Best time of day to interview?

[LookingForANewJob2023]

I applied for a job last week, and will get an email this coming week if I'm invited to interview 🤞🏻

I know from previous applications that I'd be logging into the portal to book an interview slot, so here's the million dollar question....!

Do I book to be first one in? Or last of the day? Or a happy middler?

No guarantee I'll interview of course, and there's possibly pros and cons to any time, just thought I'd put the question out there and see what you all think.

Get it over and done with! I can't stand waiting around for an interview all day.

I'd pick a time that meets with my own 'best' - I am a morning person, so I know I perform best at interview at around 10am or 11am (if the latter, I have to snack first!); whereas some people are not morning people and perform at their best in the afternoon.

I have an interview at 2pm tomorrow and it's not ideal, I'll be fighting my post-lunch lull.

Not before lunch, they will be hungry and potentially distracted

By not before lunch I mean immediately before lunch not all morning 😂

I wouldn't go first as the interviewers might 'set the bar' by the first one, and be looking specifically at where later candidates better you.

I'd also avoid last as, if they've already found someone they really like, by then they might be looking for reasons not to hire.

Happy middle for me.

I’d go mid morning. I’m on form at that time of day and I think first and last can be tricky slots

I think second slot, gives me time to get there without rush hour and worrying, I am best in the morning and also gets it over with rather than just over thinking possible questions all day. I am prepared as possible by 10am so want it done.
That said I have interviewed and offered to both first and last applicant interviewed so if your ideal slot is not available you will be fine. Good luck.

second slot
knock em out!

I aim for mid morning. Give me time to go home and get changed after school run without feeling rushed, depending how close it is that is.

Ok so mid-morning seems to be popular! I will bear this in mind 😁

As others have said, I don't really want to be waiting around all day. Likewise, I wondered if a later slot would be better so I'm more fresh in their mind at the end of the day...

I hate afternoon interviews because if they've already really liked someone you have to prove yourself more.

Ok I think I agree with everyone that mid-morning is the best time.

Interviewers will be fresh at it!
I won't be extra nervous from waiting around all day
Will mean I've got time to sort the kids out and not be rushing

Now all I need is to be offered an interview. I'll come back and update you all!

Always first then you're the one to beat.

Traditionally,,I go for mid morning to get it over with, but the interview for the job I currently have was at 3pm. I am very much a "later in the day" person and feedback was that I smashed it, and it was the best interview any of the panel had ever seen, so I'd play to your "time of day". The morning waiting was hell though!!

I was first, I literally gave myself 12 hours to prepare for the phone interview bit. I was then first to be formally interviewed think it was 11:30 so before lunch, it worked as I got the job. I don't like afternoon as I'm tired and have more time to worry.

As someone who interviews a lot I would say late morning or middle of day. Interviewing is exhausting so panel will be tired late in the day.

It depends what kind of organisation it is. I was once offered a job before I'd found my way out of the car park. I had other interviews lined up including another one that day. They phoned the agency and offered immediately, but wanted me to pull out of other interviews. They also confirmed they would cancel the rest of the interviews they had booked.

After that experience, given the choice, I always try to get interviewed as soon as possible within a process. I know not every company works like this, it was certainly eye opening.