Should you aim to be the first or last interview candidate?

Understanding the psychology of interview order

How Interview Order Shapes Perceptions

When you’re searching for a job, you might wonder if being the first or last candidate interviewed will help your chances. The order in which candidates interview can subtly influence the hiring process, even if professionals aim for objectivity. Interviewers are human, and their energy levels, memory, and expectations can shift throughout the day or week. Understanding these dynamics is key for anyone navigating the interview process.

Research in career coaching and hiring shows that the first impression a candidate makes can set the tone for the rest of the interviews. Being interviewed first means you might be the benchmark for all others. On the other hand, the last interviewee can benefit from being freshest in the interviewers’ minds when decisions are made. Both positions have unique psychological impacts on the hiring team, and these effects can be amplified or reduced depending on the interview schedule and the number of candidates.

• Primacy effect: Interviewers may remember the first candidate more clearly, especially if the interview process is long.
• Recency effect: The last candidate often stands out simply because they were the most recent person interviewed.
• Energy and attention: Interviewers’ energy levels can fluctuate, affecting how they perceive and evaluate candidates at different times.

It’s important to note that other factors, such as the type of job, the structure of interview questions, and even the time of day, can also play a role. For those preparing for interviews, understanding these psychological elements can help shape your strategy and expectations. If you’re interested in how to prepare for the questions you might face, check out this resource on key questions for a successful internal interview.

Advantages of being the first interviewee

Setting the Tone: The Power of First Impressions

Being the first interviewee in the hiring process can feel like a double-edged sword. Many job seekers wonder if going first will help or hurt their chances. The reality is, interviewing first offers unique advantages that can make a strong impact on your job search journey.

• First impression advantage: The first candidate often sets the benchmark for all others. Hiring professionals may unconsciously compare every subsequent person to the first interviewee, making your performance memorable if you present yourself well.
• Fresh energy and attention: Interviewers tend to be more alert and focused at the start of their schedule. This means your answers to interview questions are more likely to be heard and considered thoughtfully, especially if the process involves multiple candidates interview sessions in one day.
• Clearer interview questions: Early in the process, hiring teams usually stick closely to their prepared questions. This can help you anticipate what to expect and prepare more effectively, especially with the support of a career coach or by reviewing your LinkedIn profile for key talking points.
• Less bias from comparison: When you are the first candidate, there is less risk of being directly compared to someone else who just interviewed. This can work in your favor if you are well-prepared and confident.

Of course, the benefits of being the first interviewee depend on how you leverage your slot. Preparation is key. Reviewing your resume, practicing common interview questions, and understanding the company’s needs will help you stand out. For more on how to prepare for your interview time and make the most of your slot, check out this guide on how to navigate the pre-screening interview for a successful hiring experience.

Remember, while being the first can offer a strategic advantage, it is just one part of the overall interview process. The hiring decision will also be influenced by other factors, such as your fit for the job and the impression you leave on the hiring team.

Benefits of being the last candidate

Why being the last candidate can work in your favor

Many job seekers wonder if being the last person interviewed gives them an edge in the hiring process. There are some compelling reasons why the final slot in the interview schedule can be advantageous.

• Recency effect: Hiring professionals often remember the most recent candidates more vividly. This psychological tendency means your answers, personality, and skills may be fresher in the interviewers’ minds when they make their decision.
• Opportunity to address earlier questions: By the time you interview last, the panel may have refined their interview questions based on previous candidates. This can help you prepare for more targeted questions and tailor your responses to what the company is truly seeking.
• Chance to stand out: If you’ve researched the company and the role, you can use insights from your job search or from career coaching to highlight what makes you unique. You might even reference trends in the interview process or address gaps left by earlier candidates.
• More information available: Sometimes, candidates who interview last have had more time to prepare, connect with employees on LinkedIn, or review the company’s recent updates. This extra preparation can help you ask better questions and demonstrate your fit for the job.

Energy levels can be a double-edged sword. While interviewers might be tired by the end of the day, some professionals become more relaxed and conversational, which could help you build rapport. However, it’s important to stay alert to their cues and keep your responses concise. If you’re aiming for the last interview slot, consider how you can make a memorable impression. Prepare thoughtful questions that show your understanding of the hiring process and the company’s needs. For inspiration, check out this list of essential questions to ask HR during your interview. These can help you demonstrate your interest and professionalism, regardless of when you’re interviewed.

Potential drawbacks of both positions

When Timing Works Against You

The order in which candidates interview can shape how hiring professionals perceive each person. However, both being the first or last candidate comes with its own set of challenges that can impact your job search.

