Is Being The First To Be Interviewed A Good Or A Bad Thing ?

Hi guys :)

I was told that I was the very first interview for the job. I think the interview went well, but are they being nice to me because I was the first interview? or were genuinely interested in me.

Here's how the interview went.

>it lasted around 1 hout 30 minutes, went smoothly, it was a conversations and they were not reading off the question sheet
>they smiled and laughed a lot
>they discussed current and future projects with me
>they asked if I joined, what type of projects would I like to work on more
>they wanted me to confirm my references
>at the end of the interview, they said they were impressed with me

I sent a thank you email later

Is being the first interview a good or bad thing?

I had it today and they said ill know by early next week

whats your theory on being the first or last to be interviewed :)
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Comments

  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Posts: 0 Newbie
    Tenth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    edited 30 January 2014 at 6:26PM
    1st is difficult - sorry. The always room to find better strikes and worries me most, flipside might be you set the barrier high though don't forget!! Had interview on Monday just been shot down for daring to ask if a decision had been made when all I am trying to do is sell myself for employment, knowing my luck they will take someone who they have just interviewed because they will be a lot fresher in their mind despite the smiles, ah well their loss, plenty more jobs in the sea. Suppose it could be debated that whilst waiting to hear your at your happiest, basking in it and therefore maybe excel at other interviews in the meantime but then I hate having to choose and do all the weighing up! shouldn't give me anything to think about! LOL!
    Personally I always think if there is no job offering in 2/3 days of interview it is a no.
  • elsien
    elsien Posts: 35,434 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    This is purely subjective and unscientific, but I tend to put in the people who come across best on paper as the first interviews of the day, purely because experience has shown that those who we're not entirely sure about but have shortlisted on the off-chance they're better in person are more likely to be no-shows. Even after they've confirmed to say they're coming. Which then gives me the afternoon to concentrate on getting some work done instead of clock-watching for the next candidate.
    So good luck!
    All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well.

    Pedant alert - it's could have, not could of.
  • thistledome
    thistledome Posts: 1,566 Forumite
    OP, I was told by one of my employers that he always found the first and last interviewees the most memorable. I was the first interviewee at the time and I got the job too. Your interview sounds very good, best of luck with it.
    Love the animals: God has given them the rudiments of thought and joy untroubled. Do not trouble their joy, don't harrass them, don't deprive them of their happiness.
  • elsien
    elsien Posts: 35,434 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    Edit - would like to quickly add to anyone with the last interview, it doesn't mean you've got no chance.
    It's probably specific to my place because we are struggling to get applicants so are shortlisting people who in normal circumstances wouldn't get past the shortlisting stage. Doesn't mean that other employers are the same.
    *hastily removes foot from mouth.*
    All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well.

    Pedant alert - it's could have, not could of.
  • personally, I don't think being first is an advantage; the interviewers haven't had time to get into the swing of it and have nothing to bench mark you against yet. By the end of the day, the first person you interviewed is becoming a distant memory.

    I try to schedule in as the second interviewee, if possible. The panel will have been warmed up by number 1.

    However, it sounds like your interview went well, so best of luck x
    I am Doll Parts
    Bad Skin, Doll Heart
  • keyser666
    keyser666 Posts: 2,140 Forumite
    I always elect to be last, only ever not got one interview
  • Some employers have a defined set of competencies they are measuring against or specific things they are listening out for, from which each candidate is given scores. If more than one person does the interviewing then they explain their scores and come to a joint consensus. This is what happened when I recruited staff for a company and it didn't matter which order candidates were interviewed as a result. On the odd occasion when two candidates' overall scores (including their written application) were identical or near as then I'd consider who would best fit the team. If you left a good impression then you will be the benchmark and you won't be forgotten.
  • I think if you're the first interview you set the benchmark for those coming after. All candidates following will be compared to you.

    I went for an interview last week. Only two candidates. I chose the second slot. As soon as I walked in, I knew the other guy got the job. I was right.
  • Well had interview Thusday it's closing of business today heard nothing.

    Im response to my thank you note the manager said

    'Thanks Angelina – great meeting you too. Thanks for coming in.

    We’ll be in touch by early next week.

    Tom'


    I'm sure I didn't get it at this point.

    :(

    Sighs.

    Dream Job too....
  • fordred
    fordred Posts: 12 Forumite
    If you want to get geeky, check out this puzzle:
    datagenetics dot com slash blog slash december32012
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