When it comes to the job interview, here’s recent proof that proves this point:
A new survey suggests hiring managers often know whether they might hire someone soon after the opening handshake and small talk. Executives were asked, “How long does it typically take you to form either a positive or negative opinion of a job candidate during an initial interview?” The mean response was 10 minutes. Those polled said it takes them just 10 minutes to form an opinion of job seekers, despite meeting with staff-level applicants for 55 minutes and management-level candidates for 86 minutes on average.
This came from a survey developed by Robert Half Finance & Accounting, the largest specialized financial recruitment service, and published April 12, 2007. It included responses from 150 senior executives with Fortune 1,000 companies.
So what does this mean for you as you approach your future job interviews?
Max Messmer, chairman and CEO of Robert Half International, sums it up when he says, “The interview begins the moment job seekers arrive, so applicants need to project enthusiasm and confidence from the start. The opening minutes of the conversation often set the tone for the rest of the discussion, making it wise to prepare especially well for the first few interview questions.”
Tags: Interview
