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Fast Company
5 days ago
- Science
- Fast Company
The time of day could impact your job interview
You landed a job interview: You've researched the company, reread the job listing, and practiced your talking points. But have you considered the importance of choosing the right time of day to interview? According to new research, when you interview might impact how well you do. In a study analyzing the timing and performance of Italian students in oral interviews—which are required to pass many classes at Italian universities—researchers found that the time of day had a big impact on students' likelihood of success. Researchers believe the study could shed light on successes and failures in other high-pressure situations, like job interviews. Researchers utilized a University of Messina database of interview-style exam results from October 2018 to February 2020. Data from more than 100,000 exams revealed that the rate of students who passed followed a bell curve that peaked between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. and was much lower in the early morning and late afternoon. The research was inspired by a study that found judges are more lenient in their sentencing at the beginning of the court session or after meal breaks, says Carmelo Vicario, a neuroscientist at the University of Messina and lead author of the new study. After seeing the data on judicial rulings, Vicario says he was interested in discovering whether the same principle might apply to other fields, including education. 'This was, of course, a completely different field,' Vicario tells Fast Company. 'But we found this similarity.' Since the study analyzes existing data, rather than data from controlled trials, Vicario says he isn't able to confirm exactly why the middle of the day seems to be when students are most successful. Still, the researchers have a number of theories. For starters, since younger people tend to be night owls and older people tend to prefer the morning, the middle of the day might help mitigate the clash between these 'chronotypes,' or biological rhythms that impact how alert people are throughout the day. Between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. could be a middle ground when both students and their professors are in their prime. This same mismatch between chronotypes could contribute to the difference in interview success during the hiring process for young workers being interviewed by more senior employees, adding to the bias that an estimated 36% have against Gen Z candidates, according to a recent ResumeBuilder survey. More than 80 genes regulate the circadian rhythms behind different chronotypes, and people consistently operating outside the hours that work with their circadian rhythm can experience issues with productivity, as well as health problems and work-related anxiety. To help overcome bias related to the time of day, experts have a few tips that can be applied to everything from exams to job interviews and beyond, such as offering flexible meeting hours and scheduling collaboration when both parties have high energy levels. 'By recognizing biological differences in how and when people work best—and making room for that diversity—leaders can reduce hidden bias, unlock untapped potential, and build more productive and inclusive teams,' Camilla Kring, a researcher who studies applied chronology, wrote in a recent article for Fast Company. Still, authors of the new study note that more research is needed to determine whether mismatched chronotypes are the hidden force behind varying interview success. 'Even this is a speculative interpretation,' Vicario says, noting his hope that this work will inspire future research that helps to pin down exactly why interviews in the middle of the day tend to go better. Vicario also hopes people will consider researching the impact of timing on decision-making in other high-pressure situations. 'When there's a kind of pressure, the influence of the time of the day can be stronger compared to when you have a large amount of time to evaluate the details of the situation,' Vicario says. 'Being aware [of timing's impact] can make decisions fairer.'
