Arm yourself with 25+ job interview statistics for a more efficient candidate selection process.
25+ job interview statistics to look out for
1. 92% of companies use social media platforms to research candidates before an interview (Adaface)
You’re missing out on a lot if you’re ignoring social media!
The amount of data a candidate’s social handles can give is understated.
These profiles provide information about the candidate’s personality, social behavior, hobbies, and interests.
While social networking sites like LinkedIn and Facebook tell you about an applicant’s work experience, they will also clearly show how compatible the person is with your company.
2. 62% of job applicants preferred automated information over prolonged email exchanges (Fit Small Business)
The stat is a clear sign that candidates value quick and efficient communication during the hiring process.
No one wants to be stuck in an endless email chain!
Quick tip: Invest in recruiting tools to automate your communication process.
3. Did you know that phone interviews typically last around 15 minutes? (Zippia)
Phone interviews are a quick and effective way to get an initial impression and determine if the candidate is a good fit for the next stage.
For applicants, it means less time spent in long, drawn-out conversations and more opportunities to showcase their key strengths.
Plus, the convenience of a phone call can reduce the stress and preparation involved in more formal interviews.
Also read: How to conduct a phone interview like a pro?
4. The average time between a job interview and a job offer is between 20 and 40 days (Fit small business)
Although the average waiting period for a job offer can feel like an eternity for eager candidates, it’s a crucial time for employers to make thorough decisions.
Understanding and communicating about this timeline helps set realistic expectations and reduces the anxiety of waiting for that important call.
5. 61% of senior executives claim the best time to have interviews is between 9 am and 11 am (Adaface)
A mid-morning slot is ideal because it’s when both the interviewer and the candidate are likely to be at their most alert and focused.
Early enough to avoid the post-lunch slump, yet late enough to ensure everyone’s had a chance to settle into their day.
6. 50% of candidates find changes in interview schedules frustrating (Adaface)
Imagine how annoying it can be to repeatedly change a particular event’s schedule. You definitely don’t want your candidates to feel that way.
Erratic adjustments may derail applicants’ goals, damaging the company’s reputation.
Respect the interviewee’s time by conducting the interview properly without a lot of back-and-forth.
Also read: Candidate sourcing: Definition, strategies, tools & more!
7. 74% of recruiters find video interviews make their job easier (SHRM)
The transition to virtual interviews has accelerated since 2020 and is now commonplace for almost all recruiters.
They are a convenient approach to evaluate candidates from a distance while saving time and your recruitment budget.
8. 84% of candidates schedule interviews within 24 hours of text invitations (Adaface)
The recruitment process has less lead time when automated text invitations are used to schedule appointments quickly and effectively.
When this process is simplified, candidates may quickly confirm interview schedules, improving your pipeline’s efficiency and fluidity.
Don’t miss out: Mastering text recruiting: 20 FREE ready-to-use templates + rules to follow
9. 86% of organizations use new virtual tech for interviews (Gartner)
Most companies are now using the latest virtual technologies for interviews, and it’s a game-changer.
Connecting with candidates from anywhere is much easier, making the whole process more flexible and efficient.
Plus, it cuts down on travel costs and scheduling headaches, giving both recruiters and candidates a smoother experience.
10. 40% of interviewers did not consider candidates for their lack of a smile (Queros)
With a sincere smile, a job seeker might seem more personable and likable during the interview and build a good relationship with the interviewer.
This small yet effective gesture can significantly improve an applicant’s overall image.
You might also like: How can recruiters evaluate applicants accurately?
11. High-quality candidates only have to wait ten days to find a new job (Workonic)
Hiring managers tend to expect that the best candidates will still be available at the end of the hiring process; however, research indicates otherwise.
For candidates who are like purple squirrels, the job search is quick and seamless, underscoring the importance for employers to act fast to attract and hire the best.
12. 71% of employers consider the appropriate dress code a critical factor while evaluating job candidates (Inc.)
First impressions matter.
In fact, how candidates present themselves can significantly impact their chances of making it to the next stage of the hiring process.
Remember, the right attire conveys professionalism, respect, and a good fit for the workplace.
13. 47% of candidates fail job interviews because they did not receive enough information about the company (Legal Jobs)
Nearly half of all candidates fail job interviews due to a lack of information about the company.
This highlights the importance of doing thorough research before an interview.
You might also like: 8 effective traits recruiters must have for delivering the best candidate experience
14. 90.6% of employers prefer their candidates to have work experience (Legal Jobs)
The vast majority of employers favor candidates with work experience. This preference stems from the value of practical knowledge and proven skills that experienced candidates bring to the table.
Having relevant work experience often means less training time and a quicker adaptation to the new role, making these candidates highly attractive to potential employers.
