Let’s be honest: recruiting isn’t what it used to be. There are more applicants, more tools, more follow-ups—and probably not more hours in your day. But if you're wondering how to get more people through the door (virtually or not), here’s a little secret: it starts with opening up more interview slots.

Now before you groan—“More interviews? Seriously?”—hear us out. We know it’s tough. But a few small tweaks to how you schedule interviews can go a long way. You’ll not only get more interviews booked, but you'll also cut down on those dreaded no-shows.

Why this matters (and why it’s worth the hassle)

Many applicants have tight windows to interview—especially folks juggling caregiving, other jobs, or school. They’re trying to get hired fast and start earning yesterday. If they can’t find a time that works, they’ll move on… or vanish like socks in the dryer.

We get it—your time is valuable. But a little scheduling magic on your end means more interviews and (here’s the good part) more hires. Let’s explore a few ways to squeeze in extra slots—without losing your mind.

1. Add More Interview Time (Yes, We Know. But Hear Us Out.)

If you're spending more time doing paperwork than talking to people, it might be time to ask: Can someone help me carve out more time for interviews?

Here’s what might help:

• Get a teammate to jump in—even part-time.
• Use a second recruiter calendar inside Augusta (we can help you set this up).
• Book more morning slots—our data shows applicants are more likely to show up then (probably before life gets too busy).

How to adjust your availability:

• Using Augusta's Smart Scheduler? Go to Smart Job Application → Auto-Interview Settings → Set Availability.

• Using Calendly? Go to your event’s Scheduling Settings → Available Hours and tweak from there.

   

2. Trim the Interview Time (Like a Good Haircut—Short, But Sharp)

Shorter interviews = more slots. But don’t worry—you can still get to the good stuff without cutting corners.

Here’s how:

• Zoom or phone interviews: Use the info from the Augusta application to hit just the key points. Can you keep it to 20 minutes or less?
• In-person interviews: If your no-show rate’s high, you may not mind going over time if your interview duration is slightly too short. If someone doesn’t show, no big deal—you’ve got a breather.

How to shorten the interview:

• In Smart Scheduler: Go to Interview Details → Duration.

• In Calendly: Open the event, go to Event Details, and change the duration.

   

3. Cut Down That Buffer Time (Because Do You Really Need 15 Minutes to Breathe?)

Buffer time is nice. But too much of it and you’re wasting good interview space.

Example: Because the interview duration is in 15-min increments, a 30-minute interview with a 5-minute buffer eats up 45 minutes, not 35. Try dropping to a 25-minute interview + 5-minute buffer instead, i.e. 30 minutes in total.

How to adjust:

• Smart Scheduler: Go to Interview Details → Advanced Settings → Buffer Time.

• Still on Calendly? Either email us to switch to our scheduler or reach out to our support team to help adjust your settings.

   

4. Overbook a Little (It’s Like Double-Dipping—but Smart)

If no-shows are a common thing, consider double-booking. Yep, you heard that right. Overbook a time slot so if someone ghosts, someone else is already there.

Will two people show up at once now and then? Maybe. Just have a plan:

• Let one wait with a coffee and a friendly smile.
• Ask a colleague to help if things get busy.

Some of our top recruiters swear by overbooking—it works if your office flow can handle it.

Here's a good article on this topic if you want to learn more!

How to overbook:

• In Smart Scheduler: Go to Interview Details → Advanced Settings → Max # of interviews per time slot.

• Using Calendly? You may need to switch to our scheduler or ask support to help you set this up.

   

Final Word

Look, we know this isn’t easy. You’ve got a million things on your plate. But a few smart tweaks can give you more interviews, better results, and fewer awkward empty chairs. And hey, if you ever need help adjusting these settings—we’re just a message away.

You’ve got this! 🎯