Scottish Sun
5 days ago
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Exact time you should schedule interview to get the job of your dreams revealed by scientists
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SCIENTISTS have revealed the exact time your should schedule a job interview to secure the job of your dreams. After studying over 100,000 oral exams at Italian universities, researchers identified a specific two-hour window when success rates were highest. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 The reasons behind this midday advantage are thought to involve biological rhythms Credit: Getty Midday, between 11am and 1pm, appears to be the ideal time for interviews, while early morning and late afternoon sessions tend to be less promising. Professor Carmelo Vicario, director of the Cognitive Neuroscience lab at the University of Messina in Sicily, said: "Students were more likely to pass in late morning compared to early morning or late afternoon. "We believe this pattern could extend to job interviews or any evaluative process scheduled throughout the day." Professor Alessio Avenanti of the University of Bologna, a co-author of the study, said: "These findings have wide-ranging implications." The reasons behind this midday advantage are thought to involve biological rhythms. Candidates may perform better during this time, while assessors - whether examiners or interviewers - could feel sharper and even more generous after meal breaks or earlier sessions. Previous studies have highlighted similar patterns, including research showing judges are more likely to deliver lenient decisions after meal breaks than later in the day. The UK job market is highly competitive, with an average of 48.7 people applying for each job, according to recruitment software firm Tribepad. Despite this, employers typically only interview around six candidates per vacancy. This makes it essential to prepare thoroughly and stand out to secure your spot and succeed in the interview. Living wage working family react to the Spring Statement How else can I boost my chances? To improve your chances of success in a UK job interview, there are several strategies to consider beyond simply timing your interview well. Fortunately, the recruitment site has shared its top tips to help you prepare. Follow along so you can smash that next interview. Do your homework First, thoroughly research the company to avoid appearing unprepared, as nearly half of hiring managers are put off by candidates who lack knowledge about the organisation. Study the company's website, recent news, mission, and values. Plus, ensure you fully understand the role by reviewing the job description and preparing to align your skills and experience with the job requirements, as failing to do so is a common reason for interview failure. Prepare and practice Preparation and practice are key to building confidence. Anticipate common questions such as "Why do you want this job?" and "Why are you leaving your current role?" Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers to competency-based questions clearly and effectively. Practising your responses will help you deliver them with clarity and confidence during the interview. Master your communication Communication plays a crucial role in making a strong impression. Your body language should convey confidence, with good posture and consistent eye contact. Actively listen to the interviewer to ensure your answers are relevant and show genuine engagement. Speak clearly and remain calm, taking a moment to think before responding if needed. Engage in two-way conversation Engaging in a two-way conversation is another way to leave a positive impression. Prepare questions about the role, team dynamics, and company culture to demonstrate your interest. Avoid asking about salary or benefits during the initial interview. Using the interviewer's name during the conversation can help build rapport and create a more personal connection. Keep it professional Professionalism is essential throughout the process. Dress appropriately in smart business attire if you are unsure of the dress code. Arriving 10-15 minutes early shows punctuality, as being late is often seen as a red flag. And be polite to everyone you encounter, from the receptionist to the interviewer, as your conduct with others can influence the overall assessment. Consider following up Finally, consider following up after the interview with a thank-you note. While this is not a guaranteed way to secure the job, a personalised thank-you email or note can tip the scales in your favour if the decision is between two strong candidates. It demonstrates professionalism and reiterates your interest in the role.
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Glamorous Italian nuclear physicist hits back at sexist trolls after being bombarded with abuse for posting video of herself in low-cut dress
A leading Italian physicist has clapped back at online trolls who made sexist remarks after she shared a video of herself wearing a low-cut dress. Nuclear scientist and quantum mechanics expert Gabriella Greison, 51, posted a clip to her Instagram account as she prepared to travel for an academic event in Sicily. The scientist, who is based in Milan, was shown wearing a pale green dress with a low-cut neckline as she told her followers that she was going to be a guest of honour at a graduation ceremony in the University of Messina. But Greison's video, which has racked up thousands of views, drew sexist reactions as followers commented on her revealing outfit. 'Indecent clothing, vulgar, undignified,' one critic wrote. 'The inexorable advance of age pushes some women to shoot their last fireworks,' another said. A third commented: 'You're just an old maid who needs to show off, not having anything to say.' But Greison responded to her critics in an Instagram post, writing that 'there is no dress code for dignity'. 'If you're looking for decency in an inch of fabric, rather than in the content of words, I recommend an experiment: try using your brain and positioning yourself in the current year, with all the struggles that have been fought by those before me', she said. 'We're in world is burning, the glaciers are melting, artificial intelligence reads our you're upset that a woman talks about science with a beautiful cleavage? Are you serious?', she added. Greison went on to tell her critics: 'It's not the dress that bothered you. It's the fact that a woman can talk about quantum physics without remembering a man, and therefore without asking for permission. 'Let him get on stage, explain wave function and Schrödinger, and have boobs in the meantime. Oops.' She later appeared at the graduation ceremony in a strappy red dress which she jokingly said was 'even worse' than the first one. Despite the trolls, several Instagram users have defended the glamorous scientist and have expressed admiration for her response. One user commended the 'exceptional professor' and praised her for being a 'great example for young girls who still live [in] this bitter conflict between beauty and intelligence'. Another said: 'If anyone is outraged by this video, relax the Victorian era is over for a while, stay calm and live in today's reality.' 'Maximum respect, huge admiration and full support... Against the hardcore haters', a third wrote. Greison graduated from the University of Milan with a degree in nuclear physics. She previously worked at the research centre at the Ecole Polytechnique in Paris. She is currently the director of the first Festival of Physics in Italy and was included in Forbes Magazine's '100 successful women of 2024' list.
