Arriving on time for a job interview is crucial, but arriving too early can also be problematic. So what is the right amount of time to arrive before an interview? Here are some tips on timing your arrival:
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Aim for 10-15 Minutes Early
The standard advice is to arrive about 10-15 minutes early for an interview. This shows you are punctual without being excessively early. Any earlier could come across as too eager or make the interviewer feel rushed if they are not ready for you yet. 10-15 minutes gives you a nice buffer so you can arrive relaxed, composed and ready for the interview.
Arriving this amount of time earlier allows you time to complete any needed paperwork, sign in at the security desk, use the restroom or grab a drink of water if needed.
Those 10-15 minutes will provide time to settle in and mentally prepare without having to awkwardly wait around for long periods of time. In our article The Ultimate Guide On How To Prepare For A Job Interview we discussed the importance of going over your research notes. This time could be used wisely for one last glance at your notes before heading into the interview.
Consider the Location
When deciding what time to arrive, take into account how long it will take you to get to the interview location. Factor in the route, parking availability, and anything else that could impact your arrival time, such as an extra large company car park that will take a long time to get to the receptionist desk, or if the company has already made you aware of a thorough security process before you can enter the building. You don’t want to end up late because you did not account for potential traffic or difficulty finding parking. If the location is new to you, consider doing a test run of the journey beforehand so you know exactly how long it takes.
You may need to adjust your arrival target to 20-25 minutes early if the location is tricky to access or a long commute. It is always better to be early than late. If you have arrived extra early and are sitting in your car in the company car park, or if you are on foot and there is a coffee shop next door, make valuable use of the time by composing yourself, feeling relaxed and occupying your time by reviewing your notes.
Ask for Recommendations
Don’t hesitate to ask the employer or recruiter for guidance on when to arrive. They often specify a recommended arrival time which takes into account the parking situation, security procedures, or when the interviewers are expected to be ready. Following their suggested arrival time is your best bet. That way you can avoid arriving late or excessively early.
Wait in Your Car or Nearby
If you do end up arriving extra early, wait in your car or visit a nearby coffee shop. Use the extra minutes to listen to motivating music, review your resume, or mentally prep. Do not linger right outside the building for long periods as that can seem awkward or make you appear too anxious. Simply arrive at the right location 10-15 minutes early, then wait out of sight until the ideal time.
Avoid Being Late
While being excessively early can be annoying, being late is far worse. Tardiness to an interview gives the worst possible impression right from the start. It implies you may have issues with punctuality, time management, preparation and respect for others’ time. Even just 5 minutes late is enough to potentially ruin your chances.
Instead, build in contingencies like allowing extra commute time or having a backup outfit ready in case of spills or stains. Set multiple alarms on your phone and watch to avoid oversleeping. Do whatever it takes to ensure you arrive right on time. Those extra precautions are well worth it to avoid jeopardizing the interview by being late.
Be Ready to Wait
In some rare cases, you may end up waiting well beyond 10-15 minutes due to circumstances outside of your control. The interviewer may have been pulled into an urgent meeting, for example. While excessive waiting can be uncomfortable, try to maintain your positive demeanour. Use the time to observe the office environment and interactions, which can provide valuable insights into the company’s culture.
If it has been more than 15 minutes past your scheduled time, politely check with the receptionist that the interview is still happening and offer to reschedule if needed. That shows you are adaptable and understanding. With the right polite attitude, a short wait will not tank your chances as long as you avoid visibly annoying behaviours like sighing, checking your phone repeatedly, or acting impatient.
Summary
The ideal arrival window for an interview is 10-15 minutes early. Adjust that time as needed based on the commute, location accessibility and any employer guidance. Build in contingencies for traffic or delays. If you end up extra early, wait out of sight in your car or nearby coffee shop. Tardiness should be avoided at all costs. With the right timing and polite attitude, you can make the best possible first impression at a job interview.
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