INTRODUCTION:
A job seeker asked, “Is it good to be the last person interviewed?”
INITIAL RESPONSE:
Let’s face it, in most competitions, being last is usually seen as a disadvantage However, when you’re competing for your dream job, being the last candidate to interview could give you some serious advantages. So, let’s explore the top two.
ADVANTAGES:
The first advantage of interviewing last is having more time to prepare. I always coach my clients to always prepare in advance. However, along with that long-awaited interview invite comes nervousness about not being prepared well enough. Some significant time has likely passed since you applied to your position of interest. An active job search also means that you’ve applied to other positions as well. Eventually, they start to all sound alike, especially if your search is focused on a specific field of expertise. So, interviewing later in the selection process gives you more time to refresh your interview strategy. You’re then subsequently able to make a stronger positive impact on the interviewer when you meet with them.
Second, there’s this welcomed advantage to interviewing later in the game. It is that your interview will be one of the freshest in the interviewer’s mind as they replay their meeting with each candidate. This is called the “recency effect,” which is a cognitive bias in which allows us to remember those things that came last more clearly than those that came first. Unfortunately, those candidates who interview earlier, or in the middle of the process, Your interaction is the last one on the interviewer’s mind. Talk about an advantage…especially if you “kill it” when it’s your turn.
Stack the odds even higher in your favor by presenting a career/interview portfolio. This will give the interviewer ready access to examples of your most notable work. It will also cause you to stay in the front of their mind.
Job Search Readiness Clinics 2022
IN CONCLUSION:
Any situation presents possible advantages and disadvantages that you must consider. And being last is usually one scenario that is definitely seen as a disadvantage. However, the interview landscape offers you a unique opportunity, if you play your cards right. You can interview last and have a greater chance to emerge victorious. So, when you get your next interview invite, you might consider opting for the meeting that’s a little later in the process.
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Also, join me for my upcoming free three-day job search masterclass on January 5, 6, 7. I’ll show you how to up your job search game by creating a strong candidate value proposition. Visit my site, https://nnamtique.com for more info.
My goal is to help you live your best career life. So, as always, career search success to you. Go Get Your New Job!
