What interview time is best?

Afternoon Interviews

If mornings aren’t your best time, afternoon interviews can also be effective. You might have had time to wake up fully and settle into your day, making you more comfortable and confident.

• Personal Preference: Schedule your interview when you feel most energetic.
• Preparation Time: More time during the day allows for additional preparation and mental readiness.

Consider taking a mock interview with DesignGurus.io mock interviews to boost your confidence for afternoon slots.

Late-Day Interviews

Late-day interviews can be a double-edged sword. While you might benefit from a full day of preparation, fatigue can also affect your performance.

• End-of-Day Energy: If you maintain high energy levels throughout the day, late interviews can work in your favor.
• Time to Reflect: Having the entire day to prepare and review can enhance your readiness.

Use resources like Grokking Modern Behavioral Interview to ensure you stay sharp even in late slots.

2. Best Days of the Week

a. Mid-Week Advantage

• Why: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays are generally considered the best days for interviews.
• Reasoning:
  • Mondays can be hectic as interviewers catch up on work from the weekend.
  • Fridays may have a more relaxed atmosphere as the week winds down, and interviewers might be preoccupied with wrapping up tasks.

b. Avoiding Mondays and Fridays

• Why: These days might not provide the optimal environment for focused and comprehensive interviews.
• Tip: Schedule interviews on mid-week days to ensure interviewers are in their regular workflow and can give you their full attention.

3. Consider Time Zones (For Remote Interviews)

a. Aligning with Both Parties’ Schedules

• Why: Ensures both you and the interviewer are at your best.
• Tip: Choose a time that accommodates any time zone differences without causing inconvenience.

b. Testing Technology Ahead of Time

• Why: Technical issues can arise, especially with remote interviews.
• Tip: Schedule the interview at least a day in advance to troubleshoot any connectivity or software problems.

4. Personal Peak Performance

a. Align with Your Natural Energy Levels

• Why: Performing an interview when you’re naturally alert can enhance your responses.
• Tip: Identify when you feel most focused and schedule your interview accordingly, whether that’s in the morning or the afternoon.

Conclusion

Selecting the best interview time depends on your personal preferences, energy levels, and the company’s schedule. By understanding these factors and preparing accordingly, you can maximize your performance regardless of the interview time.

Utilize resources like Grokking the Coding Interview: Patterns for Coding Questions and DesignGurus.io mock interviews to ensure you’re well-prepared and confident for any interview slot you choose.