Step right up, job seekers! The common belief is that the early birds catch the worm when it comes to job interviews. However, let me tell you a little secret - being the first candidate isn't always advantageous. In fact, it can put you at a disadvantage, and here's why:

1. Picture this: you're the first one in line, ready to showcase your skills and talents. But alas, there's no reference point for the hiring manager to compare you with other candidates. It's like trying to judge a talent show with only one performer. Setting a fair and consistent standard becomes a tricky task.
2. Hold onto your hats, because here's another twist. The job description itself might not be set in stone when you're up for the interview. Changes happen as the hiring team engages with candidates throughout the process. So what you thought you knew about the role might shift like the winds, leaving you slightly off balance.
3. Now, imagine the hiring manager stepping onto the interview stage. They're just getting warmed up, not quite in sync with their questioning and evaluation criteria. It's like a dance routine that hasn't found its rhythm yet. As they meet more candidates, the criteria may change, and those newcomers may end up benefiting from the revised rules. Talk about an ever-evolving game!
4. Ah, the sweet luxury of time. At this stage of the game, there's no urgency to wrap things up and make a decision. The goal is to bring in a pool of 5 to 7 or even more candidates, just to have a comprehensive view of the available talent and alternative options. So, you might find yourself caught in a waiting game while the circus continues.
5. Watch out for the spotlight effect! The latest candidates are like shiny new acts that dazzle the interviewing managers. Their freshness and novelty make them stand out in the minds of those decision-makers. Plus, their well-rehearsed questions elicit stronger responses from the performers. It's all about stealing the show!
6. Here's the tricky part: scheduling that elusive second interview. The hiring team can't exactly jump right into it, as they haven't seen enough candidates yet. And gathering feedback? That's a whole other tightrope act. It's easily deflected with a simple excuse of "you're the first one we've seen." The wait continues, my friends.

So, my fellow job seekers, remember that being first in line doesn't always guarantee victory. Sometimes, the later acts steal the show, leaving the early performers wondering what happened. And so how do you make sure you aren’t the first to interview with the hiring manager? 

Read on Unveiling the Art of Timing: How to Dance with the Hiring Manager

Prepare to embark on a journey where strategic scheduling and perceptive inquiries hold the key to your success. Behold, our secret tips await you:

1. A Prelude of Questions: When that initial contact call comes your way, resist the urge to burst with excitement. Instead, seize the opportunity to assess the timing and urgency of the hiring process. Engage in a symphony of questions, such as:

• How long has the position been open?
• When do you hope to fill it?
• How long have you been searching?
• Where are you in the interview process?

These questions compose the overture of understanding, giving you a sense of the urgency and progress of the hiring process. Many candidates overlook this crucial assessment, rushing into interviews without a second thought. Don't make that mistake. Remember, they sought you out - it's your time to shine.

2. The Crescendo of Strategy: Armed with your newfound insights, it's time to orchestrate a better strategy. Aim to position your interview towards the end of the first round of their selection process. To achieve this, consider the following tactics:

• Assess and Delay: Skillfully schedule your phone or face-to-face interview based on the information you gathered. If they're just starting, politely mention your busy schedule and propose a date a week or so out. Tentatively secure the appointment during the call, with a commitment to confirm. If they're in the middle or end of the interviewing phase, strike while the iron is hot.
• Assess and "Test" the Urgency: Through thought-provoking hypotheticals, gauge their willingness to swiftly hire the right candidate. This tactic proves especially effective for contracts with impending deadlines, key positions left vacant, or prolonged searches.
• Apologize and Reschedule: Should you discover you're too early in the cycle during the call, fear not. Dial back and reschedule a few days later, citing a sudden conflict or emergency. Express sincere interest in the meeting while positioning yourself for a later slot in the process.
• Assess and Ignite Urgency: Apologize gracefully for any rush while expressing your eagerness. Propose an accelerated interview date, emphasizing the significance of your pending decisions or plans. Inquire if they would be willing to provide direct feedback on their level of interest after the meeting.
• 2. The Harmony of Second Chances: If fate smiles upon you, and you're granted a second interview opportunity during your initial visit, seize it with both hands. Skillfully schedule the subsequent round, aiming for a placement towards the end of the process. Remember, the sweetest notes are often played last. 

3. A Finale of Assurance: Before the curtain falls on your conversation, ensure the timing remains unchanged. Conclude with a closing question, such as:

• "Mr. Interviewer, if everything goes according to plan, when would you ideally have someone on board?"
• If the response aligns favorably: "That works well for me too. How can we expedite the process?"
• If met with evasion: Revisit any lingering concerns or gently inquire, "

“Make time your ally” in your job search process by scheduling your job interviews carefully so that decisions can be made and your odds improved. Good luck and good interviewing.

Looking for more tips on how to win your next job interview? Checkout the InterviewCoach system!