Exactly how many interviews do you need to attend before landing a job offer? Whilst it’s difficult to put an exact figure on this question, we wanted to find a conclusive answer.
So, we surveyed 1,000 people in the UK who had recently landed a job to ask them. We also analysed what factors affect this figure, such as industry, experience-level and profession.
Here are our findings.
How many interviews does it take to get a job?
It takes an average of 5 interviews to land a job according to our survey participants. This includes all interviews attended for every company interviewed-for during their most recent job search.
For example, if a person had attended 1 interview for 1 company, and 3 for another company, their total interview number would be 4.
Of course, there are a huge number of variables that could affect this figure, so we broke down the data into the factors we could measure.
Number of interviews by experience level
The data shows that as your level of seniority increases, the amount of interview you have to attend to land a job increase slightly. This is probably due to the fact that senior jobs usually require more interview stages than junior positions.
| Experience level | Number of interviews |
|---|---|
| Entry level | 4 |
| Junior (1-5 years) | 4 |
| Experieced (5 -20 years) | 5 |
| Senior (20 + years) | 6 |
Number of interviews by job function
The type of job being applied for has an impact on the amount of interviews you will likely attend before being successful.
Legal roles and those in business & finance require the highest number of interviews, and hospitality, beauty and tourism roles require the least.
| Job function | Number of interviews |
|---|---|
| Legal | 8 |
| Business and finance | 8 |
| Government services | 7 |
| Managerial | 7 |
| Technology and digital | 6 |
| Engineering and maintenance | 6 |
| Science and research | 6 |
| Teaching and education | 5 |
| Healthcare | 5 |
| Construction and trades | 5 |
| Creative and media | 5 |
| Manufacturing | 5 |
| Sports and leisure | 4 |
| Administration | 4 |
| Retail and sales | 3 |
| Transport | 3 |
| Travel and tourism | 3 |
| Hospitality | 3 |
| Beauty and wellbeing | 2 |
Number of interviews by employment type
Perhaps unsurprisingly, permanent roles require more interviews on average then contract jobs. This is likely due to the fact that companies will normally spend longer to make a hiring decision for a permanent employee, and therefore the candidate will have to meet more people within the organisation.
| Employment type | Number of interviews |
|---|---|
| Contract | 3 |
| Permanent | 7 |
How many video interviews are carried out?
As a percentage of the total amount of interviews recorded in this survey, 6% were carried out via telephone, 28% by video call, and 66% via face-to-face meeting – showing that whilst video-interviews have increased in popularity in recent years, employers still value in-person meetings to make informed hiring decisions.
How long does it take to get a job?
The average length of time it takes a job seeker to land a job in the UK is 3.8 months, from the moment of updating your CV to receiving a job offer. We discovered this in a separate survey we carried out earlier this year.
Check out the full survey here.
How many interview stages in one job application process?
According to data from Glassdoor, the average job interview process in the UK consists of 2 interview stages.
Leadership roles usually have a minimum of 3 interview stages, and will always include at least one face-to-face interview.
Entry-level positions usually require only 1 interview stage and Public Sector roles can require as many as 6 interview stages.
How many people interview for one job?
In the UK employers will interview an average of 6 candidates for every job vacancy they advertise (Glassdoor)
How long does the average interview process last?
According to Glassdoor, the average interview process for one company takes 27.5 days to complete. This is the amount of time between receiving the first interview request, to completing the final interview.
Public Sector interview processes take the longest, with an average of 53.8 days, and Hospitality roles have the shortest process at 10.2 days.
Methodology & sources
To conduct this research we interviewed 1,000 people in the UK who had secured a job offer within the last year. We asked them how many interviews they had attended before being offered the job, including interviews that were carried out for other employers than the one which eventually gave them an offer. Participants came from a broad mix of professions, industries and employment types, and ages ranging from 18 – 62.
Sources
- Glassdoor – Time to hire study: https://www.glassdoor.com/research/time-to-hire-in-25-countries
How to reduce the number of interviews you attend before getting hired
If you want to speed up the process of landing your next role, try including some of the following strategies in your job search.
Target the Most Suitable Jobs
One of the most crucial steps in your job search is identifying roles that align with your skills, experience, and career aspirations. Applying for every job you come across can be tempting, but a scattergun approach often leads to frustration and wasted effort. Instead, focus on positions where you can genuinely add value and see yourself thriving.
Start by evaluating your strengths, interests, and long-term goals. Use these criteria to narrow down job listings to those that match your profile. Customise your CV and cover letter for each application, highlighting relevant experiences and skills that make you a perfect fit for the role. Tailored applications stand out far more than generic ones, showing potential employers that you have a clear understanding of what the job entails and how you can contribute to their success.
Track and Follow Up Applications
Keeping track of your job applications is essential to stay organised and ensure you don’t miss any opportunities. Create a spreadsheet or use a job application tracking tool to monitor the status of each application. Include columns for the job title, company name, date applied, contact person, and any follow-up actions required.
Following up on your applications demonstrates your genuine interest in the position and keeps you top of mind with hiring managers. Wait about a week after submitting your application, then send a polite email to the recruiter or hiring manager. Express your continued enthusiasm for the role and inquire if there are any updates regarding your application. This proactive approach can sometimes nudge your application to the forefront and result in an interview invitation.
Build Relationships with Recruiters
Recruiters can be invaluable allies in your job search, offering insights into the job market and access to opportunities that may not be advertised publicly. Building strong relationships with recruiters can open doors to positions you might not otherwise find.
Start by identifying recruiters who specialise in your industry or profession. Reach out with a well-crafted introduction, explaining your background and the type of roles you are seeking. Be professional and concise, providing a copy of your CV for reference. Maintain regular contact, updating them on your job search progress and any changes in your career objectives.
Networking events, industry conferences, and professional associations are also excellent venues to meet recruiters in person. Building a rapport with recruiters not only increases your chances of being recommended for suitable roles but also provides valuable industry insights and advice that can enhance your job search strategy.
Follow Up After Job Interviews
The interview is a critical stage in the job application process, but it doesn’t end when you leave the interview room. Following up after an interview is a crucial step that can set you apart from other candidates and leave a positive impression on your potential employer.
Send a thank-you email within 24 hours of your interview. In your message, express your gratitude for the opportunity to interview, reiterate your enthusiasm for the role, and highlight key points from the interview that reinforce your suitability for the position. This courteous gesture shows your professionalism and attention to detail.
If you haven’t heard back within the timeframe specified by the interviewer, don’t hesitate to follow up. A polite email inquiring about the status of your application can demonstrate your continued interest and prompt the hiring team to provide an update.
In conclusion, landing a job quickly requires a strategic approach that involves targeting suitable positions, diligently tracking and following up on applications, building relationships with recruiters, and following up after interviews. By implementing these tips, you can enhance your job search efforts and increase your chances of securing the role you desire, in record time.