39 Job Interview Statistics To Make You A Prime Talent

To get a job, you need to apply for suitable positions and attend interviews. But there’s more to it than that.

Let’s imagine that you wrote the perfect resume and cover letter and that these two documents impressed your potential employer so much that they decided to invite you for a job interview. Should you start celebrating?

Of course not! Unfortunately, you still have a long way to go. Searching for a job can be stressful and frightening!

That’s why we’ve collected some of the most fascinating job interview statistics to help you land that perfect job.

Knowing the key numbers about the hiring process will help you prepare better.

The following statistics cover all the vital facts about job interviews in general and those in the healthcare industry as well.

By incorporating some of the facts presented below, you will be able to make the perfect first impression at the meeting.

Let’s start with some of the most important facts we cherry-picked from the list.

The Top 10 Most Intriguing Interview Statistics

On average, job search in the US takes 5 months.
80% of job openings are not online.
On average, it takes 7.4 seconds to go through a resume.
Unprofessional emails lead to 76% of rejections.
A corporate job opening attracts around 250 applicants.
The average job seeker has to apply for 27 positions to get a single interview.
On average, the interview process lasts for almost 23 days globally.
77% of hiring managers will hire someone who initially wasn’t a good fit.
The healthcare industry is currently the largest employer in the US.
The projected demand for healthcare specialists will increase by 2030.

Job Search Statistics

1. There were more job opportunities than potential workers in the US in 2018.

(Jobvite)

In 2018, there were 6.9 million job openings and 6.3 million unemployed Americans. This is why the hiring process has become less stringent, which includes the acceptance of rude behavior, such as checking the phone during the interview.

Furthermore, about 6.2 million workers were looking for a career change, according to statistics from 2017.

2. According to 58% of current employees, job search lasts two months or less.

(Clutch)

From those cited, 30% found their job in a month or less, while 28% spent between one and two months to be hired, job search stats reveal.

Moreover, 13% of job seekers spent more than six months searching for a job.

3. On average, job search in the US takes 5 months.

(TopResume)

A lot of people cannot find a new job right away, which raises a number of financial concerns.

Time for job hunting is limited, so it’s essential to improve your interviewing skills, brush up on your resume, and continue networking with people in your area of expertise.

A professionally written resume, according to facts, shortens the period of getting a job to three months or less.

4. One-third of job-seekers apply for 2–5 jobs simultaneously.

(Clutch)

About 20% of candidates apply for a single position during their job search, whereas 33% apply for two to five jobs simultaneously.

However, some people apply for 10, 20, 30, and even 40 positions during a single job search. Whatever the case may be, the most important thing is to prepare adequately for each job interview.

5. 35% of recent hires found their jobs on social media.

(Jobvite)

Did you ever use your mobile phone to fill in a job application? Statistics show that one-third of people use social media to search for job openings.

Still, an overwhelming proportion of candidates hear about jobs from friends (50%) or via professional networks (37%).

6. 80% of job openings cannot be found online.

(TopResume)

When it comes to applying for a job opening, statistics reveal that it’s preferable to contact the companies directly.

You can use any of the job search sites, but it’s wise to look for openings in other places as well.

You can email the hiring managers directly, or message them on LinkedIn and other social platforms.

Remember, formulating the right message when applying for a job is of the essence.

Resume Statistics

7. On average, it takes 7.4 seconds to go through a resume.

(TheLadders)

In 2012, recruiters spent only around six seconds on a resume. However, the duration has recently increased.

Most of the recruiters can absorb key resume details in under 10 seconds, allowing them to find the right candidates and save time for the second, more extended read.

8. 68% of recruiters spend less than 2 minutes on a resume.

(CareerBuilder)

One of the fun facts on the resume review process is that it lasts between one and two minutes.

Therefore, you should include only the essential things in your resume, so as to improve your chances of getting hired.

For example, words like “achieved,” ”improved,” “trained,” “mentored,” “managed,” “created,” and “resolved” are game-changers for your resume quality.

9. Unprofessional emails account for 76% of rejections.

(Total Jobs)

According to resume statistics from 2018, if you want to have better chances of getting a job, invest some time in writing a professional email to accompany your resume.

