How Many Candidates Do Hiring Managers Interview?

Factors Influencing the Number of Candidates Interviewed

The number of candidates that hiring managers interview can vary widely, depending on several factors such as the role, the industry, the company's size, and the urgency of the hiring need. Typically, the process involves multiple stages, starting from initial screenings to in-depth interviews with a smaller group.

Entry-Level Positions

For entry-level positions, hiring managers might interview between 5 to 10 candidates. This range allows for a fair assessment of skill and potential while ensuring the process remains manageable and efficient.

Mid-Level Positions

The interview pool for mid-level positions can be larger, ranging from 10 to 20 candidates. A broader selection enables the hiring manager to find the most suitable candidate who can contribute effectively to the team.

Senior or Specialized Roles

Hiring managers for senior or specialized roles often focus on quality over quantity and might interview 3 to 10 candidates. The emphasis here is on identifying the best candidate who has the required expertise and can perform at a high level.

Dynamic Nature of the Hiring Process

The number of candidates interviewed can vary widely based on numerous factors. For some lower-level positions, a single candidate might be interviewed and hired on the spot. However, for more complex and high-stakes positions, dozens of candidates may be interviewed.

In a tight labor market where it is challenging to find suitable candidates, firms may interview fewer candidates. Conversely, in a scenario where there is significant competition for a role, hiring managers might interview a larger, more diverse pool of candidates to find the best fit. The process often includes initial screenings followed by more in-depth interviews with a smaller group of candidates.

Data-Driven Hiring Process

Here are some general statistics to consider: Out of 100 applicants, 20 will be subjected to a phone screen with the recruiter. Of those 20, 10 may be deemed “fundamentally qualified” and passed on to the hiring manager. The hiring manager may interview between 3 to all 10 of these candidates for further consideration.

In my experience, between three and ten people typically get interviewed for technical or white-collar jobs. The ideal number is one, but sometimes hiring managers change their minds, situations evolve, or it is simply not feasible to find the perfect candidate on the first try.

Standard Interview Process

The typical employer will interview 6-10 candidates for a job and candidates will go through at least 2-3 rounds of interviews before receiving an offer. If a hiring manager is unable to find a suitable candidate among the first 6-10 interviews, they may proceed to interview more candidates to ensure they find the best fit.