Part of the job search process that many job seekers don’t prepare themselves for isn’t the interview itself, but the interview process. Preparing yourself for the lag time between interviews and knowing when to reach back out to a company will help calm some of the nerves associated with the process.  

How long is a typical interview process from start to finish?

The typical interview process depends on a variety of factors at the company you are interviewing with. Some companies have candidates interview with multiple departments making the interview process continue for several weeks while other companies will have one or two interviews before making a final decision. Asking that question during the initial interview can prepare you for what’s to come so that you don’t get discouraged after multiple interviews.

What can make an interview process last longer?

There are multiple factors on the company's end and on the job seekers' end on why the interview process can take a long time. If the company that you are interviewing for requires you to work with multiple departments, they may have multiple interviews with people in the various departments. Another reason the interview process can last longer is if the company doesn’t follow the typical response time between interviews. Taking too much time for a company to reply during the interview process can deter the job seeker from wanting to continue with the interview process as well.

What do I do if I am late for an interview?

The golden rule is that if you’re five minutes early, you’re already five minutes late. It’s important to always be ten to fifteen minutes early to make sure you find exactly where you need to go. Show you're eager for the interview and show your dedication from the start. If you find yourself in a position where you’re running late for an interview, it’s important not to panic. Communication is key throughout the entire interview process so if you find yourself running late, reach out to your point of contact at the company and let them know as soon as you know you’re going to be late.  

If I’m on my third interview, what should I do differently from the previous interviews?

Always research the interviewer before going to each interview. Learning about whom you are speaking with, what they do at the company, and what their background is will be beneficial to you during your conversation with them. Tailoring your answers and questions for each interviewer will help when ultimately deciding at the end of the interview process if the job is right for you. For example, you would ask an executive about compensation whereas you’d ask a coordinator about the culture. Having a set of questions and choosing them based on importance, with whom you’re speaking, and at what stage in the interview process you’re in will help you in the long run.

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