Are you a job seeker looking to ace your interview and land your dream job? Then it’s crucial to choose the best time for your interview. At MatchBuilt Executive Search, a leading recruitment firm with experience working with thousands of job candidates and hundreds of hiring companies, we understand that timing is one of the most critical factors in the interview process.
The optimal time for your interview depends on several factors, including the time of day, the day of the week, and the number of interviews in a single day. For example, if you’re a morning person, scheduling your interview first thing on Monday morning may be the best way to ensure you’re at your best. On the other hand, if you’re a night owl, an early afternoon or late afternoon interview may be a good fit for you.
When is the best time to interview for a job?
According to our hiring managers and recruiters network, Tuesday morning is considered the most popular interview day and time.
Generally, the middle of the week is considered the best time to schedule interviews since your energy levels are typically high, and you’re less likely to have important tasks piling up. The end of the day, especially the last workday meeting, can be a good time if the hiring team is less likely to be distracted by rush hour or weekend plans. Friday afternoons can also be a great time for interviews, as the prospective employer will likely have more time and full attention.
However, it’s also important to consider the candidate’s experience and the hiring process. If you’re the first interview of the day, you’re more likely to get the interviewer’s full attention and make a great first impression. However, if you’re the last candidate, the interviewer may suffer from decision fatigue, resulting in fewer positive ratings. Moreover, scheduling interviews on different days of the week can have a very mild impact on the quality of your decision-making.
As for the interview slot, it’s a good idea to schedule your interview for a time that allows you to arrive early and composed. You can visit a nearby coffee shop to gather your thoughts and practice your hand gestures and eye contact before the interview. It’s also a good practice to research the company and prepare for common interview questions before your interview.
The best interview time varies for every candidate and employer. However, following common sense and the best practices outlined below can help you put your best foot forward and increase your chances of landing your dream job. The most important thing is to schedule job interviews in a way that allows you to be your most productive and showcase your skills and personality to the right person.
The Best Time of Day to Interview
When it comes to timing your interview, the time of day can make a big difference in your performance and the impression you make on the hiring manager. Here are some advantages and disadvantages to consider for each time of day:
Advantages and Disadvantages of Morning Interviews
- Advantages: Interviewers are often fresher and more alert in the morning, and you may be able to avoid conflicts with other appointments or responsibilities later in the day.
- Disadvantages: You may feel rushed if you have to get up earlier to prepare, and you may not be a morning person, making it harder to perform your best.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Afternoon Interviews
- Advantages: You may have more time to prepare, get into the right mindset, and be less rushed than in the morning.
- Disadvantages: Interviewers may be more tired or distracted in the afternoon, and you may have to balance other appointments or responsibilities before or after the interview.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Evening Interviews
- Advantages: You may be more relaxed and less stressed if you don’t have to worry about work or other responsibilities during the day, and you may have more time to prepare.
- Disadvantages: Interviewers may be more tired or distracted in the evening, and you may feel fatigued or less focused.
The Most Popular Time of Day to Interview
- According to a survey of 600 hiring managers by Glassdoor, the most popular time of day for interviews is in the morning, between 9 am and 11 am.
Summary of Findings and Recommendations
- Based on the advantages and disadvantages of each time of day, the most optimal time to interview will vary depending on your personal preferences, the hiring manager’s availability, and other scheduling factors.
- However, if you can choose your interview time and you are comfortable with the morning, it’s likely the best choice, according to Glassdoor’s survey.
- Ultimately, the key to success is to prepare well, stay focused, and be adaptable to any time of day.
The Best Day of the Week to Interview
The day of the week can also affect your interview experience and the outcome of your job search. Here are some advantages and disadvantages of interviewing on different days of the week:
Advantages and Disadvantages of Monday Interviews
- Advantages: Interviewers may be more focused and engaged at the start of the week, and you may be able to avoid conflicts with other appointments or responsibilities later in the week.
- Disadvantages: Mondays can be a hectic day for both the interviewer and the interviewee, and interviewers may have a backlog of work to catch up on.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Tuesday Interviews
- Advantages: Tuesdays are often considered the most productive day of the week, and interviewers may be less stressed than on Mondays or later in the week.
- Disadvantages: There may be more competition for Tuesday interview slots, and you may have to balance other appointments or responsibilities before or after the interview.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Wednesday Interviews
- Advantages: Wednesdays are often a midweek break, and interviewers may be refreshed and more willing to engage in conversation.
- Disadvantages: There may be more competition for Wednesday interview slots, and you may have to balance other appointments or responsibilities before or after the interview.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Thursday Interviews
- Advantages: Thursdays are often a good day for decision-making, and interviewers may focus more on wrapping up the week’s work.
- Disadvantages: Interviewers may be tired or stressed by Thursday, and you may have to balance other appointments or responsibilities before or after the interview.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Friday Interviews
- Advantages: Fridays are often a more relaxed day, and interviewers may be in a better mood and more willing to chat.
- Disadvantages: Interviewers may be more distracted or busy on Fridays, and you may be competing with other weekend plans or responsibilities.
