When you’re trying to get hired for a new job, timing can be everything. Apparently job interviews later in the day tend to be less successful. If you’re given the option, try to request an interview in the morning.
A new survey of executives by the accounting placement firm Accountemps found that hiring managers find between 9am and 11am to be the most productive time of the day for conducting job interviews.
“Mid-morning is an ideal time for a job interview because it gives the interviewer time to set daily priorities and settle into his or her day before the meeting,” said Bill Driscoll, district president for Accountemps. “Avoid scheduling an interview late in the afternoon when fatigue sets in. Late afternoon is also the time when interviewers may start shifting their focus to personal priorities.”
Previous studies have also shown that if an employer meets a candidate they like early in the hiring process, they will develop a bias towards them, and later – even potentially more qualified candidates – will suffer by comparison. Interview early if you can.
The research also found the first few minutes of a job interview can be the most important – the majority (60 per cent) of CFOs said they form an opinion of the candidate within the first 15 minutes. Driscoll added, “A first impression starts with the initial handshake. What you wear, your demeanor and body language are details that interviewers assess within the first few minutes of meeting someone.” This means your first impression is vital! If you need help with the interview process and making a good first impression then it might be worth checking out the Interview Skills Clinic, especially if you are applying for a civil service job (interviewskillsclinic.co.uk/civil-service-competency-interviews/).
Driscoll also pointed out one of the most common questions you might hear at the beginning of a job interview is “tell me about yourself.” He added, “This is your opportunity to shine during a job interview. Use this time to offer a brief statement that summarizes your experience and objectives.”
Here is an infographic illustrating the survey findings from Accountemps.
Bottom line: Want the job? Interview in the morning.