It’s stunning how unappealing unprofessional contact emails can be! Nevertheless, the same goes for social media profiles.

An average hiring manager will reject a candidate based on their online behavior.

10. Using numbers in your resume increases your chances of getting hired by 40%.

(Talentworks)

According to the recruitment statistics, recruiters and managers love seeing your achievements in numbers.

Demonstrating your results in such a way will make you stand out among other candidates with regular resumes.

Moreover, showing-off your accomplishments numerically may urge the hiring managers to make a quick decision.

11. Adding industry buzzwords to your resume increases your chances of getting the job by 29%.

(Talentworks)

The industry jargon, buzzwords, keywords, and acronyms all serve a purpose in your resume.

By using these words, your resume will pass the automated screening tools used by many big companies.

A great candidate includes a buzzword every three to six sentences, which makes them look more professional and shows the hiring managers that they possess an in-depth knowledge of the subject.

12. A whopping 85% of people lie on their resumes.

(Hire Right)

Some people use their resume writing skills to fool employers into hiring them.

Statistics reveal that the percentage of people who lied on their resumes had increased from 66% in 2012.

However, an experienced hiring specialist will notice the misinformation immediately, so there’s really no point in lying.

Job Application Statistics

13. A corporate job opening attracts around 250 applicants.

(Inc.)

Job offers from prestigious companies attract a lot of candidates, and the competition is fierce.

Of the resumes received, about four to six people will be invited to an interview, and only one will get a job offer.

It’s not easy to land a job in our busy and complicated world, but the most valuable tip is to remain persistent. Eventually, if you do everything right, one of those interviews will be successful.

14. At least 55% of job seekers will not apply for a job at a company with negative online reviews.

(Glassdoor)

Job interview statistics reveal that more than half of job seekers will decide against applying for a job if they encounter negative online reviews.

Job seekers should take all of the reviews with a grain of salt since different people experience things differently.

And companies should use negative reviews to improve their processes and attract top performers.

15. About 60% of candidates tend to abandon the application process if it takes too long.

(Shrm.org)

These job interview statistics also imply that lengthy applications and multiple interviews push the candidates away.

Skilled and talented job seekers know that their time is precious and that the competitive job market — according to statistics — is full of attractive opportunities.

Still, about 50% of employers make the application process very long on purpose.

Half of the hiring managers believe that — by doing this — they will attract the proper candidates while deterring the apathetic ones.

16. The average job seeker has to apply for 27 positions to get a single interview.

(Business Insider)

Recruitment statistics for 2018 showed that you should deposit an average of 27 applications to find a job.

This accounts for searching for a new job roughly 6.5 hours a week and submitting around 16 job applications on a weekly basis.

Nevertheless, the surprising statistics reveal that only 26% of job-seekers find hunting for work stressful.

17. The average number of candidates per job has declined.

(Jobvite)

The trends show that the number will continue to drop. That’s likely due to economic reasons, such as the fluctuating economy, low unemployment rate, and improved employee retention.

Furthermore, people now focus more on the quality of the applications instead of their quantity.

The average number of applicants per job in 2019 was expected to decrease since the numbers have been cut down in half over the past three years (36 in 2017, 52 in 2016, and 59 in 2015).

18. Applying on Monday increases your chance of getting hired by 46%.

(zety)

Although there’s no scientific explanation, it’s worth knowing what’s the best day of the week to apply for a job.

Recruitment and Hiring Statistics

19. 87% of recruiters prefer LinkedIn during the hiring process.

(Jobvite)

These days, the majority of companies use social platforms — such as LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter — to learn things outside of a candidate’s resume. Therefore, it’s essential to keep your profiles clean, professional, and updated.

Younger hiring managers prefer using social media to find out more about applicants. Only 4% of recruiters don’t resort to social platforms to obtain more information about the candidates.

20. 29% of candidates declined a signed offer.

(Jobvite)

Of the many hiring statistics from 2019, we’ve found that the majority of candidates change their minds after receiving a better offer from another company.

21. 77% of hiring managers will hire someone who initially wasn’t a good fit.

(Jobvite)

It’s not uncommon for a recruiter to hire a candidate they initially rejected. Therefore, don’t be discouraged if you’re not selected right away.