Most Popular Day of the Week to Interview
- According to a survey conducted by TopResume, Tuesday is the most popular day for interviews, followed by Thursday. This suggests that these days may be the best time to interview, as hiring managers may be more available and focused on these days.
Summary of Findings and Recommendations
- The best day to interview will depend on various factors, including your personal schedule, the interviewer’s schedule, and the company’s work culture.
- However, based on the advantages and disadvantages of each day, Tuesday or Thursday may be the best option to consider, with Wednesday as a close third.
- Ultimately, the key is to choose a day that allows you to be prepared and focused and to avoid any potential scheduling conflicts or distractions.
The Best Time of Year to Interview
The time of year can also play a role in your interview success. Here are some advantages and disadvantages of interviewing during different seasons:
Advantages and Disadvantages of Interviewing During the Summer Months
- Advantages: Interviewers may be more relaxed and open during the summer months, and you may have more flexibility in scheduling due to fewer conflicts.
- Disadvantages: Many decision-makers may be on vacation or less focused during the summer months, and you may be competing with other summer plans or responsibilities.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Interviewing During the Fall Months
- Advantages: Many companies hire for new positions in the fall, and you may be able to get ahead of the competition by starting your search early.
- Disadvantages: Fall can be a busy time of year for both interviewers and interviewees, and you may have to balance other commitments with your job search.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Interviewing During the Winter Months
- Advantages: Winter can be a slower time of year for some industries, giving you more attention from interviewers and decision-makers.
- Disadvantages: Winter weather can create travel delays or cancellations, and you may have to deal with seasonal illnesses that could affect your energy and focus.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Interviewing During the Spring Months
- Advantages: Spring can be a time of new beginnings, and many companies may be looking to hire or expand their workforce.
- Disadvantages: Spring can also be a busy time for interviews, and you may be competing with other job seekers who are also starting fresh.
The Most Popular Time of Year to Interview
- According to a LinkedIn report, September and October are the busiest months for job interviews, with hiring rates increasing during the fall season. This is due to companies ramping up their hiring efforts after the summer season, and it’s a time when many companies have completed their budgeting for the year and are looking to fill open positions.
Summary of Findings and Recommendations
- The best time of year to interview will depend on your personal schedule, the company’s hiring needs, and the industry you are in.
- However, based on the advantages and disadvantages of each season, fall or spring may be the best options to consider, with winter and summer as a close second.
- Ultimately, the key is to be aware of each season’s unique challenges and advantages and to be prepared to adjust your schedule or expectations as needed.
Interview Timing: Frequently Asked Questions and Expert Answers
When it comes to the job search process, timing can play a crucial role in determining the outcome of your interview. Different factors such as the time of day, day of the week, and even the month can impact your interview experience and potentially influence the hiring decision. Here are some of our most frequently asked questions.
It depends on your personal preference and the hiring manager's availability. Morning interviews may be better for those who are most alert and focused early in the day, while afternoon interviews may be better for those who prefer to have more time to prepare.
Monday may not be the best day for an interview, as both you and the hiring manager may be recovering from the weekend and getting back into the workweek mindset.
Yes, requesting a specific interview time is perfectly acceptable as long as you are polite and considerate of the hiring manager's schedule.
It depends on your personal preference and the hiring manager's availability. Scheduling an interview early in the day can help you avoid delays and distractions, but it may also be more difficult to prepare for if you're not a morning person.
Yes, the time of year can impact the success of your interview, depending on the industry and job you're interviewing for. For example, retail jobs may be more abundant during the holiday season, while hospitality jobs may be more abundant in the summer.
Yes, you can ask the interviewer what time of day they prefer to interview, as long as you are polite and professional.
Yes, scheduling an interview in the middle of the week, such as on a Tuesday or Wednesday, is possibly the best choice, as both you and the hiring manager are likely to be more focused and productive during these days.
Yes, you can decline an interview time if it doesn't work for you, but be sure to offer alternative times that are more convenient for you, and be prepared to explain your reasons for declining the original time.
Timing is Everything: How to Choose the Optimal Interview Time
Based on the advantages and disadvantages of each time of day, the most optimal time to interview will vary depending on your personal preferences, the hiring manager’s availability, and other scheduling factors. If you can choose your interview time, it’s important to consider the advantages and disadvantages of each time of day, including morning, afternoon, and evening interviews.
According to Glassdoor’s survey, morning interviews are the most popular and optimal choice for many job seekers. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best option for everyone. If you are not a morning person or have other commitments that conflict with morning interviews, afternoon or evening interviews may be a better choice for you.
Additionally, the day of the week and time of year can also impact the success of your interview. It’s essential to consider these factors and choose a time that works well for you and the hiring manager. Regardless of when you choose to interview, being well-prepared, focused, and adaptable to any situation is essential. With the right approach, you can make any interview time work for you and increase your chances of success in landing the job you want.
With the proper preparation and mindset, you can ace your next interview, regardless of the time, and take the next step in your career. We invite you to prepare to do your best by practicing common interview questions, such as “What motivates you?“, “Why do you want this job? “, “Tell me about yourself,” “What are you passionate about?” “What areas need improvement?” and “Why should we hire you?” that are found throughout our site.
