Could there be a link between this, and lists in alphabetical order ? In the public service, interview panel was like jury duty, better over and done with. With one position and fifty applications culling needs to be severe, any aspect lacking must make room for the applications that of people who have answered the job most accurately. There might be less than ten left to interview.
Going through the list when culling is when the applications are first considered. The standard is set early when a good candidate is found, they become the mark buy which others are compared. The first, having a bigger first impression can stick, with the idea that if you find someone good, remember them, and ge...

Could there be a link between this, and lists in alphabetical order ? In the public service, interview panel was like jury duty, better over and done with. With one position and fifty applications culling needs to be severe, any aspect lacking must make room for the applications that of people who have answered the job most accurately. There might be less than ten left to interview.
Going through the list when culling is when the applications are first considered. The standard is set early when a good candidate is found, they become the mark buy which others are compared. The first, having a bigger first impression can stick, with the idea that if you find someone good, remember them, and get this job filled. A's tend to be top of the pile. Maybe job applications should be shuffled.