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It's a common question among job seekers, especially students: does the timing of your interview—whether you’re first, last, or somewhere in between—affect your chances of landing the job? For many students, the timing of their interview slot can feel like a make-or-break factor, potentially causing unnecessary stress. But what does the research say?
According to Christopher D. Lee, a career development expert, there’s little evidence to suggest that the order of interviews significantly influences the hiring decision. Instead, factors like the candidate’s qualifications, experience, and overall performance during the interview are far more important in determining the outcome. So, while students may feel pressure to secure the “ideal” time slot, it’s how they prepare and present themselves that really counts.
That said, there are a few interesting psychological aspects to consider. Research shows that interview timing can activate the "primacy and recency effect"—a cognitive bias where people tend to remember the first and last things they see or hear more vividly. This could imply that candidates who interview first or last might be more memorable to the hiring panel. However, being memorable doesn’t necessarily equate to being the most qualified candidate.
In well-structured interview processes, thorough note-taking and scoring systems are in place to ensure that the panel remains objective. As a result, any advantage provided by the order of the interview is often neutralized by the evaluators’ focus on clear criteria like skills, experience, and responses to questions. For career services teams working with students, this is an important insight—students should be encouraged to focus less on their interview slot and more on refining their answers and highlighting their qualifications.
Another psychological phenomenon to consider is the contrast effect, where candidates are unconsciously compared to those who interview directly before or after them. For instance, a student who is calm and thoughtful might stand out in a positive way if they follow a more assertive, less-prepared candidate. Similarly, a candidate’s weaknesses may be amplified if they interview right after someone with similar skills but a stronger overall presence.
While this might seem intimidating, it actually provides an opportunity for students to leverage their unique strengths. Encouraging students to be authentic and focus on their personal qualities can help them shine, no matter where they fall in the interview lineup.
For career services teams, the takeaway is clear: timing is not as critical as preparation. While students may worry about when their interview is scheduled, the best way to set them up for success is to focus on the factors they can control. Encourage students to:
At the end of the day, performance, not timing, will move the needle. Students should focus on delivering well-prepared, thoughtful answers, and showcasing how their background and experience make them the best fit for the role.
While the primacy and recency effect may play a small role in how memorable a candidate is, diligent and experienced hiring panels are equipped to mitigate these biases through structured processes. The key message for students should be simple: don’t stress over interview timing—focus on preparation, performance, and being the best version of yourself. With the right preparation, students can shine no matter when they interview.
Career services teams have a unique opportunity to help students navigate the interview process by shifting the focus away from timing and toward what really matters—being ready to impress, regardless of when they step into the room.
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