Job Interview Advice: What Is The Best Time Slot for a Job Interview?

If you are applying for jobs in which you are qualified for, you should soon start to receive interview request calls. When receiving these calls, you will notice a variance. Some companies provide you with an exact date and time. Others provide you with the option to choose your interview date and time. If this is the case, which time slot should you pick? What is the best time slot for a job interview?

The answer to this question isn't a simple one. After all, some personal factors need to be taken into consideration. The answer will depend on the individual in question. Moreover, you'll notice that different options, such as first thing in the morning or the last job interview of the day, have their own sets of pros and cons.

Early Morning Job Interviews

If you are given the option to interview for the job between the hours of 8am and 11am, you are looking at an early morning job interview. You will be one of the first applicants in the door to undergone this procedure.

First and foremost, are you an early morning person? If you regularly sleep until 10am each morning and aren't fully awake until an hour later, this may hurt your chances of making a good impression. Unless you are a person who is able to get a good nights sleep, rise early in the morning, and be fully awake, a later time slot for a job interview is advised.

One of the benefits of being able to land an early morning job interview is the fact that you are one of the first applicants through the door. The hiring many will be excited about what the day brings. Being one of the first applicants also enables you to provide answers without having them compared to the 15 job seekers before you. The hiring manager will accept your answers and move onto the next question.

Later Afternoon Job Interviews

As mentioned above, if should avoid early morning interviews if you aren't a morning person. But, what if you aren't an afternoon person? Are you sluggish and ready for a nap as soon as the clock strikes 1pm? Remember, you want to bring your best to an interview and that means opting (if you have the choice) for a time slot in which you can perform your best.

One of the benefits of being able to land a time slot in the afternoon is that you are one of the last applicants. Although your answers will be compared against the others provided throughout the day, you didn't have the tough task of setting the standard. Moreover, since you are one of the last of the day, your answers and the impression you create will be fresh in the mind of the hiring manager when it comes time to review the day's applicants.

So there you have it! You now know some of the pros and cons for opting for both an early morning and a later afternoon job interview. If you do have the choice to select your own time slot, it is recommended that you take these factors into consideration.

Good luck!

Job Interview Tips - First Impressions Count and Appearance Is a Big Part of the Job Interview

Job interviews are the most important part of the hiring process. Your appearance will leave a lasting first impression and can make or break your chances of actually landing the job. When it comes to dressing for an important job interview, remember one thing; if you do not look the part you probably will not get the part. Your cover letter and resume will get your foot in the door but you must arrive to your job interview properly dressed.

Appropriate attire varies greatly by industry. Here are some general tips you may find useful:

Banking/Finance Interview

Banking and finance are very old-fashioned industries so you need to wear a suit that fits well and looks good. Sober dark-colored suits are ideal. You should look like a person that people will trust to handle their money and assets.

Government Job Interview

Classic suits are your best bet. The higher the position that you are aiming for in the government, the more formal your attire should be. Women should avoid having many accessories and be conservative with makeup and hairstyles, too.

Technical/IT Interview

In most cases you will not need to wear a suit. A good quality collared shirt and slacks or khakis for men is recommended while women should wear a blouse or sweater with a skirt or slacks. Dark blue and gray are popular neutral colors.

Trade Job Interview

Business casual is most likely a suitable choice. See the description above for technical/IT jobs. Wear nice shoes (not sneakers) that are neat and well-polished. Even though you might wear blue jeans during everyday work, employers still expect you to dress up for interviews although you need not go overboard by wearing a suit.

Entertainment/Fashion

The rules about dressing up for a job interview are somewhat relaxed for the entertainment and fashion industry. Being conservative is not really required and people will expect you to dress fashionably.

Apart from clothing, you should also take pains to look neat and well-groomed. Pay attention to the details such as your nails and hair.

When in doubt of the proper job interview attire, just ask! If you are really worried or are not sure what to wear, ask about appropriate attire when you are setting up the job interview and dress accordingly. If they say their attire is casual think business casual. Do not make the mistake of wearing jeans and a T-shirt. It is much better to dress up than to dress down when you are going to a job interview.