How Long Should an Interview Last?
- Anne Ong
- Oct 9
- 1 min read
Have you ever wondered why interview duration matters?
"How long did that interview last?" is usually one of my first questions when debriefing candidates.
While a candidate's perception of an interview may be positive, the actual duration can provide a more reliable indicator of their potential for selection or progression to the next stage of the hiring process.
𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐭 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫?
💡A strong signal of interest: A longer interview often indicates the interviewer's interest in your candidacy.
💡A sign of potential fit: A longer duration can signal that you are a strong candidate for the role.
💡A glimpse into the future: A focused and engaged interviewer, discussing the next steps, can be a positive sign.
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐠𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞:
In-person interviews: 45-60 minutes
Phone or Zoom interviews (Screening): 15-30 minutes
Managerial or senior roles: 90-120 minutes
Remember: While these are general guidelines, the duration alone isn't a guarantee of success. Other factors, such as your qualifications, experience, and interview performance, also play a significant role.
What do you think about the interview duration? Share your experiences in the comments below!
image credit: Step Up Recruiting





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