Some Graduates Face Marathon Job Interviews

Who likes being interviewed? Let's be honest, very few of us and those that do are the types who like talking about themselves!


Final year students are probably concentrating on their final exams just now, not the happiest of times, but they probably prefer exams to face-to-face interviews. What is it about interviews that we don't like? Being exposed? Opening up to a complete stranger (or two)? Talking about ourselves? The fear of rejection?

Whatever it is, the truth is that if you want to get ahead in the world of work you are going to have to get used to being interviewed. And the better you are at it, the better your chances of landing that dream job. Just how long do candidates have to endure life under the microscope? According to a recent survey conducted by GRB, the longest interview that most candidates face was less than an hour (58%) much to their relief one suspects. However, 27% had to cope with interviews that went on for as long as 2 hours, a further 7%, 2-3 hours and a similar proportion more than 3 hours!
What these poor candidates found to talk about for 3 or more hours is difficult to imagine unless they decided to tell their life story, very, very slowly. The problem is that candidates in these difficult times probably feel that they have no choice but to endure whatever interviewing techniques are thrown at them. Perhaps employers should consider the needs of candidates a little bit more. After all, employers should be trying to create a good impression too and going on and on with question after question, is not necessarily a good thing. And how much information can anyone reasonably be expected to digest over a three hour period? Graduate employers should always structure their interviews in advance and ensure they stick to the cogent issues, asking questions that are relevant and appropriate. Of course, it is possible that the longer interviews were attributable to candidates being unable to shut up!

The survey did not ask if there were any natural breaks in these interviews but if not one can only imagine how stressed some candidates would become. If an interview is scheduled for 3 hours perhaps the employer should suggest that candidates bring a sandwich with them!

Footnote: Other things you could think of doing for 3 hours include, a flight to Spain, run a marathon (if you are fit) or watch Lord of the Rings.