15. 73% of job seekers say looking for a job is one of the most stressful events in life (G2)
You must address all candidates’ concerns and communicate clearly and consistently to ease the process.
Moreover, it makes them feel wanted and respected in the company.
16. 83% of candidates say a negative interview experience changes their mind about the role (Deloitte)
A negative interview experience can significantly impact a candidate’s perception of the role, leading many to reconsider their interest.
This highlights the importance of creating a positive, respectful, and engaging interview process.
When candidates feel valued and understood, they’re more likely to remain enthusiastic about the opportunity, reinforcing the need for a well-conducted interview.
17. 45% of candidates have ghosted employers due to poor experiences (LinkedIn)
Well, it’s no shocker that a bad interview experience can lead to candidate ghosting. When candidates feel neglected or mistreated, they’re more likely to withdraw from the process entirely, leaving employers without potential talent.
18. The average length of the hiring process in the U.S. is about 23.8 days (Glassdoor)
The duration of your hiring process might tell you a lot about it.
A drawn-out procedure could signify disarray, while a hurried one might mean the business needs to pay more attention to the right candidate.
Adhering to a defined timeline that guarantees your hiring process is relatively short and brief is critical for maintaining candidates’ engagement and interest.
Also read: How to provide an unforgettable remote candidate & client experience?
19. 72% of applicants say interview efficiency affects job acceptance (Cronofy)
You should optimize the efficiency and flow of the interview process to positively influence candidates’ decisions to accept job offers.
Clear, streamlined communication and prompt follow-up actions can enhance the candidate experience significantly.
20. 20% of candidates learned about salary during interviews without asking (Fit Small Business)
You must be more open and honest about remuneration early in the interview process, as more candidates are aware of salaries without asking.
Clarifying expectations and fostering a proactive dialogue about remuneration can result in candidates who are better educated and happy.
21. Referrals increase the chance of a successful job match from 2.6 to 6.6 percent. (Glassdoor)
Referred applicants are more likely to fit the post and the corporate culture.
This rise in successful matches is due to recommendations frequently made by current workers familiar with the business’s needs and culture, which improves the fit between the candidate’s qualifications and the job specifications.
22. Only 2% of candidates who apply for a job opening are selected for a job interview (StandOut CV)
An intelligent screening process is essential to locating the top applicants from a vast pool of submissions and making your selections more selective
After all, you want only the best prospects to move on to the interview round!
23. Each job posting attracts an average of 250 applicants (Glassdoor)
Evaluating applicants from a large pool of applicants can be challenging, which could result in bad hiring decisions or a shortage of qualified individuals.
You must have an efficient screening process and candidate assessment tools to manage many applicants and find the best fit for the role.
24. The average interview duration is over an hour (Indeed)
Technically, in-person and video interviews usually take 45 to 1 hour and a half.
More extended interviews increase the chance of a successful hire by giving the candidate and the recruiter more time to get to know one another.
25. On average, recruiters spend two-thirds of their hiring time on the interview process (Yello)
Frequently, the most time-intensive aspect of the hiring process is the interview phase, which can be protractedly delayed by issues like postponed or canceled interviews.
You can invest in recruiting software and interview scheduling solutions to organize all interviews effectively and expedite this step.
This will help you shorten the time-to-hire required to fill unfilled positions while streamlining the hiring process and increasing efficiency.
26. 50% of job seekers find lack of pay info and schedule changes stressful (Glassdoor)
Half of all job seekers find it stressful when job postings lack pay information and when there are frequent schedule changes.
Transparent communication about salary and consistent scheduling can significantly reduce anxiety and improve the hiring experience.
Providing clear details upfront helps build trust and ensures a positive candidate experience.
These 20+ candidate experience statistics will change the way you recruit.
Frequently asked questions
1. Is it important to track job interview statistics?
Yes, maintaining statistics on job interviews is crucial since it lets you analyze patterns and make necessary adjustments.
For example, knowing the average time between interviewing candidates and making job offers may reveal delays. Also, the dropout rates for candidates can be measured, and they will show problems in the interview process that should be fixed.
2. What are the benefits of conducting video interviews?
Video interviews are more flexible and convenient, as there are few concerns over scheduling and the need for travel.
They also assist in maintaining the continuity of the hiring processes even during catastrophes such as the COVID-19 outbreak and also reach out to more candidates in various regions.
3. What are some best practices for conducting virtual interviews?
To conduct compelling virtual interviews, you should ensure a dependable internet connection and a calm, business-like setting. It’s also essential to test the audio and visual setup beforehand.
Giving candidates clear instructions on how to participate in the interview can avoid technical difficulties.
Keeping eye contact, paying attention, and demonstrating enthusiasm can also facilitate a positive interview experience.
