To Land Your Dream Job, Aim for Interviews in the Morning
Recruiters Tend to be More Lenient with Applicants in the Morning, a Recent Study Suggests.
Recruiters tend to be more lenient with applicants in the morning, a recent study suggests. This is the finding of a study conducted by organisational psychologist Shiran Danoch who, by analysing thousands of job interviews, observed a significant disparity in recruiters’ assessments.
A Morning Interview Increases Your Chances of Success
Specific interviewers have a consistent tendency to be harsher or more lenient in their scores depending on the time of day,” she told Business Insider. This difference could be explained by the effects of a series of exhausting meetings, for example, dozens of urgent emails, or simply mental fatigue.
The Science Behind Mental Fatigue
Indeed, it has been proven that thinking intensely over long periods of time leads to the accumulation of chemicals that disrupt brain function, sometimes even altering mood. In a study published in the journal PNAS, Italian researchers explain that mental fatigue depletes the brain regions responsible for self-control and decision-making, which can impair judgement and reduce the ability to make rational choices.
Mitigating the Effects of Mental Fatigue
This phenomenon is not new. A 2011 Israeli study previously revealed that judges tended to be more lenient at the start of the day or just after a break, pointing to the impact of mental fatigue on their decisions.
AI to the Rescue?
Fortunately, it’s entirely possible to mitigate the effects: recruiters can adopt strategies to get around this kind of bias, such as having a coffee, taking a break before starting an interview, or reviewing their assessment methods, Danoch explained to Business Insider.
Artificial intelligence could also play a key role in mitigating the impact of human bias in recruitment. Unlike informal exchanges, AI assessments would ensure accurate and transparent documentation of candidate selection criteria.
Risks and Ethical Considerations
But this approach is not without risks. In 2018, for example, Amazon had to abandon an automated application sorting tool, as it disadvantaged women applying for technical or web developer jobs.
Conclusion
If you have a job interview coming up, remember that the human factor remains the key to success. Prepare yourself carefully to stand out from the crowd and, if possible, choose a time slot early in the day. This is when recruiters are likely to be fresher and more willing to give you their full attention.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I still be successful with an afternoon interview?
A: While the study suggests that recruiters tend to be more lenient in the morning, it is still possible to succeed with an afternoon interview. It is essential to prepare thoroughly and make a positive impression.
Q: Are there any other strategies to overcome mental fatigue in an interview?
A: In addition to taking a break and having a coffee, it is essential to practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and meditation before the interview.
Q: Can AI entirely eliminate human bias in recruitment?
A: AI can help to mitigate human bias, but it is not a foolproof solution. It is essential to put ethical safeguards in place to ensure that AI algorithms are fair and transparent.