How early should you show up at an interview?

Hey Emily!

I will answer your questions one by one.

1. Always arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. (Inform your recruiter as soon as you are in the office.) Please wait patiently for the recruiter to arrive and initiate the process.
2. Yes, recruiters judge you when you arrive on time. Arriving on time shows how much you value time and your seriousness towards the job. (Note: In case, if you are getting late then do inform the recruiters well in advance.)
3. No, they never prefer you to be an hour or half an hour early. Since recruiters and interviewers are already working as per their planned schedule. Taking interviews before or after time is often difficult for the interviewers.

Good Luck!

Hi Emily,

Good question!! The advice below is very good and I only have a little to add. I would definitely allot yourself more time than you think you'll need to get to the interview site. You never know what the traffic conditions are like, finding the building may be difficult, and going to the right room number might take longer than expected. I always give myself more than enough time to get to the interview site because I hate rushing and having to run (and end up sweating) to an interview. I have a rule to arrive at least 20 minutes before the stated interview time. If I arrive like 35 minutes early, I'll go to a nearby Starbucks to get some coffee and collect myself. Always check in at the front desk so they know that you have arrived.

Being late is a bad first impression and often will throw off the schedule of your interviewer. Be sure to arrive with some time to spare and bring a book or other reading material (playing with you phone while you wait can look bad).

I hope this helps and I wish you the best of luck in your interviews!!

Best,

Austin

It seems hard to believe that many job seekers arrive late for interviews. Having said that 10 to 15 minutes in advance is the best timing for arrival. What is also important is that you check to see the route that is best to take to get there and how long  the drive will take to your destination. I always try to get a little time before the interview to clear my mind and try and relax in preparation for the interview. If you are driving across town and it is an hour drive I would suggest try to give yourself and extra 30 minutes and you might then spend some time in a coffee shop, or take a walk to relieve the nerves. You can also visit the  location the day before and then you might be less nervous and know where to park and access to the building. Interviewers are often pressured to see a lot  of candidates and to fill a demanding position quickly. Be sure to com with reading material to keep yourself occupied and relaxed. I have often taken material with me related to the company in which I was interviewing with. That has helped me asked the right questions if they ask you "what do you know about this company or job?" Also before leaving for the interview make sure you have the right address, and a phone number and names of the people you are meeting with. I would also like to give you some information on what to bring with you for the interview. A briefcase or folder will help with the professional look.  1. Several unfolded copies of your resume and cover letter;2. A notepad and pen(for taking notes during the interview); 3. A list of professional references or letters; 4. Sometimes examples of your work (If you have written an article and it was published, or clippings or writings that you have done or been a part. This shows interest along with some skill and qualifications. If you do these suggestion I think you will be more comfortable and able to give a good interview. Best of Luck!!