Newsweek
6 days ago
- Science
- Newsweek
Best Time of Day To Schedule a Job Interview Revealed
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. If you're looking to boost your chances of success in a job interview, the time of day that it is scheduled for might matter more than you think. A study published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology suggests that people perform better in evaluative situations—like oral exams or job interviews—around midday. Researchers at the University of Messina, Italy, analyzed more than 100,000 oral exam results and found that students were significantly more likely to pass when assessed around lunchtime—and least likely to succeed early in the morning or later in the afternoon. "We show that academic assessment outcomes vary systematically across the day, with a clear peak in passing rates around midday," said paper author and neuroscientist professor Carmelo Mario Vicario. "Students were more likely to pass in late morning compared to early morning or late afternoon." He added: "We believe this pattern could extend to job interviews or any evaluative process scheduled throughout the day." "We would be very interested in investigating whether hiring decisions, too, fluctuate in fairness or outcome depending on time of day." A stock image of a woman doing a job interview. A stock image of a woman doing a job interview. djiledesign/iStock / Getty Images Plus What the Research Found To investigate how time of day impacts performance, the team accessed data from 104,552 oral exams conducted between October 2018 and February 2020 across 1,243 courses. In Italian universities, oral exams are a crucial part of academic evaluation. These high-pressure assessments typically last 10 to 30 minutes, are scheduled throughout the day, and involve spontaneous questions from professors. By factoring in the difficulty of exams—measured by the number of credits awarded—the researchers were able to isolate timing as a key variable. Their analysis showed that: The average pass rate was 57%. Students were most likely to pass exams scheduled at 11:00 or 13:00. Exams taken at 08:00, 09:00, 15:00, or 16:00 saw significantly lower success rates. The pattern followed a bell curve, peaking at noon. "These findings have wide-ranging implications," said Prof Alessio Avenanti of the University of Bologna, a co-author. "They highlight how biological rhythms—often overlooked in decision-making contexts—can subtly but significantly shape the outcome of high-stakes evaluations." Why Time Matters Although the study didn't pinpoint the exact reason for this pattern, the midday peak aligns with existing evidence that cognitive performance tends to rise throughout the morning and dip after lunch. Several factors could be at play: Students may experience decreased focus as energy levels drop later in the day. Professors, who are often older and more likely to be "morning people," might experience decision fatigue or mismatched energy levels with their students. Younger adults, including most students, are typically night owls, making early mornings a cognitive low point. "To counteract time-of-day effects, students might benefit from strategies like ensuring quality sleep, avoiding scheduling important exams during personal 'low' periods, and taking mental breaks before performance tasks," suggested Vicario. "For institutions, delaying morning sessions or clustering key assessments in the late morning may improve outcomes." What This Means for Job Seekers Though the research focused on students, the implications could apply to job interviews as well. Just like exams, interviews involve stress, judgment and subjective evaluation. If our mental sharpness and emotional resilience are affected by time of day, it might be wise to schedule interviews between 11:00 and 13:00 when both candidates and interviewers are likely to be at their cognitive best. Still, the authors caution that more research is needed. "While we controlled for exam difficulty, we can't entirely exclude other unmeasured factors," said Prof Massimo Mucciardi, senior author. "We couldn't access detailed student- or examiner-level data such as sleep habits, stress, or chronotype. This is why we encourage follow-up studies using physiological or behavioral measures to uncover the underlying mechanisms." Do you have a science story to share with Newsweek? Do you have a question about biological rhythms? Let us know via science@ Vicario, C. M., Nitsche, M. A., Lucifora, C., Perconti, P., Salehinejad, M. A., Tomaiuolo, F., Massimino, S., Avenanti, A., & Mucciardi, M. (2025). Timing matters! Academic assessment changes throughout the day. Frontiers in Psychology, 16.
