Why Are the First and Last Minutes (Primacy and Recency Effects) So Crucial in Job Interviews?

Okay, no problem. Let's talk about this in plain language.

Why Are the First and Last Minutes of an Interview (Primacy and Recency Effects) So Important?

Buddy, let me give you an analogy to make it clear.

Think about watching a movie or a TV show. Aren't the first few minutes crucial? If the start is really engaging, you get hooked and watch with high interest. Even if there are minor flaws later, you might think "the flaws don't detract from the overall quality." On the flip side, if the beginning bores you, you might want to turn it off. Even if there are exciting parts later, you watch them with a "meh, it's okay" attitude.

The same principle applies to interviews. Interviewers are human too. Their brains work the same way ours do and are influenced by psychological phenomena. The most important ones here are the "Primacy Effect" and the "Recency Effect."

1. The First Few Minutes: Setting the Tone (Primacy Effect)

This is like the "movie trailer" you show the interviewer.

What is the Primacy Effect? Simply put, it's the first impression. Our brains are actually quite "lazy." They quickly "label" you or form a "picture" of you based on the very first information they receive. This initial impression acts like a filter, influencing how the interviewer interprets everything you say afterward.

Where does it show up? From the moment you knock, enter the room, smile, greet them, shake hands, to that golden window of time when you give your "self-introduction" after sitting down. In these few short minutes, the interviewer is observing:

Your demeanor: Are you confident or timid?
Your professionalism: Is your attire appropriate? Is your manner of speaking polished?
Your communication skills: Is your self-introduction clear, structured, and highlights key points?

Why is it important?

If you start strong: You come across as "reliable, professional, confident." Then, the interviewer is more likely to believe what you say and may even subconsciously look for evidence to confirm their first impression is correct. Even if you answer a later question only moderately well, they might think, "Hmm, maybe they're just a bit weak on this specific point, but overall they're strong."
If you start poorly: For example, if you're late, dressed sloppily, avoid eye contact, or stumble through your self-introduction. The interviewer might have already mentally tagged you as "unreliable." After that, no matter how well you speak later, they might scrutinize your answers with skepticism, looking for evidence to confirm their initial "you're not good enough" impression. You'll have to work ten times harder to turn that around.

So, the first few minutes aren't about showcasing all your abilities; they're about securing the most favorable "judgment environment" for your performance that follows.

2. The Last Few Minutes: Leaving an Impression (Recency Effect)

This is like the movie's "ending" or "post-credits scene," determining how the audience feels walking out of the theater.

What is the Recency Effect? It means that after a sequence of information is presented, people remember the most recent information most vividly. An interview can last anywhere from half an hour to a couple of hours. The interviewer hears a lot of information, and many details from the middle might become fuzzy. But what you said or did last will be remembered very clearly.

Where does it show up? Usually when the interviewer asks, "Do you have any questions for us?" and during the final thank-you and farewell part.

Why is it important?

This is your chance to take initiative: By asking questions, you can demonstrate deep thinking about the company and the role, rather than just passively answering questions. A good question can instantly elevate your standing in the interviewer's mind. For instance, asking not "Does the company require overtime?" but "To better prepare for this role, what additional knowledge or skills would you recommend I learn or understand before joining?" creates a completely different impression.
This is your final chance to reinforce your strengths: When thanking them and saying goodbye, you can naturally summarize again, for example: "Thank you very much for giving me this opportunity today. Based on our conversation, I'm even more convinced that my experience in XX is a strong match for this role at your company, and I hope to have the chance to contribute to the team." This statement is like the "finishing touch," re-emphasizing your core strengths.
This is the moment to leave a final emotional impact: A genuine smile, a confident "Looking forward to hearing from you," or a self-assured exit will leave a positive, upbeat final image in the interviewer's mind. When they later review the day's interviews, this image will directly influence their overall assessment of you.

So, the last few minutes are when you "seal the deal" for the entire interview, the final step to firmly etch your image in the interviewer's mind.

To Summarize

Interviewers are ordinary people. They might interview several candidates in a day and don't have the energy to dissect every word you say like analyzing a report. Their brains will unconsciously take shortcuts:

The Start (Primacy Effect): Determines whether they want to "like" you.
The End (Recency Effect): Determines how they ultimately "remember" you.

Of course, this absolutely doesn't mean the middle part is unimportant. The Q&A in the middle is the "main feature" where you showcase your hard skills; it's the core content. But the start is the "trailer", determining if the audience is interested in your main feature; the end is the "finishing touch", determining whether the audience leaves feeling impressed or just satisfied.

So, never neglect this "beginning and end." They are the highest-return investment, allowing your efforts to deliver 120% of their potential effect.