Hiring decisions made in first 10 minutes

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Employers make hiring decisions in first 10 minutes of interview

Employers often decide whether to hire an interviewee soon after the opening handshake and small talk, a new survey suggests.

Executives polled in a survey by Robert Half Finance & Accounting said it took them just 10 minutes to form an opinion of job seekers, despite meeting junior and intermediate applicants for an average of 55 minutes and management-level candidates for an average of 86 minutes.

Robert Half Finance & Accounting, the world’s first and largest specialised financial recruitment firm, hired an independent research firm to survey 150 senior executives across the biggest firms in the US.

They 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?” On average, they said it took just 10 minutes.

The executives were also asked, “How many minutes, on average, do you spend meeting with a staff-level candidate during a job interview?” On average, they said interviews with junior and intermediate candidates took 55 minutes. Interviews with senior candidates took an average of 86 minutes.

“The interview begins the moment the job seeker arrives, so applicants need to project enthusiasm and confidence consistently from the start,” said Kim Smith, division director of Robert Half Finance & Accounting in Auckland.

“The opening minutes of the conversation set the tone and direction for the rest of the interview. You do not get a second chance to make a good first impression, so it is vital to prepare especially well for the first few interview questions, even if they may seem casual and not related to work at first.”

Five questions are commonly asked at the start of an interview, and Robert Half has some advice for candidates on how to answer them:

1. Can you tell me a little about yourself? Briefly discuss your professional goals and interests as they relate to the job. Do not discuss your hobbies or what you do outside work - your answer should help the interviewer see why you are specifically the right person for the position and the organisation.

2. What do you know about our firm? Research the business and organisation before the interview. Be prepared to describe how your experience and skills will help you contribute to the success of the firm.

3. Why do you want to work here? Whether it may be the company’s values, history of its success or its reputation within the industry that attracted you, respond in a way that shows you understand the organisation’s priorities and objectives.

4. Why are you looking to leave your current position? Keep your answer focused on the opportunity - for example, a chance to advance your career. Remain positive and avoid being negative about your current colleagues and bosses.

5. What is your most significant professional accomplishment? Cite an achievement that shows your ability to deliver tangible results. For example, “In 2006, I was instrumental in growing the company’s revenues by 27% to $1.2 million through marketing and advertising initiatives set by my team.”

As well as responding accurately and positively to interview questions, you will create an impression through factors such your body language and how you are dressed.

“Being appropriately dressed, smiling, maintaining good eye contact and a firm handshake are all critical in those first 10 minutes,” says Ms Smith. “Everyone feels nervous during the first interview - the trick is to project confidence in your skills and suitability for the job despite any nervousness you might feel.

“A job candidate should view the interview as a learning process and with practice and time, he or she will grow to fine tune their interview skills.”

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