CAREER & HIRING ADVICE

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33 Essential Job Interview Statistics Every Applicant Should Know

Job interviews can be the most dreadful part of the entire hiring process. Imagine an intimidating panel of interviewers throwing either job-related or out-of-this-world questions. As a candidate, you’ll do what it takes to deliver impressive answers and nail the interview!

But whether you’re a professional establishing your career or a student looking for a job, be confident in a job interview. Start by performing due diligence or doing your homework. Why? It pays to know the facts and figures to make informed decisions in your job applications.

This page collates some of the essential job interview statistics for every applicant. Read on to get some expert insights, prepare for upcoming interviews, and set yourself up for career success.

What To Know About Job Interviews and Key Statistics (+Expert Advice)

Understanding the job interviews’ nitty-gritty as a job applicant is crucial. This offers valuable insights to help you ace the interviews, get a job offer, and stay ahead in your career. But what are the things about job interviews you ought to know?

Here are some interview insights, key statistics, and expert advice for every job applicant:

1. The Role of Job Interviews in Recruitment

Job interviews are always part of the entire hiring process. They can be initial, behavioral, or final interviews with a recruiter or a panel of interviewers. These interviews allow hiring professionals to get to know you, including your knowledge, skills, and behavior.

However, here’s the catch:

  • Job applicants get one interview call for every six applications submitted. (Zippia, 2023)
  • Only 2% of candidates who submit their applications get a job interview. (Standout CV, 2024)
  • Only four to six get shortlisted for an interview after a company receives 250 resumes. (Zippia, 2023)
  • Just over 8% of total applicants make it to the interview scheduling stage—a 34% decrease from 5 years ago. (JOBVITE, 2024)

So, consider yourself lucky if you’ve been scheduled for a job interview. This means you’ve been shortlisted for the next round after submitting your application. However, it also means not wasting the opportunity by acing your job interview.

Expert advice: 

Reyansh Mestry, Head of Marketing at TopSource Worldwide, emphasizes the role of job interviews in the recruitment process.

Mestry says, “Job interviews play a crucial role in the recruitment process, serving as the gateway for candidates to showcase their knowledge and skills and if they fit the role. With only a small percentage of applicants making it to the interview stage, make the most of that opportunity by being well-prepared and presenting your best self.”

2. The Success Rate of Job Interviews

Job interviews are crucial not only for job applicants but also for recruiters. Take note:

  • Nearly 95% of hiring professionals say that interviews are “very valuable” for making the best hiring decisions. (Criteria, 2023)

But be wary:

  • It only takes 90 seconds for interviewers to decide whether to hire you or not. (TeamStage, 2024) 

Apparently, there’s a line drawn between being interviewed and actually passing it. You might be fortunate enough to get scheduled for an interview, but you must have the confidence to ace it. 

What’s the success rate of job interviews, anyway? 

The facts and figures below paint an interesting yet glaring picture:

  • Job applicants have a 36.89% chance of receiving a job offer after one interview and a 51% chance after three interviews.(Zippia, 2023)
  • ​​On average, it takes 20 to 40 days to receive a job offer after an interview. (Zippia, 2023)
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This means mustering enough strength and confidence to ace the interview. 

But here’s the problem:

  • Nearly half of candidates fail job interviews due to a lack of information about the company. (LegalJobs, 2024)
  • The most common interview mistakes job applicants make are: (CareerBuilder)
  • Not asking good questions (38%)
  • Talking too much (33%)
  • Showing disengagement (32%). 

So, it’s best to research the company and position you’re applying for before the job interview. Likewise, ask smart questions, speak concisely, and show utmost interest during the actual interview.

Expert advice:

Jarret Austin, Owner of Bankruptcy Canada, recommends attending job interviews with enough research and ample preparation.

Austin explains, “Job interviews are pivotal in the hiring process, but passing one requires more than just showing up. With nearly half of candidates failing due to lack of preparation, doing homework and asking thoughtful questions is key. Confidence and research can turn a good interview into a job offer.” 

3. Job Interview Format and Duration

Did you know?

  • The interview takes the longest time in the hiring process. (Yello, 2020)
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Over half of companies (52%) have an interview process lasting four to six weeks. (Jobscore, 2024)