Deciding when to arrive for a job interview can be a source of anxiety. While the advice to “be on time” is simple, its professional meaning can be unclear. Punctuality is one of the first impressions you make on a potential employer, reflecting your reliability and respect for their time. Striking the right balance between being eagerly early and inconveniently so sets the stage for a successful meeting.
The Ideal Arrival Time
The consensus among hiring managers points to a specific window for arrival: 10 to 15 minutes before your scheduled interview. This timeframe demonstrates punctuality and respect for the interviewer’s time without creating an imposition. Arriving in this window signals that you are prepared and reliable, but not so early that you disrupt the hiring manager’s schedule.
This 10-to-15-minute buffer also serves a practical purpose for you. It provides a moment to use the restroom, check your appearance, and acclimate to the office environment. This time also allows you to sit, take some deep breaths, and mentally review key points about your experience or the company. This brief period of composure helps you enter the interview feeling more collected and focused.
A week before the interview, consider doing a practice run of your commute at the same time of day to accurately gauge travel time. Account for traffic patterns and parking availability. Knowing your route and potential delays allows you to plan to arrive in the area early, but only check in with the receptionist within the 10-to-15-minute window.
The Risks of Arriving Too Early
Arriving more than 20 minutes early can work against you. Showing up 30 to 45 minutes before the scheduled time can create pressure for the hiring manager. They may be in another meeting or preparing for your conversation, and your premature arrival can make them feel rushed or obligated to alter their schedule.
A long wait can also create an uncomfortable situation for front-desk staff and be awkward for everyone involved. Arriving too early might also send an unintended message to the employer. Instead of appearing eager, you might come across as overly anxious, inconsiderate of their time, or even desperate.
The extra waiting time is not beneficial for you as a candidate. Sitting in a reception area for a prolonged period can increase anxiety and provide too much time to overthink. This can negatively affect your performance once the interview begins.
What to Do If You Arrive Ahead of Schedule
If proper planning means you arrive at the location with significant time to spare, it is best to wait before announcing your arrival. If you are 30 to 60 minutes early, do not check in with the receptionist. Wait until you are within the 10-to-15-minute window before your appointment.
Use this extra time productively to center yourself. Your car can be a private space to review notes, listen to calming music, or mentally rehearse answers to common interview questions. If you prefer a change of scenery, find a nearby coffee shop to relax or a park bench where you can take a brief walk to clear your head.
This approach allows you to manage pre-interview jitters without placing pressure on the company. You can also use the time to make sure your documents are in order. This ensures you can walk into the building at the appropriate time feeling polished and prepared, making your entrance calmly and professionally.
Handling a Late Arrival
Despite the best planning, unforeseen circumstances can cause you to run late. How you handle this situation reflects your professionalism and problem-solving skills. The moment you realize you will not be on time, communicate proactively instead of waiting until after your scheduled start time to make contact.
Call or email your point of contact at the company as soon as possible. Provide a brief, professional explanation for your delay, such as a traffic obstruction, without making elaborate excuses. Follow this with a realistic estimate of your new arrival time.
Offer a sincere apology for the inconvenience and express your continued interest in the position. It is also courteous to offer to reschedule if your new arrival time disrupts the interviewer’s schedule. When you do arrive, apologize once more in person, then shift your focus to the interview to show you can move past a setback.
Arrival Etiquette for Virtual Interviews
The principles of punctuality also extend to virtual interviews, though the execution is different. For a video interview, “arriving early” means logging into the system about 3-5 minutes before the scheduled start time. This buffer is for ensuring your technology is functioning correctly before you enter the meeting.
Use these few minutes to test your camera, microphone, and internet connection to prevent technical glitches. Check that your background is professional and free of distractions, and confirm your lighting is adequate. This preparation shows you are taking the virtual meeting seriously.
Do not join the actual meeting room until the exact scheduled time unless instructed otherwise. The interviewer may be wrapping up a previous meeting, and joining early could be an interruption. Entering the virtual meeting space should be done punctually at the start time.