Early To Bed, Early To Hire

January 21, 2003 (PLANSPONSOR.com) - Getting to a job interview during the interviewer's first cup of joe may provide an advantage in the hiring process, a new survey suggests.

More than two-thirds (69%) of financial executives polled said the most productive time for meeting with applicants is between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m, according to research by temporary staffing firm Accountemps.

Executives were asked, “Which of the following times of day do you believe is the most productive for conducting hiring interviews?” Their responses:

  • Before 9 a.m. – 11%
  • 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. – 69%
  • 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. – 4%
  • 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. – 8%
  • 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. – 3%
  • After 5 p.m. – 2%
  • Don’t know – 3%

Responding to the results of the survey of 1,400 chief financial officers, Accountemps Chairman Max Messmer said, “managers prefer to schedule interviews before the other responsibilities of the day begin.   After a full slate of meetings and regular work activities, their energy level and focus may not be as strong in the afternoon. For job candidates seeking an edge in a highly competitive labor market, scheduling a morning interview can be a valuable first step.”

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