How Early Should You Be For an Interview?

Here’s something we get asked a lot, especially from people about to go into their very first job interview:

How early should I get to my job interview? And, what do I do when I get there?

If you’ve never been to a job interview before, it can be a little scary. But we’re here to walk you through it.

How early you should arrive to a job interview:

I suggest getting to the interview about 10 minutes early. This way you’ll have enough time to check in and calm down before you are called back. If you get there any later than 10 minutes you are taking the risk that you could run late, be stuck in traffic or that their clock will be running a little fast and they may think you’re late. If you arrive any sooner than 10 minutes it could make things a little awkward and you might just be standing around for awhile.

Here’s a tip for you. I like to drive to the place the day before an interview so I know exactly when I need to leave my house in order to arrive on time. This way I make sure I don’t get lost and that I leave myself enough time to account for any factors like traffic or weather.

When you get to the business the first thing you will do is check in with someone. Depending on what type of business this is it could be the receptionist or the person behind the cash register. Just give them your name and say that you are here for an interview with the manager’s name.

You’ll then either be asked to take a seat or be brought back into the room itself. Make absolutely sure you are nice to everyone you come in contact with. People do talk and you don’t want to make a bad impression that could cost you the job because you are stressed and take it out on an employee.

What questions do you have about job interviews? Ask below!