Why Interviews Last Different Lengths of Time (And What That Means)

Interviews are a crucial part of the hiring process that allows employers to learn more about their potential employees and assess their qualifications.

However, not all interviews proceed in the same manner. Some interviews may last just a few minutes, while others might drag on for hours. So, the question is, how long do interviews last?

But why do interviews last different lengths of time, and what does that mean for both employers and job seekers? We'll dive into some of the factors that can influence the duration of an interview and what implications they might have.

4 Factors That Influence How Long an Interview Lasts

Various factors can influence interview duration, including the interview format, purpose, career level, answers, and other variables.

As a job seeker, it's essential to be aware of these factors and how they may impact the interview process. While finding a job in today's competitive job market can be challenging, being well-informed and prepared can increase your chances of success.

In addition to knowing what to bring (or not to bring) and how to dress appropriately for the interview, it's also essential to understand your career goals and how to present yourself as the best candidate for the job.

This involves researching the company and the role and understanding how your skills and experience align with the job requirements.

By preparing for the interview, you can make the most of your interview time and increase your chances of landing the job.

Format

The format of an interview process can significantly impact its duration. In-person interviews are longer than remote sessions, including phone calls and video interviews.

That's because in-person interviews typically involve more formalities, such as greetings, introductions, and small talk, which can take up a significant amount of time before the actual interview begins.

Additionally, in-person interviews may include physical assessments or tasks requiring more time. For example, a job interview for a chef position might require a cooking demonstration, which can add an hour or two to the interview duration.

On the other hand, remote interviews, like video and phone calls, are shorter because they allow the interviewer to jump straight into the questions after the initial greetings.

Remote interviews are usually more convenient for both parties, leading to more efficient time use.

However, it's worth noting that video interviews and phone calls may also have their own challenges, such as technical difficulties or lack of nonverbal cues, which can affect the interview quality.

Purpose

The purpose of an interview can also influence its duration. For example, the initial interview, where the hiring manager gets to know the candidate, tends to be shorter than subsequent interviews.

In this case, the interviewer may only need to cover the basics of your qualifications and experience and eventually assess your fitness for the role and the company culture.

These interviews can last around 30-45 minutes, but they typically take about an hour when you consider questions, greetings, and so on.

On the other hand, a technical assessment interview can last much longer. These types of interviews are designed to evaluate technical skills and knowledge and may involve hands-on exercises or problem-solving tasks.

The interviewer may need to observe the candidate's work and provide feedback, which can take several hours to complete.

Finally, a roundtable interview where the candidate meets multiple people from the company can also take longer than a traditional one-on-one interview.

Multiple interviewers may want to ask questions and assess candidates' fitness for different departments or roles. These interviews can last anywhere from one to two hours, depending on the number of interviewers and the questions' complexity.

Career Level

The level of the position being interviewed for can also impact the length of the interview. Entry-level interviews generally last shorter than senior-level interviews.

Entry-level roles often require less experience and expertise, so the interviewer may not need as much time to assess the candidate's qualifications. Entry-level interviews typically last around 60 minutes or less.

In contrast, a senior-level interview process tends to be longer and more involved. These types of interviews may involve multiple interviews and assessments, including interviews with senior executives or board members and the hiring manager.

The interviewer may also want to evaluate your leadership and strategic thinking skills, which can take more time to assess. Senior-level interviews may last anywhere from one up to two hours or more, depending on the complexity of the role and the level of scrutiny required.

Answers

The answers provided by the interviewee can also significantly impact the duration of the interview.

While interviewers may have a set of predetermined questions, interviewees do have much control over how long the interview goes.

Providing concise responses can help move the interview along quickly. However, this may also be interpreted by the hiring manager as a lack of interest or preparation.

On the other hand, answering every question sparingly can cause the interview to drag on for longer than necessary.

It could also communicate to the employer that the interviewee needs to be more focused or have better time management skills.

Therefore, interviewees need to find a rhythm that works for them - providing detailed answers when necessary but also being mindful of time constraints and the employer's expectations.

Finding the right balance between providing enough detail and taking little time is vital for a successful interview. Interviewees should anticipate the types of questions they may be asked and prepare concise, well-thought-out responses.

Consequently, they can ensure that they communicate their qualifications effectively while respecting the employer's time.

What Does a Short Interview Mean?

If your interview ends up being shorter than the scheduled time, it does not necessarily mean you didn't do well. Finishing 15 to 30 minutes earlier than the scheduled one-hour time slot doesn't indicate that the employer is no longer interested.

As a matter of fact, it could be a positive sign that the interviewer saw what they were looking for in you early on in the interview. Alternatively, there could have been unforeseen circumstances, such as an urgent matter that required the interviewer's attention or a scheduling conflict.

It's essential to keep in mind that the duration of an interview is not the only factor that determines your fitness and selection for the role. Instead, the quality of the conversation and the substance of your responses matter the most.

Rather than focusing on the interview length, it's more important to present yourself in the best possible light and communicate your qualifications effectively. Ultimately, the hiring manager will evaluate you based on the interview's contents, not just its length.

In summary, a short interview can have many different reasons behind it and is not necessarily a negative sign. Perhaps something came up at the company, and the interviewer had already gathered what they needed, and they had to cut things short.

What If My Interview Goes Long?

If your interview goes longer than the allotted time, it could be due to many unrelated reasons. However, it's important to note that a more extended interview doesn't necessarily mean the employer is more interested in you.

There could be many reasons for the extension beyond 60 minutes, such as a more extensive discussion or the interviewer wanting to cover more topics.

This could indicate that the employer sees your potential and wants to get to know you better. It's important to remain engaged and interested throughout the extended interview, even if you start to feel fatigued.

How To Use Your Interview Time Effectively

To use your interview time effectively, it's essential to be prepared. Don't focus as much on "How long do interviews last?" but more on the quality of the time spent.

Rehearse how you'll respond to common interview questions in advance so that you are confident and articulate during the interview.

This will also prevent nervousness or hesitation, which could impact the overall quality of your responses.

Additionally, make a list of questions you want to ask the employer so you can understand the role and the company more deeply. This'll help you determine whether or not the role is a good fit for you.

During the interview itself, it's essential to keep the conversation moving. Avoid taking unreasonable pauses or breaks to leave the room, as this can disrupt the flow of the conversation and create an awkward atmosphere.

Instead, engage in active listening and maintain eye contact with the interviewer and do keep an eye out for non-verbal cues. This shows your respect for the interviewer's time and interest in the position.

Finally, relaxing and maintaining a confident demeanor throughout the interview is crucial. Show the employer that you are a competent candidate, increasing your chances of being selected as a frontrunner.