When it comes to job interviews, arriving on time is crucial. In fact, arriving too late for an interview can result in an automatic rejection, while arriving too early can make the interviewer feel rushed and unprepared. So, how early should you be for a job interview? Read on to find out.
How early should you arrive for an in-person job interview?
To ensure a successful start to your job interview, it’s always a wise move to arrive at the interview location 15 minutes before your scheduled interview time.
This gives you ample time to sign in at the reception area and to find where you need to go within the building for your interview. It also provides you with some time to gather your thoughts and take some deep breaths just before the interview starts. This extra time can help you feel more confident, collected and mentally prepared for the interview questions ahead.
What should I do if I arrive too early for a job interview?
If you arrive more than 15 minutes early, you may end up waiting around for a while, which could make you feel anxious or uncomfortable. Additionally, arriving excessively early may make the interviewer feel rushed and unprepared if they are not ready for you yet.
If you do find yourself arriving very early, consider waiting in a nearby coffee shop or public area until it’s closer to your scheduled interview time. If you do this, make sure that you keep a close eye on the time. This can help you stay relaxed and calm in the run-up to your interview.
How early should you leave the house for an in-person interview?
When preparing for an in-person job interview, it’s important to consider the time it takes to get to the interview location. The ideal time to leave the house for a job interview will depend on various factors such as distance, traffic, and transportation mode.
The day before your interview, you should carefully map out your journey factoring in any poor weather conditions, time of day, roadworks or transportation strikes. Also, account for the fact that you will want to arrive at the interview location 15 minutes before the interview start time.
Once you’ve planned your route and determined what time you’ll leave the house, add some buffer time in case of any delays during your journey.
How early should I be for an online interview?
If your job interview is online, you won’t need to factor in travel time, but you should still plan to be ready well in advance of the scheduled interview time. Here are some tips to ensure you’re prepared for an online interview:
The day before your online interview:
- Test your technology. Make sure your computer/laptop, webcam, microphone, and internet connection are working correctly. This gives you enough time to fix or replace any required equipment.
The morning of your interview:
- Dress professionally. Just because the interview is online doesn’t mean you should neglect your appearance. Dress as you would for an in-person interview.
- Prepare your environment. Choose a quiet, well-lit room for the interview and ensure that the background is clean and professional. Eliminate any potential distractions, such as pets or family members, and make sure you have a comfortable chair to sit in.
- Check your internet connection
10 minutes before your online interview:
- Be ready to join the call.
- Log in to the video conference software you’ll be using a few minutes before the scheduled interview time to ensure everything is working correctly. Have your CV, and cover letter, nearby in case you need to refer to them during the interview. You may wish to have some water on your desk as well as a notepad and pen.
Why it’s important to arrive early at an interview
You only get one chance to make a first impression. Arriving for an interview on time demonstrates to the employer that you are punctual, reliable and professional. Additionally it showcases your ability to plan ahead and account for unexpected delays. Lastly, it shows your enthusiasm for the job.
Avoid being late at all costs. It will reflect poorly on you regardless of the reason. If necessary, do a dry run of your route to familiarise yourself with the area and the commute time.
Tips for arriving early to an interview
- Plan your route carefully – plan in contingency time
- Prepare your interview outfit the night before
- Pack your bag with everything you’ll need the night before
- Get a good night’s sleep the night before the interview
- Check your interview invite carefully for any arrival instructions such as which floor to go to, or wich entrance to use
- When possible schedule your interview at a time tat best suits you
Summary
Arriving 15 minutes early for a job interview is a good rule of thumb. It will leave you with enough time to collect yourself and mentally prepare for the interview. However, it is important to read any arrival instructions from your interviewer carefully. Ultimately, plan ahead, and give yourself buffer time in case of any traffic or delays. If you arrive too early, go to a nearby cafe or coffee shop until it is nearer the time of your interview.
Need help with preparing for your interviews? Get in touch with us today! Our career coaches can help you to nail your next interview and land your dream job.
Image by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels
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