How Many interviews is enough?
Hiring is an intricate process that often takes a long time from application to onboarding. The part of the process that can take the longest is interviews, which require careful consideration of multiple candidates. A hiring manager’s goal is to streamline this process, which can become taxing and draining.
But how many interviews are too many or not enough? This answer depends on the business size and the position being interviewed for. For example, a leadership or complex position may require a longer process to properly vet a candidate to make sure they have the skills necessary to fill the role. A shorter interview process could be reserved for an entry-level position.
Types of Interviews
Initial phone/video call: This interview will help establish a baseline with the candidate and gauges qualifications and interest. This can serve as an easy way to filter out unnecessary candidates.
Technical Skills Interview: Having this interview is crucial for jobs that require specific technical skills and allows an interviewer to know whether or not a candidate will do the job effectively.
Main Interview: The purpose of this interview is to define and review what qualifications a candidate has for the role. In this stage, the goal is for the interviewer to review a candidate’s resume, gain insight into their background, and begin to decide whether or not they’re a good fit for the role and align with the company culture.
“Personality” Interview: Depending on the size and values of a company, this interview may be necessary to make sure the candidate will be a good cultural fit.
Final interview: The last interview will often occur face-to-face and will assess the interviewee’s interpersonal skills and solidify if they’re the right candidate.
An average interview process lasts around 42 days, with three to five interviews being appropriate based on the position being applied for. It is recommended to let your candidates know what the interview process is going to look like beforehand; this way, they know what to expect and prepare for.
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