How early should you be for an interview? In this article, I will give you my perspective, explain why, and provide tips for how you can spend your time while you wait. The time before an interview can be very valuable!
How Early Should You Be for an Interview?
I like to break my answer to this question into two parts: when to arrive at the interview location, and when to enter the office or building to wait for your interview. I’ll explain more in the headings below.
When to Arrive at the Interview Location
I recommend arriving at the interview location 20-30 minutes early, depending on the type and size of the organization and the building in which is it located. For example, if you are interviewing in a large office building that is multiple stories and houses many companies, I would suggest arriving 30 minutes early. If you are interviewing at a known and familiar place, arriving at the interview location 20 minutes early is sufficient.
There are so many variables that play into one’s stress levels when preparing for an interview. We want to remove as many of those stress points as possible, especially when the location at which you are interviewing is unfamiliar. Consider these variables and more:
- Unexpected traffic or public transit
- Difficulty locating the interview space
- Needing to use the restroom
If the interview location is unfamiliar and you cannot make it 30 minutes prior, I highly recommend visiting the evening before (or when your schedule allows). Doing so will allow you to become familiar with where you are going.
What to Do After You Arrive, But Before Your Interview
So, you have arrived 20-30 minutes early. Should you check in for the interview right away? No, that would be much too early. Use this valuable time to your advantage.
Here are things I suggest doing (in order) once you arrive at the interview location:
- Locate parking and pay if necessary. Before you leave your vehicle, turn your phone to “Do Not Disturb” and grab your interview portfolio and notes.
- Find the interview location, but don’t go in just yet. Simply knowing where to go will be helpful and ensure you get back to that location in plenty of time.
- Use the restroom. Sometimes interviews run longer than anticipated. Using the restroom before you check-in ensures you are comfortable for the duration of the interview and allows you to check your appearance before entering.
- Review the job description. I talk a lot in my job search articles about how important it is to print or save each position description you apply to. Why? Because it is one of the best interview prep tools! You will want to review the job description so the employer’s needs and wants are fresh in your mind. It will also help you to speak their language during the interview.
- Review your notes. I have an article devoted entirely to what to take to a job interview. I provide great tips to help you make notes to use or refer to. Reviewing them beforehand can help you be less reliant on them and help calm your anxieties.
Remember, arriving on location for an interview extra early is smart. It ensures you have time for unexpected traffic, difficulty finding the exact location, and gives you additional prep time (read this post to find out what to bring to a job interview!)
When to Check-In for Your Interview
After arriving early and completing some or all the steps above, you will want to check in for your interview 10 minutes prior to the scheduled start. Being 10 minutes early shows punctuality without being too early. But what if you are familiar with the company and location of the interview? How early should you be for an interview? Again, I recommend checking in 10 minutes prior to the interview start time.
Once you have checked in for your interview, it is likely that you will have a few minutes of waiting before the interview begins. I recommend using that time to do the following:
- Review the job description. As noted above, reviewing the job description helps ensure you speak to the employer’s wants and needs and reminds you of the language and terminology they use.
- Review your notes. If you did not have time to review your notes, make sure you do so during this waiting period. At a minimum, make sure you have a good list of questions to ask the hiring manager or interview panel.
- Observe the culture and surroundings. One of my favorite things to do while I wait for an interview is to observe the company culture. Is it casual? Are people collaborating and communicating? Or do people seem to be working autonomously? Your own observations about the environment and culture can be very powerful in the decision-making process when a job offer is extended!
Arriving early at your interview location or the interview office is always a great idea. You can wait and observe in other locations. Arriving early rarely, if ever, adds to one’s interview anxieties. Arriving too close to the interview start time or not allowing extra time for unforeseen issues will absolutely add to interview stress. Set yourself up for success with proper planning!
Do you have an interview soon?
Welcome to my blog! My name is Loren Kelly and I help candidates secure the job and career they want with professional resume and interview preparation services! If you have an interview this week, or are planning your next career move, I can help! Reach out using the contact page or schedule a free consultation. I can provide services in short turn-around times to meet your needs!
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