Jewell Andrews | January 10, 2025

Is It Better To Interview First Or Last?

When preparing for an interview, a question that often comes up is: “Is it better to interview first or last?” Many job seekers wonder whether the timing of their interview could impact their chances of getting hired. Some believe that interviewing first leaves a strong impression. Then, others argue that going last is better since it’s fresher in the interviewer’s memory. In this article, we’ll explore both options and look at what experts say. We’ll also discuss the factors that can influence the best interview timing.

The Importance Of Interview Timing

An interview is a critical step in the job application process. This is the chance for you to meet with the people who can hire you and for them to see if you’re a good fit for the position. The time of day or the order in which you interview can seem like a small detail, but research shows it can actually affect how interviewers see you. Understanding how timing impacts perception can help you make more informed decisions when scheduling interviews, giving you a slight edge over other candidates.

Going First: The Pros And Cons

Interviewing first can seem like a big advantage, but it also has some challenges. Going first means you set the bar for others, and the interviewers are usually fresh and focused. However, it also means there’s a chance they cannot remember you as well by the end of the day. Let’s look at the pros and cons.

Setting The Standard: When you go first, you set the tone for everyone else who comes after you. This means the interviewer can remember you as the person who sets a high standard if you perform well. You can leave a lasting impression because you become the “first comparison” against which other candidates are measured.
Interviewers Are Fresh: At the start of the day, interviewers are often more focused and attentive. They haven’t yet spent hours talking to multiple people, so they’re more likely to listen carefully to your answers. This can be an advantage because they can be able to recall your responses with clarity.
Less Risk Of Bias: When you interview first, interviewers haven’t yet formed strong opinions about other candidates. This can be beneficial because there’s less chance of being compared unfavorably to someone who made a strong impression earlier in the day. Interviewers can judge your answers more objectively when you’re the first candidate.

However, there are some potential downsides to consider:

No Benchmark: When you go first, you don’t have the advantage of knowing what the interviewers are looking for compared to other candidates. Since you’re the benchmark, you cannot be able to tailor your responses based on how others performed.
Forgotten Over Time: Interviewers meet many people in a short span of time. There’s a chance that, by the end of the day, the interviewer can remember the later candidates more vividly than the first one. Your early interview can fade in memory unless you make a very strong impression.

Going Last: The Pros And Cons

Interviewing last can have its own benefits and challenges. Being the last person can make you more memorable, as interviewers can remember your answers best. However, they can also be tired by the end of the day. Let’s dive into the pros and cons of being the last to interview.

Recency Effect: People tend to remember things that happened most recently, a concept known as the “recency effect.” By going last, you can be fresher in the interviewer’s mind, especially if they’re trying to recall information later on. This could make you stand out more during decision-making.
Opportunity To Stand Out: When interviewers have already met several candidates, you have a clearer picture of what to highlight or avoid. For example, when other candidates share certain experiences, you can choose to emphasize unique skills or experiences that haven’t been covered.
Building On Previous Interviews: When you go last, you have a chance to leave a memorable impression that could impact the final decision. When your interview goes exceptionally well, it can make it easier for interviewers to recommend you since your performance stands out as a recent experience.

Yet, there are challenges to consider with going last:

Interview Fatigue: By the end of the day, interviewers can be tired or even mentally drained from speaking with multiple candidates. They cannot be as attentive as they were with earlier candidates, which could affect how they perceive your responses.
Risk Of Comparison: Interviewing last can be tricky because interviewers can compare you directly to the candidates they’ve already met. When they’ve had a good experience with an earlier candidate, it can be harder for you to meet or exceed their expectations.

Understanding The “Primacy And Recency Effects”

The “primacy effect” and “recency effect” are two important concepts in psychology that help explain why interview timing matters. The primacy effect is the idea that people remember the first thing they encounter in a series, while the recency effect is the idea that people remember the last thing. These effects influence how interviewers remember candidates, potentially making the first and last candidates stand out more than those in the middle. Understanding these effects can help you decide if it can be better to go first, last, or avoid the middle altogether.

Other Factors That Affect Interview Timing

In addition to interview order, other factors can influence how well your interview goes. Let’s look at some of these factors in more detail:

Time Of Day: Studies show that people’s mental sharpness changes throughout the day. Interviewers can be more alert and focused in the morning and can start to experience mental fatigue by the afternoon. When you have a choice between an early morning interview and a late afternoon slot, you can consider opting for the morning to ensure interviewers are attentive.
Length Of Interview Schedule: When a company schedules multiple interviews in a row, interviewers can become fatigued faster. In this case, being first can be better to ensure you meet them when they’re most focused. On the other hand, when the schedule is spread out, then going last can still give you the recency advantage.
How Many Candidates Are Being Interviewed: When there are only a few candidates, the order cannot matter as much. However, when interviewers are seeing a large number of people, going last could give you an advantage in terms of the recency effect, while going first could help you stand out by setting a memorable benchmark.
Your Personal Readiness: Think about when you feel most prepared and alert. Some people perform best in the morning, while others feel sharper in the afternoon. Pick a time when you’re likely to be at your best. Showing confidence and clarity can make a stronger impression than just the order in which you interview.

So, Is It Better To Interview First Or Last?

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The best timing often depends on the specific situation. For example, the number of candidates, the interviewer’s schedule, and your preferences. Both the first and last positions come with their own advantages and challenges. Then, you’ll want to weigh these based on the factors mentioned above. When you have the option, consider asking the recruiter about the interview schedule. Sometimes recruiters can give you a sense of when can be an ideal time. It’s based on their experience and the structure of the interview process.

FAQs

1. Does The Order Of My Interview Really Matter?

Yes. Interview order can affect how interviewers remember you! They can recall the first or last person they talk to more clearly, so timing could impact how they view your answers. Yet, remember, it’s not the only thing that matters. How well you prepare and answer questions is most important.

2. Is It Always Better To Go First In An Interview?

Not always. Going first can help you make a strong first impression when the interviewers are fresh, but they can meet many candidates after you. It means your answers could become less clear in their memory. Going first can be a good choice, but it’s not guaranteed to be best for every situation.

3. Why Do People Think Going Last Is Better?

Some think going last is good because interviewers can remember recent answers better. Yet, by the end of the day, interviewers can be tired and less focused than at the start. Going last has benefits. Still, it also depends on how much energy and attention the interviewers have left.

4. What If I Don’t Get To Choose My Interview Time?

When you can’t choose your interview time, focus on things you can control, like preparing well, staying confident, and being positive. These qualities usually matter more to interviewers than the timing itself. Giving your best effort is often more important than when you’re scheduled to interview.

Conclusion: Making The Most Of Your Interview Opportunity

Going first can help you set a high standard and catch the interviewers when they’re fresh. Still, going last can help you benefit from the recency effect. It can also potentially influence their final decision. Suppose you don’t have control over the timing, don’t worry. Many other factors contribute to interview success. These include your preparation, qualifications, and how you present yourself.

Focus on what you can control. For example, being well-prepared, dressing appropriately, and giving thoughtful answers. No matter when your interview is scheduled, be confident, polite, and authentic. This can make a lasting impression. In the end, the timing of your interview is just one part of the overall process. Your skills and attitude play the biggest roles in getting the job.