Quote:
Originally Posted by CaptainCrunch
When you set up your interview, and they send you a range of dates and times, absolutely take the latest slot that you can. Conventionally most people try to get in first. But I always like to be last because if you nail a good interview, they'll make you the benchmark for the people that come in earlier.
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You can go in whatever order you want. If you go first and nail a good interview, everyone who comes in after you will be measured against you. They may even like you so much that they don't interview some of the last people, or they interview them but don't give them a real shot.
I was interviewing two people for a Controller role. I scheduled my first interview for the one I less preferred as a way to get me warmed up and asking the right questions for the second candidate. The first one was outstanding and I knew I wanted to hire her. The second one was fine, but because the first one was so good, I didn't give her a full interview. If the schedule was reversed the other person would have gotten a better interview. I might have ended up with the same selection, but the other candidate would have had a better shot.
My personal preference is to go first. I want to impress them so much they gloss over the rest. I want my skills and personality to shine so that when the rest of the candidates come through the door the person doing the interview keeps thinking they aren't as good as I was. I want to be able to shape and form the questions the other candidates will receive, because of my history.
Go with whatever works for you, but to put it in absolutes is not a great idea. I prefer going first. You prefer going last. Both can work. You aren’t really a benchmark if you go last.