You’ve researched the company, rehearsed your responses, and reviewed the job description. But there’s one critical factor you may have overlooked: the time of your interview. New research suggests when you interview may significantly affect your performance.
A recent study analyzing oral exam interviews at Italian universities found that timing plays a surprisingly important role in outcomes. Researchers from the University of Messina reviewed data from more than 100,000 interview-style exams between October 2018 and February 2020. The results followed a clear pattern: students were most likely to pass between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., with success rates dropping in the early morning and again in the late afternoon.
Lead researcher and neuroscientist Carmelo Vicario says the idea for the study was sparked by earlier findings showing judges tend to be more lenient at the start of court sessions or after meal breaks. “This was, of course, a completely different field,” Vicario says. “But we found this similarity.”
While the study was based on existing academic data rather than a controlled experiment, the implications could extend far beyond university exams—including into high-stakes situations like job interviews.
So why does mid-day yield better results?
One explanation is biological: different people have different “chronotypes”—natural rhythms that determine when they feel most alert. Young people tend to be night owls, while older adults are more likely to be early risers. Late morning to early afternoon may offer a sweet spot where both parties—student and examiner, or interviewee and hiring manager—are more alert and in sync.
In a hiring context, this misalignment could unintentionally bias interviewers. A recent ResumeBuilder survey found that 36% of hiring managers report bias against Gen Z candidates. If younger applicants are being evaluated at times that don’t match their natural energy levels, the timing itself may be subtly working against them.
Chronotypes are deeply embedded—over 80 genes help regulate our circadian rhythms—and working or interviewing outside one’s optimal time can lead to reduced performance, anxiety, and even health issues over time.
To help reduce these hidden biases, experts recommend adopting more flexible approaches to scheduling. That could mean offering a range of interview times, or encouraging collaboration when both parties are likely to be most alert.
“By recognizing biological differences in how and when people work best—and making room for that diversity—leaders can reduce hidden bias, unlock untapped potential, and build more productive and inclusive teams,” writes applied chronology expert Camilla Kring in Fast Company.
Still, Vicario emphasizes that more research is needed to fully understand the link between performance and timing. While mismatched chronotypes are a strong theory, it's just one possible explanation. He hopes his work will encourage more studies into how timing affects decision-making—especially in high-pressure scenarios like interviews, exams, or even legal proceedings.
“When there’s pressure, the time of day can influence decisions more than when you have time to reflect,” Vicario explains. “Being aware of that can help make those decisions fairer.”