22. Nowadays, lack of talent is the biggest challenge for recruiters.

(Jobvite)

This is one of those job hiring statistics from 2018 that frightens most of the industry.

Today, recruiters complain about the lack of skilled candidates (67%), the intense competition among the applicants (52%), and a lack of budget (36%).

This means that, as a candidate, you have to highlight your strengths and values so that the companies understand why they would be lucky to have you on board.

23. About 78% of recruiters admit that hiring decisions may be influenced by the enthusiasm of the candidate.

(Jobvite)

These job hiring statistics imply that the job seeker should — among other things — show an increased level of enthusiasm.

After an initial in-person interview, the hiring decision will depend on the candidate’s command of requirements (76%), conversation skills (73%), prior experience (67%), culture fit (60%), and knowledge of the industry (49%).

Job Interview Facts

24. On average, the interview process lasts for almost 23 days globally.

(Glassdoor)

The numbers vary from country to country. The interview length in the US is 23.8 days.

The shortest one is in India (16.1 days), while Brazil has the longest job interview length (39.6 days).

Countries with less flexible hiring and firing procedures usually have slower interview processes.

Most candidates prefer having fewer interviews, and it’s highly likely that a candidate won’t accept an offer because of too many rounds of interviews.

25. Half of the hiring managers would disqualify a candidate who dressed inappropriately for the interview.

(Twinemployment)

How a candidate is dressed is among what interviewers look for, according to job interview statistics from 2018.

The way a candidate walks or acts when entering the room may influence the hiring decisions too.

One-third of recruiters report that they know if they are going to hire someone within the first 90 seconds depending on their body language, statistics reveal.

26. Younger recruiters are less likely to eliminate candidates for rude behavior.

(Jobvite)

Millennial recruiters are very forgiving regarding certain types of rude behavior during the interview, such as checking the phone.

However, 70% of recruiters older than 50 would disqualify a candidate for such behavior.

Fortunately, recent statistics on the job interview process show that there’s a declining number of people who check their phones during the in-person meetings, as it went from 71% in 2017 to 55% in 2018.

27. Female recruiters are more likely to disqualify a candidate who is visibly intoxicated.

(Jobvite)

Candidates who show up to an interview visibly under the influence of drugs or alcohol will be eliminated by 66% of male recruiters and 87% of female recruiters.

When preparing for a job interview, appearance is critical, as 50% of male and 73% of female hiring managers will disqualify a candidate who shows up hungover.

28. On average, for every job opening, there are 2 face-to-face meetings.

(People2people)

Although it may vary among the companies, the recommended average number of interviews per job before an offer is made is 1.56.

Hiring experts don’t want this number to be too high, as it would be a big waste of time and resources.

29. Almost one-quarter of recruiters have experienced sexual harassment from a candidate.

(Jobvite)

About 23% of hiring managers have faced sexist attitudes or harassment expressed by a candidate during an interview.

However, 17% of recruiters have been asked about sexual harassment policies in their company or any instances thereof.

30. According to 91% of the recent hires, the interview process impacted their overall opinion of the company.

(Clutch)

Nearly all recently hired employees stated that the interview process influenced their opinion of the company, whereas about 40% of them were strongly affected. Additionally, a nervous interviewer could also tilt the scales negatively.

Basic statistics on interview questions and attitude during the interview process have convinced skilled and experienced recruiters that these factors can make an impact on a company’s reputation.

For a smooth interview process, the candidates need to be aware of the most common interview questions.

The job seekers have to prepare themselves for answering questions about who they are, why they think they are a good fit for the company, and what their strengths are.

Other frequently asked questions include facts about the company and why they are attracted to it, as well as a discussion about how they imagine their careers five years from now.

Job Interview Statistics in the Healthcare System

31. The healthcare industry is currently the largest employer in the US.

(The Atlantic)

It is estimated that, by 2020, the healthcare system will have made up the largest share of jobs in the US, surpassing such industries like manufacturing and retail.

By 2026, the US healthcare industry will have added nearly 4 million jobs to the market.

However, regardless of the sector’s fast growth, there will be a shortage of health workers, not only in the US but also worldwide.

