The average job interview lasts between 15 minutes and one hour. However, some interviews may last longer than this, depending on the position, the number of questions asked, and the depth of discussion.
Have you ever had a job interview that just dragged on and on? You’re not alone. In fact, job interviews can take a variety of different lengths of time, depending on the position and the company. But what’s considered normal?
Read on to learn more about how long job interviews should last and what you can expect during different types of interviews.
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How Long Should You Expect a Job Interview to Last?
Well, there is no one-size-fits-all answer for this. Interviews can vary in length, depending on the employer and the position you are applying for. In some cases, job interviews may only last a few minutes, while in others, they may last an hour or more.
The length of a job interview is usually determined by the interviewer. In some cases, the interviewer may only have a few questions and will want to keep the meeting brief. In other cases, the interviewer may want to ask more in-depth questions and have a more extended discussion.
Ultimately, the interviewer is trying to determine if you are a good fit for the position and the company. The interview length will usually reflect the importance of the position you are applying for. The type of job you are applying for can also affect the interview length.
For example, entry-level positions may only require a brief meeting, while more senior positions may require multiple interviews that last an hour or more. Besides, senior positions or those that need specific technical skills will usually involve more prolonged time and detail.
The number of people participating in the interview can also affect its length. For example, if you are meeting with multiple people, the discussion may last longer so that each person has a chance to ask you questions.
So, if you’re wondering how long job interviews take, the answer is that it depends on the circumstances.
Different Types of Interviews and Their Length
There are several different types of interviews, each of which may last a diverse amount of time. Such as:
Phone Interview: A phone interview is a brief meeting, usually lasting a few minutes. The interviewer will ask you a few questions to get to know you better and confirm the details in the resume. They may also schedule a face-to-face interview after the phone call.
In-Person Interview: An in-person interview is a meeting between you and the interviewer. It usually lasts about 30 minutes to an hour or a bit more. The interviewer will ask you questions about your experience, skills, and qualifications.
Video Interview: Nowadays, video interviews are becoming more and more common, especially if the job location is in a different country or region. They may be conducted over Skype, Google Meet, or other video chat services. Video interviews usually last somewhere around 15 minutes.
Group Interview: Group interviews are usually conducted by companies that are looking to hire multiple people for the same position. The interviewer will ask questions to the group as a whole and may ask individuals to answer questions. Group interviews usually last about an hour.
Technical Interviews: If you are applying for a position that requires specific technical skills, you may be asked to participate in a technical interview. This type of interview is designed to test your knowledge and skills, and they usually last around 45 minutes to one hour.
What Questions are Commonly Asked?
Typically, the interviewer will want to ask about your qualifications, work history, and availability. They may also ask about your goals and objectives for the role you are applying for. In addition, interviews may include a practical component, such as a skills test or presentation.
If it’s a technical position, the interviewer may ask questions to test your knowledge. They may also ask you to solve a problem or complete a task. They may also ask behavioral questions, such as how you handle difficult situations or work under pressure. These types of questions are designed to assess your suitability for the role and the company.
The interviewer will also want to get to know you as a person. They may ask about your hobbies, interests, and anything else that would give them insight into who you are. Finally, the interviewer will usually ask if you have any questions. This is your chance to ask about the position, the company, or anything else that you want to know.
What Happens if a Job Interview Lasts Longer Than Expected?
If you find yourself in a job interview that is lasting longer than expected, there are a few things you can do. First, try to stay calm and keep your cool. It’s important to remember that the interviewer is just trying to get to know you better and assess your suitability for the role.
If the interview lasts longer than an hour, it’s probably because the interviewer wants to get to know you better. Also, they may be trying to gauge your personality and see how you react under pressure.
If the interview lasts longer than two hours, it’s probably because the interviewer is trying to assess your skills and knowledge. For example, they may be testing your problem-solving ability or asking you difficult questions.
In any case, try to stay calm and polite. If the interviewer is taking up a lot of your time, you can politely ask if they have any other questions.
Conclusion
Most job interviews can take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour or more. The interview length depends on the type of job you are applying for, the company, and the interviewer.
We hope this article helped give you an idea of how long job interviews can take. Good luck with your next job interview!
