5 days ago
Exact time you should schedule interview to get the job of your dreams revealed by scientists
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.
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.
Tools to help you write your CV
STRUGGLING to get your CV just right? Here are a few tools that can lend a hand:
Resume Builder App: If formatting is a headache, this app offers 50+ templates to choose from. It's free to download and use, with optional premium features if you need them.
Grammarly: Spotting every typo can be tricky, so run your CV through Grammarly to catch any spelling and grammar gremlins. Free to download for your desktop.
Canva: Looking for eye-catching design? Canva provides a variety of customisable CV templates to help your application stand out.
VisualCV: More than just a pretty face, VisualCV ensures your CV is both visually appealing and readable by the electronic systems used by some recruiters. Free to sign up.
