Research reveals that the timing of interviews can greatly influence performance outcomes. A study of over 100,000 Italian students' oral exams indicated that success rates peaked between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., while early mornings and late afternoons showed lower pass rates. Inspired by judicial studies showing timing effects on decision leniency, researchers theorize that midday may balance biological rhythms known as chronotypes, affecting younger and older individuals differently. This suggests that similar principles could apply to job interviews and other high-pressure situations.
Data from more than 100,000 exams revealed that the rate of students who passed followed a bell curve that peaked between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. and was much lower in the early morning and late afternoon.
Carmelo Vicario, a neuroscientist at the University of Messina and lead author of the new study, notes that judges are more lenient in their sentencing at the beginning of court sessions or after meal breaks.
Although the researchers cannot confirm why the middle of the day seems to be when students are most successful, they have several theories regarding 'chronotypes'.
The study's findings could shed light on successes and failures in high-pressure situations like job interviews, suggesting that timing may play a crucial role.
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