How Long Do Interviews Last?

When searching for work, you may look for any indicator that could tell you how you’re doing with prospective employers. While moving to the interview stage is often a good sign, you might find yourself comparing the length of your interview against others to gauge success. If you wonder, “How long do interviews last?” read on to explore common interview durations and tips to help you maximize your time with the interviewer.

How long do interviews last?

Generally, the average job interview will last 45 minutes to an hour. Yet, the duration of your job interview can depend on several factors. 

The time your job interview takes could reflect where you are in the hiring process. Typically, earlier-stage interviews with a recruiter or human resources rep are shorter. The interview time could also vary depending on whether it’s in person, online, with a group, or in another format. When considering how long your interview should last, ensure it’s in the context of the interview format. For example, a Zoom interview will likely be shorter than a panel interview. 

15 minutes

When interviewing with a recruiter, a 15-minute call is typically acceptable. These interviews often begin the hiring process. The recruiter may call or set up a video conference to confirm basic details from your application. At this point, they may only need to decide whether or not to move you on to the hiring manager, so it doesn’t have to be a long interview.

Phone and video interviews, in general, can also be fairly short, lasting less than half an hour. Also, if you’re applying for a part-time job, you might only expect a 15-minute interview.

Read more: How to Follow Up With a Recruiter

30 minutes

First-round interviews with a hiring manager can last 30 minutes. This gives them enough time to determine whether you're a good fit for a role and get to know you better personally and professionally. The hiring manager may have a full day booked for interviewing candidates to determine which individuals they will advance to in-person or group interviews, which typically take longer.

Open hiring days are another typical setting for these shorter interviews. Again, the hiring managers want to meet with as many people as possible at that event to determine who they will follow up with to set up another interview.  

45 minutes

When you meet in person, you can generally expect a longer interview, with most averaging 45 minutes to an hour. In some cases, even online or phone interviews held later on in the process may take 45 minutes or longer, especially if the interviewer asks more detailed questions or it takes place later on in the process. However, in most cases, phone interviews mark earlier stage interviews and are a shorter interview setup.

One hour

You might wonder, “Is a one-hour interview a good sign?” It can be. Typically, the interviewer will only want to spend this much time with someone they consider as a candidate. 

Technical interviews may also last an hour or even longer. These are interviews for positions like engineers or software developers that may test your technical skills and knowledge. 

Group interviews can also last for an hour or longer. This is when an employer gathers several job candidates together to interview simultaneously. Not only does it allow them to learn more about your experience and education, but it allows them to see how you communicate and interact with others, and test essential workplace skills. 

Read more: 30 Technical Interview Questions and Tips for Answering

Multi-hour or multi-day

Some interviews can stretch over a full day, especially if your employee wants to oversee how you perform on a few supervised tasks in the office. Your schedule will likely include many 30- to 60-minute interviews with different people or several potential colleagues simultaneously in a panel-style interview. For instance, you might meet with the hiring manager, a potential colleague, and your supervisor. You may have to perform some of the job’s primary duties or make a presentation.

If you have a panel interview, this style can take longer than one-on-one meetings. You may face three, four, or five different interviewers at once. It might take place online or in person. With so many parties interested in asking questions, you can expect this interview to take 90 minutes or more. Conversely, you’re getting everyone’s questions handled at once rather than throughout three to five separate interviews.

Interview duration by type

Every interview will differ based on factors like who is interviewing you, the company you want to work for, and the role you're applying for. Often, the type of interview plays a role in the duration.  Take a look at some rough estimates of how long interviews last, but keep in mind that every interviewer will have their own approach: 

• Phone interviews usually last 15 minutes for a first screening but can last as long as 45 minutes.

• Zoom or other video interviews may last 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your stage in the interviewing process. 

• In-person interviews typically take 45 minutes or longer (even up to a full day), depending on the hiring manager's preferences and whether you'll meet with other employees within the company. 

• Group interviews will generally be an hour or more, depending on the number of people involved.

• Panel interviews can take 90 minutes or more, depending on how many people are on the panel.

• Technical interviews can take an hour or more, depending on the complexity of the skill you’re demonstrating.

How to make the most of your interview time

Whatever the length of your interview, you’ll want to do your best in the time allotted. You can make a positive impression no matter the type of interview or time spent by following these best practices:

• Find out what to expect. With so many types of interviews, it’s essential to ask about the format so you know what to expect and can prepare accordingly. You can also look online on job sites to find sample questions others have fielded for similar roles at that company.

• Arrive on time. Aim to arrive 10-15 minutes before your in-person interview start time. For online interviews, ensure you are punctual, even if that means logging into a Zoom room five minutes early. This creates a positive first impression and gives you the entire available time to make your pitch.

• Focus. Emphasize your skills, experience, and ability to learn. If you’re having a phone or online interview, take the call or your computer to a distraction-free setting to help you stay on track.

• Prepare questions. Expect the interviewer to ask you any questions you may have. Prepare a short list of questions in advance to ensure you’re ready. A good question can help demonstrate you’ve done your research and genuinely care about the position. 

• Close positively. This is your final chance to make an impression. Thank the interviewer by name. Reiterate your interest in the position and reinforce that you can do the job well. Emphasize the contribution you can make to the company overall.

Read more: 11 Interviewing Skills to Benefit Your Career

Next steps

No two job interviews are just alike. Your interview may take however long, depending on the role, where you are in the process, and the person interviewing you. Ultimately, the most important goal is to make a lasting impression, no matter how long the interview lasts. 

To make the most of your interviews, learn how to identify and effectively present your strengths to employers in the Interview Research and Preparation course offered by the University of Maryland on Coursera. To boost your confidence and speaking ability, when heading into an interview, check out the Finding Your Professional Voice: Confidence and Impact course offered by the University of London.