Optimal Length for Interview Answers
The right length for interview answers depends on the type of question.
- Answers for basic/introductory questions should be 30 to 90 seconds.
- Answers for behavioral questions should be at least 2 minutes but not more than 4 minutes.
In general, I choose to aim for 2-4 minutes as the average length; this is what most of my clients stick to and get results with.
For specific types of questions, consider the following:
- Examples of the right length for ‘Tell me about yourself’ include responses that take about one minute to say when spoken in a conversational tone with plenty of pauses and the correct intonation.
- An example of a good answer for ‘Why do you want this job?’ includes discussing the company and its specific mission, as well as how the role fits personal goals and experiences. This should also be delivered in the appropriate length.
- The answer for ‘Why should we hire you?’ demonstrates the candidate’s ability to handle unexpected situations with a concrete example and is also the right length.
Furthermore, your interview answers are considered too short if:
- They’re under 30 seconds for a factual question.
- They’re under 30-90 seconds for an introductory question.
- They’re under 2 minutes for a behavioral question.
During your interview, you shouldn’t give too-short answers. You should aim for the right length to give your interviewer adequate information, show your strengths, and demonstrate good communication skills.
In summary, the guidelines for proper answer length are as follows:
- 30 seconds for a factual question (e.g., ‘Do you know Java?’).
- 30-90 seconds for an introductory question (e.g., ‘Why do you want to work here?’ or ‘Tell me about yourself.’).
- 3 minutes for a behavioral question (e.g., ‘Give me an example of a risk you took.’).
To make your interview answers longer, consider these strategies:
- Prepare ahead of time by researching the company and job description.
- Practice pausing and using pauses strategically.
- Give more detailed responses, and try to provide context and information.
- Use specific examples to illustrate your points.
- Explain jargon when necessary to provide background information.
If your interview answers are too short, it could be due to emotions such as nervousness, lack of confidence, or insufficient preparation. Recognize which emotions you have and address them. Additionally, consider working with an interview coach to improve your performance and increase your chances of getting the job.
In conclusion, interview answers should generally be between 30 seconds to four minutes, depending on the context of the questions. Your response may be short (30 seconds to two minutes) if the question is simple. For example, if the hiring manager asks you to describe your strengths, you might speak for 90 seconds to explain where you’re proficient.
Many non-PEI questions take 1.5 – 2 minutes per answer; there are exceptions to the rule (for example, in cases of several points required in an answer) – I recommend targeting around 2 minutes.
Timing for Behavioral Interview Responses
When preparing for behavioral interviews, it is important to know the appropriate response length. Here are some key points to consider:
- Answers for behavioral questions should be at least 2 minutes but not more than 4 minutes. The typical response length is around 3-4 minutes, and ideally, it should be kept between 2-3 minutes.
- The right length for interview answers depends on the type of question. Clients often need at least 4 minutes (sometimes 5 or more) to share all the details of their projects. However, going over 6 or 7 minutes might annoy your interviewer, though it does not necessarily mean you will not get the job.
Additionally, it is essential to ensure that your answers adequately convey your strengths and communication skills:
- During your interview, you shouldn’t give too-short answers. You should hit the right length for your answers to give your interviewer the right amount of information. Going shorter than the advised minimum may lead to a bad impression.
- Specifically, aim for 30 seconds for a factual question (e.g., “Do you know Java?”), 30-90 seconds for an introductory question (e.g., “Why do you want to work here?” or “Tell me about yourself”), and 3 minutes for a behavioral question (e.g., “Give me an example of a risk you took”). Proper answer length does not vary from company to company.
To improve your performance, you can:
- Prepare ahead of time: Research the company and job description, and make a list of relevant experiences, skills, and accomplishments. Knowing your strengths and preparing what to say can help you provide more detailed answers.
- Practice your answers: Practicing builds your confidence, helps you speak more freely, and allows you to provide more detailed answers. It also helps identify areas where you may need additional details or where your answers may be too short.
Lastly, if you find yourself explaining an example in more than 5 minutes, you may need to deliver your point more succinctly.
Effective Duration for ‘Tell Me About Yourself’
Be concise: Keep your answer brief and focused.
Aim for a response that’s one to two minutes long. This ensures you maintain the interviewer’s attention without overloading them with information.
Stay relevant: Tailor your answer to the job you’re applying for.
When answering the ‘Tell me about yourself’ question in an interview, follow these tips:
- Choose the right starting point for your story.
- Highlight impressive experiences and accomplishments.
- Conclude by explaining your current situation.
- Keep your answer work-related.
- Be concise, aiming for a response under two minutes.
