More than half, or 53%, of candidates in the UK make a decision about a job opportunity during the first interview, according to research from Robert Half UK.

Robert Half’s research also showed that 24% of jobseekers decide whether a job is a fit for them within five minutes of their first meeting. Meanwhile 37% settle on whether a role or company is the right fit for them after the very first contact with the firm, including calls or emails to set-up an interview or asking for more information.

However, 58% of jobseekers will look at alternative options if they are left waiting to hear back about the next stage of the recruitment process for too long.

“We often talk about why candidates should make a good first impression at an interview. But more and more job interviews are becoming an opportunity for the employer to convince a candidate of the role, as much as the candidate is selling themselves for the position,” Matt Weston, Managing Director at Robert Half UK, said. “The UK is in the middle of a skills shortage, and as a result, strong candidates are in the driving seat when looking for their next opportunity. Employers should recognise that these skilled candidates are evaluating their company and the job opportunity at every stage of the process – not just during the interview itself.”