HR professionals forming opinions of interviewees within 10 minutes: Survey

Also seeking advice from everyone at firm who’s interacted with candidate

Jobseekers don't have much time to win over hiring managers, according to a new survey.

More than one-half (52 per cent) of HR managers polled said they form a positive or negative opinion of candidates during interviews in 10 minutes or less, found the survey of 150 Canadian HR managers by Accountemps.

For some, impressions are made even quicker. Nearly three in 10 (29 per cent) respondents indicated it takes them five minutes or less to draw conclusions about an interviewee.

Twenty-two per cent of respondents take between 11 and 20 minutes to form opinions, while four per cent take 21 to 30 minutes.

Fourteen per cent take more than 30 minutes, found the survey.

"Jobseekers must be at the top of their game from the first moments of the interview," said Kathryn Bolt, Canadian president of Accountemps. "In addition to providing strong responses to a hiring manager's questions, candidates should project enthusiasm and a professional demeanor throughout the discussion."

And HR is not just looking to job candidates for information.

"Hiring managers commonly seek advice from everyone who's interacted with the interviewee — from the receptionist to the individual's potential colleagues," Bolt said.

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