32. The projected demand for physicians and other healthcare specialists will increase by 2030.

(AAMC)

Job search statistics from 2018 and beyond reveal that the healthcare industry has problems with supply and demand.

Because of the expected 50% growth of the population aged 65 and over, who depend on healthcare, the total shortages by specialty in 2030 are projected between 14,800 and 49,300 for primary care physicians and between 33,800 and 72,700 for non-primary care physicians, including 20,700 to 30,500 for surgical specialists.

33. By 2025, the US will face a shortage of home health aides and lab technicians.

(Mercer)

The hiring statistics by industry reveal that, by 2025, the US will be facing a nationwide shortage of the healthcare workforce.

There will be a lack of nearly 700,000 health workers, including 446,000 home health aides, 98,700 medical and lab technologists and technicians, 95,000 nursing assistants, and 29,400 nurse practitioners.

34. One-third of all jobs in healthcare are clinical.

(Hirevue)

Although there is a relative shortage of healthcare professionals, such as nurses and physicians, more than 80% of healthcare providers require two to five years of experience for these positions.

Consequently, about half of all surveyed hospitals reported a decrease in the number of applicants, according to job-seeker statistics for 2019.

35. Three-quarters of healthcare professionals use hospital websites to find a job.

(Hirevue)

Hospital websites remain the most commonly used recruiting resource, according to statistics.

36. The current median pay for a home health aide is $11 an hour.

(CNN)

Although becoming a home health aide requires a high school diploma, the median pay remains low ($23,000 per year), which urges employers to offer perks and incentives to attract more candidates into this profession.

37. The employer branding influences over 90% of candidates in the healthcare industry.

(Healthcare Recruiters International)

Of the many job search statistics for 2019, these stats gave us a clear picture of the role of employer branding in the hiring process.

Additionally, 75% of the healthcare job candidates rely on the employer’s website for information on open positions.

38. Nearly 99% of all hospitals in the US use social media.

(Healthcare Success)

Having a social media presence allows hospitals to engage with the community they serve.

For example, Facebook enables hospitals to reach out to candidates, make announcements, and communicate with the general public.

Furthermore, this way, social platforms such as Facebook and others can influence hiring decisions, statistics reveal.

39. Curriculum Vitae is the primary resume format for medical, academic, and scientific professions.

(Monster)

The CV is a widely accepted format of presenting yourself in medical and academic societies. It differs substantially from the regular resume, especially due to the required headings, such as education/degrees, professional experience, internships, publications, talks on scientific conferences, awards, honors, etc.

The length of the CV varies based on the experience of the applicant. For more insights on the health industry and useful knowledge and tips on employment, browse through the articles on Healthcareers.co.

FAQ

What Month Do Companies Hire the Most?

January and February are considered the best times of the year to apply for a job. Among the possible explanations for this are the renewed budget at the start of the year and the end of the holiday season for most of the potential full-time employees.

The spring months — March, April, and May are also appropriate for job hunting. The months with the lowest hiring rates are the summer months and the last two months of the year because of vacations and holidays.

What Percentage of Jobs Require a Resume?

There are no official statistics on that. It’s known that almost all job applications require you to submit a resume. However, a small proportion of people can get a job by being hired directly or recommended by someone from the company. In these cases, the resumes are not necessary, but this only happens on rare occasions.

Is It Okay to Have a 2-Pages Resume?

Usually, it depends on the employer, the hiring manager, and the job. According to 66% of employers, if you are an entry-level worker, it’s better to prepare a one-page resume.

About 77% of recruiters state that seasoned and experienced professionals should submit multiple-page resumes. However, the length of a resume should be considered on a case-by-case basis, but as a general rule, recruiters don’t like to read too short or too lengthy resumes.

What Is a Good Interview-To-Hire Ratio?

The interview-to-hire ratio varies globally and among industries. For example, for the US and Canada, this ratio is estimated to be between 14 and 19. That number goes for almost all sectors except finance and accounting, where the rate is 26.

Globally, the numbers are identical and usually dependent on location or specific industry. Although many hiring managers are interested in the best hiring rates, the truth is that there is no such number.

