The job interview process plays a vital role in identifying the ideal talent for any organization. It’s your opportunity to evaluate candidates and seek a harmonious alignment with both the organizational culture and the required skills for an open position. But striking the right balance between thoroughness and efficiency can prove challenging.
From the employer’s perspective, a lengthy interview process may seem like the way to go. Taking ample time seems like the surefire way to comprehensively identify the best-suited candidate. However, the longer the process drags on, the greater the risk of losing out on top-tier candidates.
Keep reading to discover more about the optimal length for a standard interview process, the issues associated with prolonged interview procedures, and gain insights on how to streamline the interview process.
What is the Standard Time-to-Hire Rate?
New research shows that the average time-to-hire rate is at an all-time high of 44 days, but this number can vary greatly depending on the industry in which your business operates. For example, the average time-to-hire in the energy and defense industry was 67+ days, while tech companies had an average of 20 days.
Another factor contributing to time-to-hire rates involves the type of role you’re hiring, as entry-level positions typically can be filled more quickly than senior-level positions.

What is the Average Length of the Interview Process?
For many companies, the length of the interviewing stage takes up the bulk of the time-to-hire rate. One survey estimates the average interview process length to be 23.8 days.
Over the course of this time, candidates will typically undergo multiple rounds of interviews, generally between 2-4. Conducting multiple rounds of interviews is now a standard process, as it allows companies to more thoroughly assess candidates and their skills and evaluate whether they’re a good culture fit.
Generally, there may be different types of interviews that candidates go through, including phone or screening interviews, in-person interviews, video interviews, and group interviews. Depending on the industry your company is in or the level of role you’re hiring for, there may be more rounds of interviews.
Pros and Cons of a Lengthy Interview Process
There are cases for and against having a long interview process. Some of the benefits of having a longer interview process include the following:
- Thoroughly vetting candidates: One of the largest perks of taking your time with the hiring process is that you have the time to thoroughly assess a candidate and their skills. If your hiring process is too short, you may end up making rash decisions or choosing a candidate that doesn’t have the right skillset for the job.
- More informed decision-making: Similar to being able to thoroughly vet candidates, taking your time with the interview process can help you gather all the facts that you need. Then, you have a breadth of information to make more informed hiring decisions, which can help prevent you from hiring the wrong candidate.
- Better culture fits: Finding a competent candidate can be done quickly, but it can be extremely difficult to find the right culture fit in a short amount of time. A longer interview process enables you to ask more targeted questions and have candidates exposed to more members of your company. All of this can help ensure that you’re finding the right candidate to excel in your company.
While having a lengthy interview process can be beneficial, it can be potentially problematic for your company. Here’s an overview of some common downsides to having a long interview process:
- Candidates drop out of the process: When you ask candidates to undergo multiple rounds of interviews and wait weeks for your company to decide, many candidates become frustrated and drop out of the hiring process on their own accord. Additionally, top talent is likely interviewing with other companies and may be entertaining other job offers while your company is carrying out its long interviewing process.
- Reduced number of candidates: If your company is known to have a lengthy interview process, it may deter candidates who may not have the resources or flexibility to commit to attending multiple rounds of interviews, especially with no guarantee that they’ll get the job. This can result in a less diverse talent pool to pull from, even if that’s not your intention.
- Negative reputation: If candidates are frustrated by your lengthy interview process, they may share their frustrations on social media or other career sites. Alternatively, even if you offer them the role at the end of the process, the process may have left a bitter taste in their mouth, leading to them rejecting the offer.
- Increased costs: The process of filling a vacant role is expensive, and the lost productivity costs of a position being open can also add up quickly. If your company’s hiring process is lengthy, it can exacerbate the time and resources being spent. Conducting multiple rounds of interviews over multiple weeks is taxing on a company’s recruiting staff and hiring managers, which can manifest in the form of higher turnover, lower engagement, and lost productivity.

How Can You Streamline the Interview Process?
Despite the advantages of a longer interview process, companies can streamline their hiring practices to ensure they don’t lose out on top talent. Here are some tips to speed up the interview process without compromising on quality:
Set Objectives Prior to Opening a Role
Make sure that the job’s requirements and responsibilities are clearly defined before starting the interview process. This can help ensure each interview round is focused and relevant to the evaluation process.
Leverage Technology When Possible
Consider using technology, such as automated interviews, to speed up the interviewing process. Implement pre-employment assessments and skill tests to evaluate candidates’ competencies early in the process. This can help filter out unsuitable candidates and accelerate the decision-making timeline.
Prioritize Communication
Keep candidates informed throughout the process, providing updates on the status and timelines. Prompt and transparent communication leaves candidates with a positive impression of the company.
RELATED: 5 Simple Steps to Build a Diverse Hiring Process
Optimize Your Interview Process to Hire Top Talent
Striking the right balance between thoroughness and efficiency is essential in securing the best candidates. By implementing the suggested tips to speed up the interview process, companies can streamline their hiring practices, stay competitive in the job market, and ultimately build a talented and diverse workforce.
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