I wanted to tackle this question as it has been coming up a lot in recent conversations — especially now that we’re seeing more job opportunities hit the market.
What does the interview process really look like right now, and how long is it taking?
The good news: after a slower summer, we’re not only seeing more openings but also faster movement in interviews as companies work to get new hires onboarded before the holiday season. That means candidates have a real advantage right now — but only if they’re ready to move when the opportunity comes.
That said, mid-to-senior level roles are still averaging about 6–8 weeks from application to offer (and a bit longer for senior executive searches). Here’s what we are seeing:
Weeks 1-3: Getting Started
- Initial response (can take 2-3 weeks after applying or personal outreach)
- Phone/video screening with HR
Weeks 3-6: The Interview Sprint- averaging 4-6 interview rounds, including:
- Hiring manager conversations
- Senior leadership meetings
- Peer and direct report meet and greets
- Board/ELT interviews (for senior roles)
- Skills assessments or Panel Presentation Round
- Onsite Visit
Weeks 6-8: Decision & Offer
- Multi-level sign-offs and approvals
- Reference checks
- Offer negotiations and final offer acceptance
While this process has many steps, here’s why it works:
For Candidates: Those 4-6 rounds aren’t hoops to jump through– they’re your chance to meet the team, understand the culture and evaluate the role from multiple angles. Companies investing this much time in the process are serious about long-term success.
For Hiring Teams: Bringing key voices into the process leads to better hires, stronger alignment, and higher retention. The time investment up front pays off in the long run.
How to Make It Work Now
Candidates:
- Ask about timelines early
- Send thoughtful follow-ups after each conversation, and check in periodically to stay top of mind (Fridays before the weekend are a great time).
- Keep exploring other opportunities (smart strategy, not disloyalty)
Hiring Teams:
- Map your interview process before you start
- Share realistic timelines from day one
- Provide regular updates — even if there’s “no news”
The Bottom Line
This fall hiring window is short but powerful. Acting decisively now means new team members can be hired, onboarded, and contributing before year-end. Wait too long, and you’ll be scheduling interviews in January.