How Early to Show Up to an Interview: Why Arriving on Time is Overrated and Other Unconventional Thoughts

How Early to Show Up to an Interview: Why Arriving on Time is Overrated and Other Unconventional Thoughts

When it comes to job interviews, conventional wisdom often dictates that punctuality is key. The standard advice is to arrive 10-15 minutes early, allowing enough time to settle in, review your notes, and demonstrate your professionalism. But what if we challenge this notion? What if arriving “on time” is not the golden rule it’s made out to be? Let’s explore this idea and other unconventional perspectives on interview timing.

1. The Case for Being Fashionably Late

While arriving late to an interview is generally frowned upon, there’s an argument to be made for pushing the boundaries of punctuality. Arriving exactly on time—or even a minute or two late—can subtly signal confidence. It suggests that you value your time and expect others to respect it as well. Of course, this approach requires finesse. You don’t want to come across as careless, but rather as someone who is in control of their schedule.

2. The Psychological Impact of Waiting

Arriving too early can backfire. Sitting in a waiting room for 20 minutes might give you time to overthink, leading to unnecessary anxiety. By contrast, arriving just a few minutes early allows you to maintain a sense of momentum and focus. It’s a delicate balance: you want to be prepared, but not so prepared that you psych yourself out.

3. Cultural Considerations

In some cultures, punctuality is a sign of respect, while in others, a more relaxed approach to time is the norm. If you’re interviewing for a position in a different cultural context, it’s worth researching local customs. For example, in some countries, arriving exactly on time might be seen as overly rigid, while in others, it’s expected.

4. The Power of First Impressions

Your arrival time is part of your first impression, but it’s not the only factor. How you present yourself, your body language, and your demeanor matter just as much—if not more. If you arrive a few minutes late but are calm, collected, and articulate, it’s likely to leave a better impression than arriving early but appearing flustered or unprepared.

5. The Role of Technology

In today’s digital age, virtual interviews are becoming increasingly common. In these cases, the concept of “arriving early” takes on a different meaning. Instead of physically showing up, you might log into the video call a few minutes early to test your equipment and ensure everything is running smoothly. This is just as important as arriving early to an in-person interview.

6. The Interviewer’s Perspective

From the interviewer’s point of view, a candidate’s arrival time can reveal a lot about their organizational skills and respect for others’ time. However, most interviewers are more concerned with the quality of the conversation than with whether you arrived 10 or 15 minutes early. As long as you’re not late, your timing is unlikely to be a dealbreaker.

7. The Myth of the Perfect Arrival Time

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to how early you should arrive for an interview. It depends on the company culture, the role you’re applying for, and even your own personality. Some people thrive on the adrenaline rush of arriving just in time, while others prefer the calm of an early arrival. The key is to know yourself and what works best for you.

8. The Hidden Benefits of Being Early

That said, there are undeniable benefits to arriving early. It gives you a chance to observe the workplace environment, interact with reception staff, and get a feel for the company culture. These small interactions can provide valuable insights and even talking points for the interview itself.

9. The Art of Timing

Ultimately, the question of how early to arrive is less about following a rigid rule and more about mastering the art of timing. It’s about finding the sweet spot that allows you to feel prepared and confident without overthinking or wasting time. Whether that means arriving 5 minutes early or right on the dot, the goal is to walk into the interview room feeling like your best self.

10. A Final Thought: Redefining Punctuality

Perhaps it’s time to redefine what punctuality means in the context of interviews. Instead of viewing it as a strict deadline, we could see it as a flexible guideline—one that allows for individuality and adaptability. After all, the qualities that make a great employee—creativity, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence—are rarely tied to how early they show up for a meeting.

Q: What if I arrive too early for an interview?
A: If you arrive more than 15 minutes early, consider waiting nearby (e.g., in a coffee shop) until it’s closer to your scheduled time. This avoids putting unnecessary pressure on the interviewer or reception staff.

Q: How do I handle being late due to unforeseen circumstances?
A: If you’re running late, contact the interviewer as soon as possible to explain the situation and provide an updated arrival time. Most employers understand that life happens and will appreciate your professionalism in communicating the delay.

Q: Does arriving early guarantee a better interview performance?
A: Not necessarily. While arriving early can help you feel prepared, your performance ultimately depends on your confidence, preparation, and ability to connect with the interviewer. Timing is just one piece of the puzzle.

Q: Should I adjust my arrival time for virtual interviews?
A: Yes. For virtual interviews, aim to log in 5-10 minutes early to test your technology and ensure a smooth start. This is the digital equivalent of arriving early to an in-person interview.