What’s the appropriate length of time for a candidate’s on-site interview?
General Rule – Generally, the length of time depends on the position offered. Candidates usually meet with potential team members and supervisors during on-site interviews. Typically, each interview should be around 30 minutes. The length of the day, then, will depend on the number of team members participating in the interview process. Often, the higher […]
General Rule – Generally, the length of time depends on the position offered.
Candidates usually meet with potential team members and supervisors during on-site interviews. Typically, each interview should be around 30 minutes. The length of the day, then, will depend on the number of team members participating in the interview process. Often, the higher the position, the more team members the candidate needs to meet.
Time Frame Tips
In order to maximize your interview time, be sure to:
- Structure interviews as a series of competency-based questions, which should be asked within a consistent amount of time across multiple candidates.
- Try rehearsing the interview process with a colleague on the team. This can help you gauge how long the interview will take.
- Allocate a fixed amount of time for any tasks, tests, or formal presentations to be completed so each candidate starts on equal footing.
Final Tips
Remember to factor in extra time to allow the conversation to develop, and encourage a candidate to ask questions. If you are planning an entire day of interviews, or just a few hours, telling the candidate the timeline helps them prepare for the day ahead.
Helpful Links:
How Long Should Interviews Last – AskAManager.org