• Memory Bias: If you are the first interviewee, your answers and personality might fade in the memory of the interviewers as more candidates interview after you. By the time the last interview happens, professionals may recall the most recent candidates more vividly, which can unintentionally disadvantage those who were interviewed first.
• Comparison Fatigue: Interviewers may experience fatigue after seeing multiple candidates in a row. If your slot is at the end of a long interview schedule, hiring managers might be less attentive or energetic, which can affect how they perceive your responses and overall fit for the job.
• Unfair Benchmarks: Early candidates sometimes set the bar for the rest of the process, but this can backfire if the hiring team is still calibrating their expectations or refining their interview questions. Conversely, the last candidate might be compared against a more established benchmark, making it harder to stand out.
• Decision Pressure: When you are the last interview, the hiring process may be under time pressure to wrap up. This can lead to rushed decisions or less thoughtful evaluation, which may not work in your favor, especially if the team is eager to fill the role quickly.

External Factors That Can Influence Outcomes

The interview order is just one piece of the puzzle. Other factors, such as the time of day, the energy levels of the interviewers, and even how many interviews are scheduled in a single day, can all play a role. For example, candidates who interview first thing in the morning might benefit from a fresh panel, while those at the end of the day could face tired professionals who are less engaged. It's important to remember that while being the first or last candidate can have an impact, the overall hiring process is influenced by many variables. Your preparation, the relevance of your LinkedIn profile, and your ability to answer interview questions confidently will help you stand out, regardless of your interview slot. Career coaching experts often emphasize focusing on what you can control, such as your readiness and attitude, rather than the order in which you are interviewed.

Other factors that influence hiring decisions

What Else Shapes the Hiring Decision?

While the order in which candidates interview—whether you are the first or last—can play a role in the hiring process, it is far from the only factor that hiring professionals consider. Understanding the broader context will help you approach your job search with more confidence and strategy.

• Interview Questions and Answers: The quality of your responses to interview questions often outweighs your position in the interview schedule. Clear, thoughtful answers that demonstrate your skills and fit for the job are crucial.
• Relevant Experience and Skills: Hiring managers closely evaluate your background, LinkedIn profile, and how your experience aligns with the job requirements. Being the first candidate or the last interviewee will not compensate for a lack of relevant qualifications.
• Company Needs and Priorities: Sometimes, organizational needs shift during the interview process. A company may realize they need a different skill set or adjust their criteria as they meet more people.
• Energy Levels and Interviewer Bias: The energy and attention of interviewers can fluctuate throughout the day or week. However, trained professionals strive to minimize bias and evaluate each candidate fairly, regardless of the interview time slot.
• Interviewing Process Structure: Some organizations use structured interviews with standardized questions to ensure consistency. This approach helps reduce the impact of interview order and focuses more on objective evaluation.
• References and Assessments: Many hiring processes include reference checks, skills assessments, or additional rounds of interviews. These steps provide a fuller picture of each person’s capabilities beyond the initial interview.

Ultimately, while being interviewed first or last can have subtle effects, your preparation, professionalism, and ability to connect with the interviewers are what will help you stand out in your career journey. Career coaching experts often emphasize focusing on what you can control—your performance, research, and follow-up—rather than stressing about your interview slot.

Tips for making the most of your interview slot

Maximizing Your Interview Slot

Whether you are the first or last candidate in the interview process, your approach can make a significant difference. Here are practical tips that will help you stand out, no matter your interview order:

• Prepare for Common and Role-Specific Questions: Review the job description and anticipate interview questions related to the position. Practicing your responses will boost your confidence and help you deliver clear, concise answers.
• Showcase Your Unique Value: Hiring professionals often meet many candidates. Highlight what sets you apart, whether it’s a unique skill, a relevant achievement, or a fresh perspective on the job.
• Manage Your Energy Levels: If you are scheduled for the first interview, ensure you are alert and ready to make a strong first impression. For a last interview slot, maintain your enthusiasm and energy, even if the process has been long for both you and the interviewers.
• Be Mindful of Timing: Arrive early, but not too early. Respect the schedule and be flexible if there are delays. This shows professionalism and adaptability, qualities valued in any job search.
• Engage With the Interviewers: Build rapport by listening actively and asking thoughtful questions. This demonstrates genuine interest in the role and the company, regardless of whether you are interviewed first or last.
• Follow Up: After your interview, send a personalized thank-you note. Reference specific points from your conversation to reinforce your interest and help the hiring team remember you among other candidates.
• Leverage Your LinkedIn Profile: Ensure your online presence is up to date. Many hiring professionals will review your profile before or after the interview, so highlight relevant experience and skills that align with the job.
• Consult a Career Coach: If you’re unsure about your interview strategy, consider seeking advice from a career coaching professional. They can provide tailored guidance to help you navigate the interview process with confidence.

Remember, being the first or last interviewee is just one part of the hiring process. Your preparation, attitude, and ability to connect with people will help you make the most of your interview time and improve your chances of landing the job.