First is Last

One supposed advantage of being unemployed is that scheduling a job interview—rare as that might be—is relatively easy. You don’t have to take time off, rearrange your work schedule or make excuses to your boss. My favorite was that I had a doctor’s appointment. I even used to come in with a Band-Aid on my arm to make it look like I had undergone a blood test. Pretty clever, huh?

But with no job or boss to answer to, I can come in for an interview as soon as the interviewer can see me. But I wonder if that is such an advantage. So far, coming in first has put me last on the hiring pecking order.

Being the first out of the gate can be disadvantage when the HR or the supervisor wants to see as many qualified candidates as possible. It’s hard to argue with the theory that a company shouldn’t hire the first person that comes through the door.

No matter how impressive your experience or how well you did in the interview, chances are slim that any company is going to hire the first person interviewed for a particular job. What’s more, you will suffer in comparison to those that come in after you. Yes, you were a good candidate, but the third-person interviewed was just as qualified and he or she is fresher in the minds of the HR executive when they decide whom to call back for a prized second interview.

Plus, the earlier you can come in for an interview, the more it appears you are an unemployed loser desperate for a job.