If you're looking for a job, you might have sensed that it seems to be taking longer to snag an offer than in the past. You're right. A recent study from the employment site found that the average interview process in the U. S. is now 22. 9 days, nearly double the 12. 6 days in 2010. It's a maddening shift that's only added stress for job hunters. I'll provide tips on how to deal with this new reality in a moment, but first it's important to understand what's driving this change. On the surface, the trend towards longer hiring cycles seems counterintuitive. After all, as the war for talent has been heating up, you'd expect employers to act faster, not slower, to lock-in the best candidates. The unemployment rate just hit a seven-year low (at 5. 3%) and the CareerBuilder jobs site says 49% of employers plan to hire full-time, permanent employees in the second half of 2015, up from 47% last year. So what gives? ( MORE: What do Job Interviewers Really Look For? ) According to Glassdoor Chief Economist Andrew Chamberlain, there are several reasons why the interview process is taking longer these days.
Many applicants get cut at this stage due to lack of attention or unprofessionalism. These interviews will only last 15 to 20 minutes, but will give the hiring manager a good idea about whether or not they want you to come in for an in-person interview. In-Person Interviews The next phase tends to be the most stressful, but with practice you will be a pro in no time! The in-person interview is typically the last stage before employers hire someone new into the company. Most interviews will last from a half hour to an hour (in some cases they can last even longer) and you can prepare by choosing your most respectable outfit, rehearsing possible questions and performing mock interviews. When it comes time for the interview, you will feel much more at ease if you've thought through the situation and feel mentally prepared. From the instant you arrive at the interview site, there will be eyes watching (from the receptionist to potential coworkers in the parking lot), so appear professional at all times.
International Student Resources Student Job Search Interview The Interview Process Explained Approximately 92 percent of adults experience anxiety when it comes to job interviews, so it's completely normal to feel a little nervous beforehand. Whether this will be your first interview or you've had a bit more practice, it's always a good idea familiarize yourself with different types of interviews so that you will feel prepared when the big day comes. To help prepare yourself, you can always ask your potential employer what kind of interview he or she will be hosting, either on the phone, one-on-one, panel, or group interview. The hiring manager will receive an overwhelming number of applicants for an open position, and will set aside the most qualified, organized and relevant resumes. Those who pass this scan are either asked to give supplemental documents, asked to schedule a phone interview, or asked to come to an in-person interview. The Phone Interview If asked for a phone interview, make sure you take it as seriously as an in-person interview.
Group interviews can be the hardest because you are sharing the attention of the interviewers and may feel like you are being compared to your competition with each question that is asked. Take a deep breath and offer your answers when asked and be respectful of everyone at the table, especially the other candidates. Offering to answer a question first is a great way to set you apart from the pack early on, but avoid power struggles, as they may tell the hiring manager that you would be difficult to work with. After the Interview Asking for a business card from the interviewer is a great way to get the spelling of their full name and contact information that you will need to write a personalized thank you note. Sending a simple email or a traditional card after you leave the premises is a great way to remind an employer about your interview, and to also reinforce your interest in the position. Though each interview will be different, every interviewer will respect a candidate who comes in prepared.
As I've written before, a strong internal reference is one of the most effective ways to best the competition. Of course, it's wise not to appear too eager. There's a fine line between good follow-up and looking desperate. So demonstrate your interest by touching base at the agreed upon checkpoints, but resist the temptation to check in every time you get anxious. 4. Don't read too much into employer promises. Even if you're told "We'll definitely have a decision by next week" or "You're one of our top two candidates, " take such comments with a grain of salt. Employers' plans change. A hundred things that have nothing to do with you can delay the decision: The hiring manager goes on vacation; an internal project suddenly requires attention; the company becomes the target of a takeover. It's fine to take a moment to relish any encouraging comments, but then plow full steam ahead with the job search. 5. Adjust your expectations (and advise your significant others to do the same). Reset your mental time clock and plan on the process lasting two or three times longer than the employer indicates.
There are three main types of in-person interviews: One-on-One Interviews These are the most common interviews and will most likely be conducted by a direct supervisor or someone from Human Resources. For these interviews it is important that you research the company thoroughly and know how you fit into its vision. Practice all types of sample interview questions such as situational, behavioral, skill-set, and resume-related questions. Panel Interviews Others interviews will be panel format. They are conducted by two or more interviewers in order to reduce the bias that often comes with individual interviewers. Make eye contact with the person asking the question, but make sure you are also giving each member on the panel your attention. Treat them all with equal respect and importance. Group Interviews Some interviews may be in a group setting, in which several candidates are interviewed simultaneously. This style gives employers an opportunity to notice leadership potential and teamwork.
If you're a law enforcement candidate, you'd better have a holster full of patience: the average hiring time for police officers clocks in at a painfully slow 128 days. Glassdoor says neither age, gender or education affect hiring time, though. 7 Tips for Job Seekers Its report leaves little doubt that you should expect your job search to last awhile. Given that reality, here are seven ways to better manage the wait and, with any luck, cut the time it takes for you to get hired: 1. Do your homework about the employer's hiring process. Learn what you can before you apply. This will help you tamp down expectations. Many companies now post information about their particular hiring process on the career page of their websites; some even offer online chats for prospective applicants. You can also research the interview process by reading employer reviews on sites like or as well as by speaking with friends who work at your target employers. 2. Ask about "next steps" at the end of each interview.