How Many Applicants Usually Get Interviews?

The astonishing statistics show that only 2% of all candidates make it to the interview stage, whereas the remaining 98% are disqualified from the process at the resume screening stage. Removing all the applicants that do not fit the company’s requirements enables recruiters to reach the quality candidates faster.

Since there are no rules on how many candidates to invite to the interview, it’s better not to focus on percentages, but on the number of candidates that qualify for the open positions.

How Many Resumes Before You Get an Interview?

The stats confirmed that it’s better to apply for less jobs, but with detailed resumes, cover letters, research, etc. Being the right person for the job will increase your chances of being invited to an interview.

Conclusion

There is plenty of advice regarding the process of finding a proper job, but paying attention to the most relevant information will help you prepare yourself better.

You need to learn how to find the job more efficiently, how to stand out among other candidates, and how to make the interview process less stressful.

Knowing how recruiters think will make the whole process more bearable.

Therefore, if you want to be a successful candidate, according to the stats, you need to stop relying on your intuition and start using data-based information instead.

We hope that these job interview statistics will help you land the job of your dreams.

The Top 10 Most Intriguing Interview Statistics

Job Search Statistics

1. There were more job opportunities than potential workers in the US in 2018.

2. According to 58% of current employees, job search lasts two months or less.

3. On average, job search in the US takes 5 months.

4. One-third of job-seekers apply for 2–5 jobs simultaneously.

5. 35% of recent hires found their jobs on social media.

6. 80% of job openings cannot be found online.

Resume Statistics

7. On average, it takes 7.4 seconds to go through a resume.

8. 68% of recruiters spend less than 2 minutes on a resume.

9. Unprofessional emails account for 76% of rejections.

10. Using numbers in your resume increases your chances of getting hired by 40%.

11. Adding industry buzzwords to your resume increases your chances of getting the job by 29%.

12. A whopping 85% of people lie on their resumes.

Job Application Statistics

13. A corporate job opening attracts around 250 applicants.

14. At least 55% of job seekers will not apply for a job at a company with negative online reviews.

15. About 60% of candidates tend to abandon the application process if it takes too long.

16. The average job seeker has to apply for 27 positions to get a single interview.

17. The average number of candidates per job has declined.

18. Applying on Monday increases your chance of getting hired by 46%.

Recruitment and Hiring Statistics

19. 87% of recruiters prefer LinkedIn during the hiring process.

20. 29% of candidates declined a signed offer.

21. 77% of hiring managers will hire someone who initially wasn’t a good fit.

22. Nowadays, lack of talent is the biggest challenge for recruiters.

23. About 78% of recruiters admit that hiring decisions may be influenced by the enthusiasm of the candidate.

Job Interview Facts

24. On average, the interview process lasts for almost 23 days globally.

25. Half of the hiring managers would disqualify a candidate who dressed inappropriately for the interview.

26. Younger recruiters are less likely to eliminate candidates for rude behavior.

27. Female recruiters are more likely to disqualify a candidate who is visibly intoxicated.

28. On average, for every job opening, there are 2 face-to-face meetings.

29. Almost one-quarter of recruiters have experienced sexual harassment from a candidate.

30. According to 91% of the recent hires, the interview process impacted their overall opinion of the company.

Job Interview Statistics in the Healthcare System

31. The healthcare industry is currently the largest employer in the US.

32. The projected demand for physicians and other healthcare specialists will increase by 2030.

33. By 2025, the US will face a shortage of home health aides and lab technicians.

34. One-third of all jobs in healthcare are clinical.

35. Three-quarters of healthcare professionals use hospital websites to find a job.

36. The current median pay for a home health aide is $11 an hour.

37. The employer branding influences over 90% of candidates in the healthcare industry.

38. Nearly 99% of all hospitals in the US use social media.

39. Curriculum Vitae is the primary resume format for medical, academic, and scientific professions.

FAQ

What Month Do Companies Hire the Most?

What Percentage of Jobs Require a Resume?

Is It Okay to Have a 2-Pages Resume?

What Is a Good Interview-To-Hire Ratio?

How Many Applicants Usually Get Interviews?

How Many Resumes Before You Get an Interview?

Conclusion

Sources: