Nail Interviews in 10 Minutes

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We’ve written that your resume can make or break you in six seconds – that’s how long hiring managers look at the average resume.

New research from staffing firm Accountemps suggests you have more time if you make it to an interview. But not much…

HR managers were asked, “How long does it typically take you to form either a positive or negative opinion of a job candidate during an initial interview?”

<5 minutes 2%
5 minutes 16%
6-10 minutes 42%
11-15 minutes 10%
16-20 minutes 17%
21-30 minutes 9%
31+ minutes 1%
Don’t know 4%
101%*

* Responses do not total 100 percent due to rounding.

The survey polled 500 hiring managers at companies with more than 20 employees. Their tips: Prepare for predictable questions, but avoid sounding rehearsed; tell memorable stories, but don’t be cocky; be professional and attentive to details.

We’ve got lots more advice on getting hired in the links below.

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