know how to get into the building or office and where to go once you're inside.
Make sure you have all materials ready and organized to take with you when you're prepared to walk out the door.
Set out and prepare your wardrobe the day before the interview.
Optional: Bring a kit with you that includes at least tissues and deodorant if sweating becomes an issue and makeup for touchups should you need it.
6. Properly prepare for video interviews
The last thing you want is to cut into your interview time with issues that could've been prevented. For a video interview, it's vital you take time prior to the interview to test the software being used, along with your internet speed, microphone, speaker, and camera settings, to ensure all are in working order. Additionally, prepare ahead to ensure you have a clear and clutter-free background, a noise-free area, and the right wardrobe selected for a virtual interview.
Set yourself up for success
Though there’s no way to know for sure exactly how long an interview will last, you should be able to gauge an approximate length based on your circumstances. You can then prepare using the tips above to leave a lasting impression that lands you the job.
Want to ensure your resume is up to par to land you your next interview? Why not submit your resume for a free review today?
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Written by
Ronda Suder, Professional Writer
With a drive to foster safety and expand possibilities through writing, performing, and working with others, Ronda brings 25 years of combined experience in HR, recruiting, career advice, communications, mental and behavioral health, and storytelling to her work. She’s a certified career coach and holds a Master’s in Human Resources, a Master’s in Film and Media Production, and a Master’s in Counseling and Development. As a writer, she’s covered topics ranging from finance and rock mining to leadership and internet technology, with a passion for career advice and mental-health-related topics. When she’s not at her computer, Ronda enjoys connecting with others, personal growth and development, spending time with her beloved pooch, and entertainment through movies, television, acting, and other artistic endeavors. You can connect with Ronda on LinkedIn and through her website.
