You’re invited to an interview and the employer asks, “What are some times you are available for an interview?”

While it’s important to pick times that work for you, studies actually show that some times and days work better than others. Read on to figure out good times to schedule your interview.

Mondays and Fridays are generally not ideal days to interview.

People tend to stray from their usual weekday sleep routine during the weekends. We stay up later, sleep in on Sundays, and come Monday, it’s easier to lose track of schedule and push things behind. Work-related situations might also crop up during the weekend, so Mondays can be spent wrapping up weekend crisis’. Typically, Mondays aren’t an ideal day to interview.

Similarly, Fridays can get the same treatment as Monday because people are ready to take a break from the busy work week and unwind during the weekends.

Hunger can affect mood and make afternoon interviews a bad time slot.

Afternoon time slots are susceptible to employers who’ve had a long morning and need a lunch break by 12pm. However, if your interview is scheduled for 12pm, this means that they might spend your interview hungry and distracted.

Hunger affects mood, causing people to feel impatient, irritable and find it harder to focus on work.

Towards the end of the day, employers can get distracted.

Avoiding the last time slot of the day is also a good idea. By then, employers may have had a long day and are ready to call it a day. It’s also easier to be distracted and while they’re interviewing you, they might actually be thinking about what to make for dinner or something going on at home!

Strive for earlier in the day and Tuesday through Thursday.

Studies of our brain show that we have a tendency to remember the first and last things better than those in the middle. What this means for your interviews is, being early can increase your chances of standing out among other interviewees later in the day.

As mentioned above, Mondays and Fridays can lead to backed up schedules. By Tuesday to Thursday, things in the office are more on pace, and become better days to interview.

Keep in mind that although timing is important, ultimately, it’s more important to interview at a time you are most alert and at the top of your game. For example, some people think better at night rather than the early mornings. If this is you, it would make more sense to schedule an interview later in the afternoon.

We hope this helps – Now that you know good time slots to schedule your next interview, brush up on your interviewing skills!