A 7-hour interview? Why such an extreme can cost a company its best people!

Recently, we had a case where our client liked a recommended candidate so much that they conducted an interview that lasted an incredible 7 hours. This experience led us to reflect on what the ideal length of the recruitment process and the interview itself should be.

Ideal length of the recruitment process

According to data from multiple sources, candidates perceive an acceptable interview length to be 45-60 minutes and the entire recruitment process to be 3 to 6 weeks.

Processes that take longer often lead to the loss of quality candidates. Furthermore, an unnecessarily lengthy selection process can negatively impact a company's reputation in the job market.

⏱️ Optimal Interview Length

The length of the interview should correspond to the level of the position and the stage of the selection process:

• Phone screening15–30 minutes – Basic verification of information from the CV and candidate's motivation.

• First round of interviews30–60 minutes – deeper exploration of experiences and skills.

• Second round or technical interview60–90 minutes – detailed discussion of technical aspects and case studies.

• Final roundIn 2 hours – meeting with management (for higher management positions), discussion of mutual expectations and fine-tuning of cooperation terms.

Based on our experience, the ideal interview length for mid-level positions is between 45 and 60 minutes. Longer interviews may be justified for executive positions, but even in those cases, it's more effective to break them down into multiple shorter meetings.

⚠️ Risks of overly long interviews

Interviews lasting 3 to 7 hours (as was the case with our client) can have a negative impact:

• Candidate fatigueLong interviews can lead to fatigue, which affects performance and the ability to present oneself in the best light.

• Negative impressionCandidates may perceive such an approach as inefficient and unprofessional, which can affect their decision to accept an offer.

• Logistics problemsOrganizing lengthy interviews is time-consuming and resource-intensive, which can slow down the entire recruitment process.

✅ Recommendations for an Effective Recruitment Process

1. Set a clear planDefine the number of interview rounds and their content in advance.

2. Be transparentInform candidates about the process and expectations during the selection process.

3. Focus on quality, not quantityFewer, but quality meetings are better than one exhausting marathon.

4. Consider the feedbackAsk candidates for feedback on the selection process and interview to continuously improve the process. At the same time, also provide feedback to candidates.

Conclusion

An effective selection process is key to acquiring quality employees. The interview length should be appropriate and correspond to the position's level. Avoid unnecessarily long and exhausting interviews that can discourage talent. Instead, focus on quality preparation, clear communication, and effective time utilization during the selection process.

As a recruitment agency, we are happy to help you set up a selection process that is efficient, professional, and attracts the best candidates.