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Experts in the hiring process agreed that arriving 15 minutes early is the best timing for an in-office interview.
Amy Polefrone, the CEO of HR Strategy Group, told HuffPost that 10-15 minutes early is best because it shows that “you’re ready, you’re eager and that you have your game face on.”
Josh Doody, a salary negotiation coach and former hiring manager, also recommends aiming for the 15-minute window to mitigate “the potential problems that can arise from getting from point A to point B.”
I leave 10-15 minutes early, in case there is an accident.
I also arrive early, because I don't know the parking situation. It may be hard to find the visitor parking, if you are interviewing in downtown. Visitor parking may require you to walk a block.
I take an honest estimate of how long it will get there. Then add a 30-45 minute buffer if I'm going to a place which requires a long public transportation haul. I usually arrive early and take a 10-15 minute break at a food joint to prepare for the interview. Then I arrive 10 minutes before the interview.
If I'm near by, I add a 5-10 minute buffer and arrive 10 minutes before the interview.
Getting to the location should include ample time for all those things - parking, misnavigation, traffic, zombie invasion. But even if you walk around the block or sit in your car, I think the optimal time to walk in is 5 to no more than 10 minutes before the appointment. Earlier... sends a wrong message and can pressure the interviewer if they have other things they are doing. I don't agree, as either job candidate or interviewer, that 15 minutes or more shows "eagerness."
I think the optimal time to walk in is 5 to no more than 10 minutes before the appointment. Earlier... sends a wrong message and can pressure the interviewer if they have other things they are doing.
Good point, Quietude. I used to feel a bit awkward showing up 15-20 minutes early just to sit in the lobby. It's also worse when the interviewer is falling behind schedule and doesn't get to meet you until a half hour after your scheduled time. By that point, I've been sitting there waiting for almost an hour and my excitement has long waned.
My goal is to arrive there a half hour early and then meet the receptionist three minutes prior to my scheduled time. I think that as long as you're not late, they aren't going to be any more impressed by someone arriving 15 minutes early.
You want to arrive about 10-15 minutes early. That means in the correct office, speaking with someone who can report back that you're there. If you only allow fifteen minutes for traffic, parking, directions, etc. you're going to be sunk.
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It does not matter that much. The hiring person often goes on vibes within the 1st min who is out of consideration. Many employers dont want someone too smart, too beautiful, it might threaten them.Nothing can be done for preference that way.
I don't think the interviewer really even knows what time you arrive unless you are late. It's the receptionist who knows.
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