Candidates may wonder if there is a particular slot in the interview process that leads to more job offers. The ability to choose your interview day, time and position may be beneficial when trying to make a good impression on a hiring manager. In this article, we discuss tips for scheduling an effective interview, the length of the hiring process and how to arrive prepared to your meeting.
How do hiring managers make decisions about candidates during an interview?
Hiring managers may use one of two types of evaluations to assess a candidate’s performance in an interview. The types include:
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End of sequence: Hiring managers may withhold judging an individual candidate’s qualifications until the end of a day of interviews or until the end of the longer hiring process.
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Step by step: Hiring managers may continuously evaluate candidates during the interview process based on their responses to questions.
End of sequence: Hiring managers may withhold judging an individual candidate’s qualifications until the end of a day of interviews or until the end of the longer hiring process.
End of sequence: Hiring managers may withhold judging an individual candidate’s qualifications until the end of a day of interviews or until the end of the longer hiring process.
Step by step: Hiring managers may continuously evaluate candidates during the interview process based on their responses to questions.
Step by step: Hiring managers may continuously evaluate candidates during the interview process based on their responses to questions.
Is it better to interview first or last?
Having either the first or last interview of the day rather than in the middle may give you an advantage when trying to get a job. Some benefits and additional factors may include:
First interview
People who interview first in the day or at the beginning of a hiring process may benefit from the primacy bias. This type of bias means that the first candidate sets the standard to which hiring managers hold other prospective employees that come after them. They may also benefit from a step-by-step evaluation for the same reason.
Last interview
Candidates who have the last interview of the day or at the end of a hiring process may benefit from the recency bias. This type of bias means that hiring managers have encountered you and your skills most recently, therefore making them the most appealing. They may also benefit from end-of-sequence evaluation for the same reason.
Other factors
Other factors that may affect the best interview slots can include:
Length of the hiring process
If an interview process takes place over many months, you may benefit from being the last candidate. In a long process, hiring managers may better recall positive skills and attributes of candidates they’ve seen recently rather than ones they haven’t interviewed for a long time.
Quality of other candidates
Your interview appeal may depend on the qualifications of others who interview on the same day. You may benefit from being the first candidate on a day of excellent interviews. You may also benefit from being the last candidate on a day of average interviews. However, you may not know or be able to account for this factor before your meeting.
Size of the interview pool
In an interview pool with just a few candidates, it may not matter where or when you have your interview, even if it’s in the middle of the day or the process. However, as the pool becomes larger, you may benefit from being the last interview because of recency bias.
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How can I be the first or last interview of the day or in the hiring cycle?
There is no way to guarantee you are the first or the last interview of the day or the process when scheduling your time. However, you may ask for the earliest or latest available time slot on your given day. While it may not get you the exact slot you’re hoping for, you’ll be closer to either end rather than in the middle.
How long is a traditional interview process?
Typically, a hiring process can take over a few months to complete, including accepting applications, interviewing and making job offers. However, the in-person interview process may take about two weeks to complete, depending on the number of candidates.
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How early do interviews start and how late do they go?
Depending on the hiring manager’s schedule and how many candidates interview each day, interviews may start as early as 7 a.m. and run until 5 p.m. local company time. Some businesses may not hold interviews during lunch hours, or reserve those times for dining interviews. Scheduling times may vary depending on the organization.
What are the best days to schedule a job interview?
Typically, it is best to schedule an interview on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday, if possible. This allows hiring managers to get their priorities and schedules set for the week on Monday. While scheduling on Friday is not ideal, you may also choose to interview before lunch that day to ensure interviewers can start their weekend on time.
What times of the day are best to schedule a job interview?
Scheduling a job interview between 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. may be ideal for hiring managers and candidates. Scheduling after lunch allows hiring managers to get settled into their day and have a meal before meeting with you. It also ensures that even if your interview runs over, they can still leave the office on time. Afternoon interviews may also benefit the candidate by allowing them to get adequate rest and arrive in plenty of time.
How long do interviews usually last?
The length of an interview may depend on the type of interview and the rapport built between the candidate and the hiring manager. Examples of interview lengths may include:
Phone or screening interviews
Phone or screening interviews may be short, between 15 minutes and a half an hour. These interviews determine who moves to the next stage where hiring managers ask more in-depth questions.
Video interviews
Video interviews can vary in length depending on their purpose. A video interview used in place of a phone interview may be shorter. However, for remote positions, hiring managers may use video interviews at all stages of the process and could last up to a few hours.
First interviews
First interviews may be longer than screening interviews, between 30 minutes and an hour. They may include more questions or ones that require longer stories or explanations.
Second and third interviews
Second and third interviews may last a few hours, depending on their purpose and content. Some may even last the entire workday and include multiple segments.
Special interviews
Special interviews, like dining or competency-based interviews, may vary in length. Dining interviews many last the length of the meal and continue into after lunch or dinner conversation. Competency-based interviews with practicum sections or presentation portions may have a time limit.
Can I ask a hiring manager questions before my interview?
Candidates may choose to ask questions when scheduling their interview to secure the best interview time or to get more information about the position. Some common pre-interview questions may include:
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How long has this position been open?
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By what date are you hoping to fill this position?
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How long have you been conducting this candidate search?
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How far along is the interview process?
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What days and times are available to schedule an interview?
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Do you have a preference of meeting times?
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Is there anything specific you’d like me to bring to the interview?
How long has this position been open?
How long has this position been open?
By what date are you hoping to fill this position?
By what date are you hoping to fill this position?
How long have you been conducting this candidate search?
How long have you been conducting this candidate search?
How far along is the interview process?
How far along is the interview process?
What days and times are available to schedule an interview?
What days and times are available to schedule an interview?
Do you have a preference of meeting times?
Do you have a preference of meeting times?
Is there anything specific you’d like me to bring to the interview?
Is there anything specific you’d like me to bring to the interview?
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What should I bring with me to an interview?
For most interviews, you may choose to bring a few copies of your resume, a copy of your cover letter and a portfolio or examples of your previous work, if applicable. Sometimes hiring managers ask you to bring other documents, like an ID card or passport, to verify your identity or to enter a facility. Consider asking the hiring manager what they would like you to bring when you schedule your interview.
When should I show up to an interview?
Showing up to your interview about 15 minutes early may give you time to collect your thoughts, use the restroom and take care of any last-minute details before the meeting. Arriving early may also show that you value the hiring managers time.
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What should I do after an interview?
After an interview, consider sending a follow up thank you email or handwritten letter. If emailing, try to correspond within 24 hours of your interview. You may choose to send both an email and a mailed letter that arrive at different times. In your note, thank the hiring manager for their time, reference something you learned or appreciated about the interview and subtly mention a second interview or communicating further.