How long is a technical interview?

The length of a technical interview can vary depending on the role, company, and the interview format, but generally, they last between 45 minutes to 2 hours. Let’s break down the typical time frames for different stages of a technical interview.

1. Initial Technical Phone Screen

Length: 30 to 60 minutes

The technical phone screen is a preliminary interview to assess whether you have the right technical skills for the role. During this stage, you might solve 1-2 coding problems or discuss your experience and how it aligns with the position.

What to expect:

• A quick introduction and questions about your background.
• A live coding challenge on platforms like CoderPad or a shared document.
• Some questions about your previous work or projects.

2. Full Technical Interview (Onsite or Virtual)

Length: 1.5 to 2 hours

This is the main technical interview where you'll go through a mix of coding challenges, system design questions (for more senior roles), and possibly behavioral questions. It may be divided into several sessions with different interviewers.

Typical Breakdown:

• Coding challenges: 45 to 60 minutes
• System design (if applicable): 30 to 45 minutes
• Behavioral interview: 10 to 20 minutes
• Questions from the candidate: 5 to 10 minutes

3. System Design Interview (for mid to senior roles)

Length: 45 to 60 minutes

System design interviews are more focused on your ability to architect large-scale systems. These interviews tend to be more open-ended and require you to discuss your approach to building scalable, reliable systems.

Tip: For preparation, check out Grokking System Design Fundamentals or Grokking the Advanced System Design Interview.

4. Take-Home Assignments (if part of the process)

Length: Varies (1 day to 1 week)

Some companies provide take-home assignments that allow you to solve a problem in your own time. The time commitment can range from a few hours to a day, depending on the complexity of the task.

5. Mock Interviews

Length: 30 to 60 minutes

If you’re preparing through mock interviews, they typically last about 30 to 60 minutes. These can simulate real interview conditions, allowing you to practice coding challenges or system design. For personalized feedback, you can try Coding Mock Interviews by DesignGurus.io.

Final Notes

• Entry-level roles: Typically 45 to 60 minutes focusing on coding problems.
• Senior roles: 1.5 to 2 hours, including system design and behavioral questions.
• Multiple rounds: Some companies have multiple rounds, which may be spread over different days, totaling several hours.

By understanding the different stages and lengths of a technical interview, you can better prepare for the experience and manage your time effectively.