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!

10 Things to Bring With You Should Always Bring With You to an Interview

The current state of the economy and the job market has made it almost impossible to find a job. If you want to be one of the chosen to land an interview, you must be at the top of your game. No longer is it enough to simply appear at an interview dressed in a suit and armed with a positive attitude. Today's candidates must be thoroughly prepared for each interview they attend. An important component of that preparation is knowing the ten things you should always bring with you to an interview.

1. Five copies of your resume - even if you have submitted your resume electronically, it is still important to bring along hard copies. In many cases, candidates will find themselves interviewed by multiple managers, so it is always important to have enough resumes to go around.

2. Professional references - be sure to bring a list of 3-5 professional references. Include each reference's contact information including email address as well as the capacity by which they know you.

3. Personal references - more and more companies are turning to personal references to round out the interview process, so bring a list of personal references as well. Phone numbers, email address and relationship should be carefully noted for each reference.

4. Work History - keep a list of your previous employers including physical address, phone number, employment dates and manager names. Being unable to provide this information is unprofessional and may raise an eyebrow or two.

5. Education - bring a list of each school you attended, the address and the degree, or program studied.

6. Skills - As technology continues to evolve, many potential employers are interested in what programs candidates have mastered. You should also include any specialized skills or equipment you can operate

7. Questions - almost all hiring managers will end the interview by asking if the candidate has any questions - prepare a list in advance. It is a great idea to do this by carefully reviewing the company website. The questions should be thought-provoking and relevant.

8. Documentation - Bring along any professional certifications as well as a valid driver's license and social security card. In the event that the position is immediately offered to you, you will have all of the information needed with you.

9. Samples - Many jobs require a candidate to provide samples of their work. Be sure to bring along representations of your best work. This applies to almost all jobs. For example, an architect may bring along samples of their designs while a teacher might bring lesson plans or an example of a teaching plan.

10. Attitude - never underestimate the power of your attitude - remember you are selling yourself, so it is crucial you come prepared to do just that. Be well rested and eat shortly before your interview.

Being adequately prepared for an interview is the first step towards has a successful session. Be sure to prepare your interview items in advance so you are not rushing around trying to locate everything right before your interview.