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Science
- Daily Mail
Scientists reveal the surprising secret to nailing a job interview
When it comes to job interviews, there are endless tips and tricks that promise to help you land the role. But experts have revealed one of the simplest ways to boost your chances – and it's all to do with timing. Researchers investigating oral exams at university discovered that students had the highest level of passing if their exam was held around lunchtime. In contrast, the chances of passing were lowest at the beginning and end of the day, they found. Given the similarities between oral exams and job interviews, they believe their findings could be applicable to hiring situations. 'We show that academic assessment outcomes vary systematically across the day, with a clear peak in passing rates around midday,' Professor Carmelo Mario Vicario, lead author of the study, said. 'Students were more likely to pass in late morning compared to early morning or late afternoon. 'We believe this pattern could extend to job interviews or any evaluative process scheduled throughout the day.' The researchers, from the University of Messina in Italy, were inspired by work which showed that judges were most likely to rule in favour of a defendant after meal breaks or at the beginning of a session. They collected the date, time and outcome of more than 100,000 assessments delivered by 680 examiners for 1,200 courses. 'Oral exams in Italian universities are scheduled at set times, typically lasting 10 to 30 minutes per student,' Professor Vicario said. 'There's no standardized format – professors ask questions based on the course content, and grades are assigned on the spot. 'These exams can be highly stressful due to their unpredictable nature and the strong weight they carry in academic progression.' Overall, only 57 per cent of the exams were passed, they found, with the passing rate peaking at noon. There was no significant difference in the chance of passing if the exam was held at 11am or 1pm, but the chances of passing were lower if the exam was at 8am or 9am, or at 3pm or 4pm, they said. 'These findings have wide–ranging implications,' co–author Professor Alessio Avenanti of the University of Bologna, said. 'They highlight how biological rhythms — often overlooked in decision–making contexts — can subtly but significantly shape the outcome of high–stakes evaluations.' Although the study can't identify the mechanisms behind this pattern, the peak in passes at midday reinforces evidence that cognitive performance improves over the course of a morning before declining in the afternoon. Students' falling energy levels could also lead to diminishing focus, compromising their performance, the team said. 'We would be very interested in investigating whether hiring decisions, too, fluctuate in fairness or outcome depending on time of day,' Professor Vicario said. The findings were published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology. WILL YOUR JOB BE TAKEN BY A ROBOT? PHYSICAL JOBS ARE AT THE GREATEST RISK Physical jobs in predictable environments, including machine-operators and fast-food workers, are the most likely to be replaced by robots. Management consultancy firm McKinsey, based in New York, focused on the amount of jobs that would be lost to automation, and what professions were most at risk. The report said collecting and processing data are two other categories of activities that increasingly can be done better and faster with machines. This could displace large amounts of labour - for instance, in mortgages, paralegal work, accounting, and back-office transaction processing. Conversely, jobs in unpredictable environments are least are risk. The report added: 'Occupations such as gardeners, plumbers, or providers of child- and eldercare - will also generally see less automation by 2030, because they are technically difficult to automate and often command relatively lower wages, which makes automation a less attractive business proposition.'
