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How long do job interviews last?

21 Jul. 2026

If you've got an interview coming up, one of the most practical things you can do is know what to expect, including how long it's likely to take. Interview length varies more than most people realise and understanding why can help you prepare with confidence.

The short answer
Most interviews last between 45 minutes and one hour. This gives both sides enough time to get to know one another properly. That said, the format, the seniority of the role, and how many stages are involved can all affect the total time you spend.

Here's a breakdown by interview type.

Phone interviews: 15-45 minutes
Usually this is your first step in the process. Employers use the call to work out whether you've got the essential requirements they need for the role. If it's mostly confirming details from your application, you're looking at around 15 minutes. Some recruiters go further, though, asking about how you work and try to gather whether you'd be a good fit for the team, which can push things closer to 45 minutes.
Here's the thing about phone interviews: you lose all your body language. No nodding along, no smile to soften a pause. So, your tone has to do more of the work. Speak clearly, sound like you actually want the job, and don't rush.

Video interviews: 30-60 minutes
These have pretty much become the norm now, especially for remote roles, and they tend to mirror an in-person interview in structure. The temptation is to treat them more casually because you're at home, but don't. Same prep applies: know the company, dress properly, and test your camera and mic beforehand. Nothing kills momentum like messing with a frozen screen five minutes in. To learn more about video interview etiquette, check out our career tips video.

In-person interviews: 45 Minutes-1.5 Hours
This is the one most people picture when they think "interview." Timing depends a lot on who you're meeting and how many people are involved - anywhere from 45 minutes up to 90 minutes in total is normal. Senior roles or anything requiring specialist skills can run longer still, particularly if you're asked to do a task or short presentation on the day.

Panel interviews: Up to two hours
A panel means more than one person interviewing you at once, often a mix of managers and future colleagues, each with their own angle on what they're looking for. . The trick is not to fixate on whoever asked the question - make eye contact around the whole panel as you answer, since they're all trying to understand more about you and will be interested in what you have to say despite it not being their area or question.

Group interviews: Around one hour
Here you're in the room with other candidates, not just the interviewer. Companies tend to use this format when they're hiring for several positions simultaneously, or when the role genuinely depends on how well someone works with others. Roughly an hour is typical, though it can stretch depending on group size. It’s worth remembering that how you behave with the other candidates is being watched just as closely as what you say.

How many interview stages should you expect?
It's rarely just one interview. The average job interview process in the UK consists of two stages, while senior roles usually have a minimum of three and will always include at least one face-to-face interview.
Bear that in mind when planning your schedule, getting through to the final stage is an achievement, and each round is a chance to learn more about the role and the organisation.

What if the interview is very short?
A very brief interview under 15 minutes can feel unsettling, but context matters. For example, a final-stage meeting may be short because the employer has already made up their mind in your favour and simply wants to confirm a few details. Don't read too much into it either way. Focus on what you can control: your preparation, your answers, and how you come across.

Making the most of your interview time
However long your interview lasts, preparation is what gives you the best chance. A few things that make a real difference:

• Research the employer. Understand what they do, their values, and any recent news. Showing genuine interest sets you apart from candidates who haven't done their homework.
• Prepare your examples. Think through specific situations from your experience that demonstrate relevant skills. The STAR method is a useful framework - Situation, Task, Action, Result. It's become something of an industry standard for answering competency questions, and for good reason: it keeps your answers focused instead of rambling. A great one to prep beforehand so you have some scenario-based answers to commonly asked questions. This article has more tips on the STAR method.  Read our blog on top 10 interview questions here.
• Have questions ready. Interviews are a two-way conversation. Asking thoughtful questions about the role and the team shows engagement and helps you decide if it's the right fit for you.
• Plan your logistics. Know where you're going, how long the journey takes, and aim to arrive comfortably early. For video interviews, test your setup the night before.
• Follow up afterwards. A brief, professional email thanking the interviewer for their time is a small touch that leaves a positive impression.

Feeling nervous? That's normal
Research finds that 93% of people have experienced job interview-related anxiety, with 41% most nervous about not being able to answer a difficult question. You're in good company. The best antidote to nerves is preparation - the more familiar you are with your own experience and examples, the more confident you'll feel when the questions come.