How long is the IBM interview?

The length of the IBM interview process can vary depending on the position and the specific interview stage. Here's a breakdown of typical interview durations for each stage:

1. Initial Phone Screening

• Duration: About 20 to 30 minutes.
• Purpose: This is a preliminary discussion with a recruiter or HR representative to review your resume, skills, and interest in the role. It's a high-level conversation to ensure you meet the basic qualifications for the job.

2. Technical Assessment or Coding Test

• Duration: Typically 45 minutes to 2 hours.
• Purpose: This stage may involve an online coding assessment or technical test using platforms like HackerRank. The goal is to evaluate your problem-solving skills, algorithms, and knowledge of data structures. Some tests might be timed and require solving multiple problems.

3. Technical Interview

• Duration: About 60 minutes.
• Purpose: This is a deeper dive into your technical abilities, including coding challenges and potentially system design questions. It is often conducted by a senior engineer or technical manager. You may be asked to solve problems live while explaining your thought process.

4. Behavioral Interview

• Duration: About 45 minutes to 1 hour.
• Purpose: In this round, the interviewer assesses your cultural fit, teamwork, and leadership skills. The focus is on how you handled past work experiences and challenges, often using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).

5. Final Interview (If applicable)

• Duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour.
• Purpose: If there is a final interview, it may be with senior management or a hiring manager. This round typically focuses on understanding your long-term goals and how you would fit into the company’s culture and values.

Overall Timeline:

• Each interview round usually lasts between 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the type of interview.
• The entire interview process can stretch over a few days to several weeks, depending on scheduling, the number of rounds, and the role you are applying for.

In summary, individual interview rounds at IBM typically last 45 minutes to 1 hour, but some technical assessments can take up to 2 hours.