The five minutes that decide if you’re hired in a job interview (and how to nail them)
Competition for jobs is high right now. Find out the five minutes that decide if you’re hired in a job interview – and how to nail them.
According to new data from Reed.co.uk, one of the UK’s largest job sites, new job listings in March 2025 were down 23% compared to the same period last year. The drop reflects rising caution among employers amidst continued economic uncertainty – including this week’s employer tax increase, and the impact of President Trump’s tariffs.
With competition tightening, jobseekers may be tempted to over-prepare for tough interview questions. But according to experts, the first five minutes of small talk before the interview even begins could be what actually makes or breaks an application.
We’re seeing a hiring slowdown, not a hiring freeze. That means employers can afford to be more selective – and the early minutes of an interview, often just casual conversation, are being used as a key gauge of soft skills and cultural fit.
Why small talk matters
Even before the formal interview starts, hiring managers are paying attention to how candidates engage. Dr George Sik, chartered psychologist and Director of psychometric testing at eras, breaks down what’s really being assessed:
- Are they personable and easy to talk to? This hints at how well they’ll fit into a team.
- Do they ask questions back? Collaborative types tend to reciprocate in conversation.
- Are they positive and composed? A candidate’s mindset is often revealed before the interview starts.
And crucially, small talk isn’t just filler, it’s revealing. In some cultures, especially in Asia and the Middle East, small talk before business is not just polite, it’s essential. Even in the UK, it’s where the first impression is formed, and often remembered most.
How to nail those all-important five minutes
These five minutes could make or break your interview. So what’s the best way to make the right impression? Maybe skip the weather chat. It seems the obvious safe choice, but it is unlikely to be a memorable answer during the hiring manager’s debrief.
Instead, here are five tips to help you nail those all-important five minutes.
1) Find common ground
If you’ve done your homework on the interviewer, this is an ideal way to get your interview off to a strong start. If you share a similar hobby or interest, it can be a great way to build a natural rapport.
2) Ask the question back
If the small talk involves your day so far, Dr George recommends asking the interviewer the same question back.
3) Keep it positive
Nobody wants to work with someone with a negative mindset, so even if your commute was negative, reframe it to focus on what actually went right.
4) Be memorable
Mention something niche or personal, like training for a marathon or learning a new skill. It’s a subtle way to stand out and introduce another facet of your personality, particularly if it highlights a strength or achievement.
Dr George Sik is a chartered psychologist and founder of eras, with over 25 years of experience analysing workplace behaviour and hiring psychology. He regularly advises employers on assessment and recruitment strategies, helping leading companies find the right talent.
