The Best Time For An Interview?

[harle]

I recently submitted an application to a local accounting firm and was lucky enough to get a request for an interview! The issue is that they have 10 time slots available, and I have to choose one. All of these interviews times are on the same day. So, which of the following times would be best to interview and why:

8:30 am - 9:00 am
9:00 am - 9:30 am
10:45 am - 11:15 am
11:15 am - 11:45 am
1:30 pm - 2:00 pm
2:00 pm - 2:30 pm
2:45 pm - 3:15 pm
3:15 pm - 3:45 pm
3:45 pm - 4:15 pm
4:15 pm - 4:45 pm

I know that the way I conduct myself in the interview will matter most, but there has to be a time that recruiters prefer. I did a mock interview with an accounting firm recruiter that preferred the morning interviews and was worn out by the end. Who knows what the general consensus about this is, though.

[KingGorilla]

I have never been an interviewer, so I do not know what weird bullshit notion they get from time slots. But with my completely non-scientific anecdotal study, I have gotten more jobs which I have interviewed around 10 AM than in the afternoon.

[Soulless Toast]

I would go for the 1045. Then, they've had time for their coffee to kick in, but are not ready for lunch nor ready to go home for the day.

[Raen]

I would go for the 1045. Then, they've had time for their coffee to kick in, but are not ready for lunch nor ready to go home for the day.

Pretty solid advice in my opinion. I was given a talk by a public speaking/PR person once and they said the best place to be is third or fourth in anything like this. The people have a chance to settle in, but aren't bored yet.

[harle]

I really appreciate the advice. So much so, in fact, that I just signed up for the 10:45 am slot! If anyone is still interested a week from now, I'll update with how the interview went. :)

[Swanky]

Good Luck!

[Zagrash]

I really appreciate the advice. So much so, in fact, that I just signed up for the 10:45 am slot! If anyone is still interested a week from now, I'll update with how the interview went. :)

Good Luck! For what it's worth, I interviewed 3 people today at 9, 1, and 3, and we're hiring the one that interviewed at 3. We're also not an accounting firm, so the same logic probably doesn't apply

[pomeroy]

Good Luck! For what it's worth, I interviewed 3 people today at 9, 1, and 3, and we're hiring the one that interviewed at 3. We're also not an accounting firm, so the same logic probably doesn't apply

Well, at the heart of it, it all comes down to being the best that's interviewed.

[Zagrash]

Good Luck! For what it's worth, I interviewed 3 people today at 9, 1, and 3, and we're hiring the one that interviewed at 3. We're also not an accounting firm, so the same logic probably doesn't apply

Well, at the heart of it, it all comes down to being the best that's interviewed.

You are absolutely right. The 3rd interview had good experience, was personable, had done her research on our company, and maintained excellent eye contact throughout the interview. Even without her experience, those other 3 items gave me a good enough impression to recommend that she be hired.

[harle]

You are absolutely right. The 3rd interview had good experience, was personable, had done her research on our company, and maintained excellent eye contact throughout the interview. Even without her experience, those other 3 items gave me a good enough impression to recommend that she be hired.Those all seem to be items that recruiters like a lot. At my mock interview last week, the interviewer commented that I maintained excellent eye contact, was very personable, and had an impressive amount of management experience for a college student. Just like you said, she recommended that I research the company and ask questions about their company culture and other specific items of interest.

I just hope that my interview jitters go away before next Thursday. Lately, I have been practicing question and answer examples in front of a mirror to catch some of my bad habits.

[Zagrash]

Those all seem to be items that recruiters like a lot. At my mock interview last week, the interviewer commented that I maintained excellent eye contact, was very personable, and had an impressive amount of management experience for a college student. Just like you said, she recommended that I research the company and ask questions about their company culture and other specific items of interest.

I just hope that my interview jitters go away before next Thursday. Lately, I have been practicing question and answer examples in front of a mirror to catch some of my bad habits.

It's totally natural to be nervous, and I certainly don't fault an applicant for being nervous, it's all in how you handle the nerves. I could tell that the girl we're offering the position to was nervous, but she maintained her composure, and still exuded confidence. The second interview we had kept looking at her lap, glancing at her resume, and just seemed uncomfortable.

Just go in knowing that you can do the job, and realize that you're going to be nervous, just work on not letting it affect you (easier said than done, I know =)

[Whunpo]

Good luck, harle! I hope you get the job!

[KingGorilla]

Kris Straub has some tips:

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[Kielaran]

I don't do interviewing, so I can't say the best time, but avoid around lunch. Beforehand they aren't focused and afterward they are full and getting tired.

Best of luck.