Researchers have shown that timing and sequencing have a major impact on the success of the hiring process. Their findings, based on an analysis of nearly 1,000 customer service agents, suggest that hiring decisions should be made within 10 days of receiving an application and that assessments should be conducted first, before interviews. The study also found that the order in which information is provided matters: when job seekers make their initial contact and when employers explain the job requirements and expectations played an important role. Further, they found that timing can influence an individual's performance in an assessment, something that also affects the success of the hiring process. The authors of the study conclude that to maximize the chances of success, it is important for both employers and job seekers to take the timing and sequencing of the hiring process into consideration.
