CAREER & HIRING ADVICE

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)

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)

Over half of companies (52%) have an interview process lasting four to six weeks. (Jobscore, 2024)

As such, it’s vital to understand how a job interview goes. However, how long does it usually take? 

Have a timecheck below:

• A job interview lasts for over an hour on average (Indeed, 2023)

• Phone interviews usually take about 15 minutes. (Zippia, 2023)

• The best time to have interviews is between 9 am and 11 am. (Adaface, 2024)

Job interviews come in different types and formats. As cited, they can be initial, behavioral, and final. Likewise, they can either be structured or unstructured. 

The proof is in the numbers:

• The interview process usually consists of five stages—a standard practice for most employers. (TeamStage, 2024)

• HR professionals employ structured interviews (74%) followed by behavioral interviews (73%), phone screening (57%), and panel interviews (48%). (Adaface, 2024)

• A quarter (24%) of hiring professionals say they conduct highly structured interviews. However, the vast majority (57%) employ somewhat structured interviews, while 17% have unstructured, conversational-style interviews. (Criteria, 2022)

And unfortunately enough:

• Over half of applicants fail a job interview due to mistakes in body language (Career Builder)

• No eye contact (67%)
• Not smiling (39%)
• Fidgeting too much (32%)
• Crossing arms (32%)
• Touching the hair or face (31%)
• Weak handshake (32%)
• Bad posture (31%)
• Too many hand gestures (13%)
• Strong handshake (8%)

So, in addition to your words, message, and content, pay attention to your nonverbal cues. Observe your smile, eye contact, seat, posture, gestures, and attire. Ultimately, how you present yourself during the interview will determine your job offer or rejection.

Expert advice:

Learn from Charles Platon, Founder of Peel and Stick Wall Murals. He believes that nonverbal cues are as important as oral communication skills.

Platon says, “Your behavior in a job interview speaks louder than words. Making a great first impression and being mindful of nonverbal cues—like eye contact, posture, and a genuine smile—can make all the difference. It’s not just about what you say but how you present yourself.”

5. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in Job Interviews

For the uninitiated, DEI is a workplace initiative now implemented by many companies and organizations. 

This initiative focuses on welcoming a diverse workforce, which means hiring and employing people from different walks of life without discrimination. It provides all employees with equitable opportunities, including those marginalized or underrepresented. 

The statistics below show how businesses regard and promote DEI in the workplace:

• Over 55% of employees say DEI in the workplace is a good thing. Nearly 30% claim it’s neither good nor bad, while only 16% say it’s a bad thing.  (Pew Research Center, 2023)

• Over 60% claim their company or organization has policies that ensure fairness in hiring, including pay and or promotions. (Pew Research Center, 2023)

DEI provides everyone an equal opportunity to apply for a job, whether they’re physically disabled, mentally challenged, or financially unstable. It gives you the confidence to get an interview, knowing you won’t be discriminated against and rejected as long as you meet the job requirements.

Expert advice:

Adam Tishman, Co-Founder at Helix Sleep, highlights the value of DEI in the workplace. He suggests having the confidence to apply and get an interview, no matter your background.

Tishman believes, “Diversity, equity, and inclusion in job interviews create a fair playing field for all candidates, regardless of their background. It’s about ensuring that everyone has a chance to succeed based on their skills and qualifications, not who they are or where they come from.”

6. Digital Tools and Technologies for Job Interviews

Technology plays a crucial role in today’s business landscape. Think of robotic process automation (RPA), artificial intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT). For instance, consider ERP software for the metal industry, Fintech for the banking sector, and EMS logistics solution for healthcare.

Digital tools and advanced technologies can streamline recruitment processes, including job interviews. Software apps and communications technologies are being utilized for various types of interviews. 

The proof is in the numbers:

• Companies use virtual tech for interviews. (Gartner)

• 60% of recruiters use video interviews to streamline hiring. (Forbes, 2021)

• 90% of hiring professionals use communication tools like Zoom and Skype for job interviews, while 8% leverage specialized video interviewing tools (Criteria, 2022)

You might have a virtual or face-to-face interview as a job seeker. As such, familiarize yourself with the digital tools and communications technologies used for interviews. More importantly, set them up for an undisrupted and successful interview.

Expert advice:

Take it from Sergey Taver, Marketing Manager at Precision Watches, a company that sells luxury watches. He recommends capitalizing on tools and technologies to prepare for job interviews with ease and confidence.

Taver explains, “Digital tools are a game-changer for job interviews these days. Platforms like Zoom and Skype are being used all the time, so getting comfortable with them is important. The more you learn to leverage these tools, the better your chances of acing a virtual interview without any hiccups.” 

7. Global Trends in Job Interviews 2025

It’s important for job seekers to learn and keep up with global recruitment trends. They must be ready for the ins and outs of interviews, whether via virtual platforms or social media channels. They should also familiarize themselves with AI and consider venturing into the gig economy.

The statistics speak volumes of these global trends:

When it comes to virtual recruitment,

• Over 80% of recruiters believe virtual recruitment would continue in the post-Covid era. (Adaface, 2024)

• 82% of employers use virtual interviews while 93% plan to continue doing so (Indeed, 2021)

As for social media leverage,
70% of companies use social media channels to screen candidates before an interview.  (Adaface, 2024)

Not to mention artificial intelligence,

• Only 12% of hiring professionals use AI in their recruitment process. (Criteria, 2023)

And finally, the rise of the gig economy, 

The global gig economy market is projected to grow from $355 billion in 2021 to $1.86 trillion by 2031 at a 16.18% compound annual growth rate. (Business Research Insights, 2023)

Expert advice:

Nora Sudduth, Founder and Owner of Nora Sudduth Consulting, recommends staying abreast of global hiring trends. He believes aligning your interview strategies with these trends can give you a competitive advantage.

Sudduth adds, “Keeping up with global job interview trends is a must for any job seeker. From virtual interviews to social media screenings and even AI in hiring, these changes are here to stay. Learning how to navigate these tools and trends will give you an edge in the evolving job market.”

Final Words

So there you have it—vital statistics for job interviews you ought to know!

As a job applicant, consider the key facts and figures on job interviews, from the hiring role to the global trends. Keep these valuable insights in mind when preparing for upcoming interviews. More importantly, follow the expert advice shared by some business experts above.

With these valuable insights and informed decisions, you can ace the interview and get the job you deserve!