Tips to Make Sure You Are Not Late for a Job Interview

One of the most common interview mistakes is one of the most obvious, do not be late. I realize this seems like a very obvious statement; however, you would be surprised how often this happens. While you want to stand out at an interview, being late is not a positive way to do it. Even if you have an excuse, you are pretty well assured not to get the job. Showing up late demonstrates to the interviewer, that you do not respect their time. Taking some simple steps can help ensure that you show up on time.

Conduct a dry run a day or two before. Even if you are very familiar with the area, take a drive from your house to the interview location. It is also important to conduct this dry run at the same time of day as your interview. If your interview is at 5:00PM than conducting a dry run at 8:00PM will not yield the same results. This will help you gauge how long it will take to get to your interview.

Now that you know how long it should take you to arrive, leave even earlier. Many people conduct a drive run and even add 15 minutes to this time only to get stuck behind a traffic accident. The larger the area that you live in, you have an even higher chance of this occurring. If you arrive 30 to 60 minutes early then at least you are there. Do not go into the building though. This can make the interviewer feel rushed. Find a coffee shop or adjoining parking lot and wait. A comfortable time frame for entering the building is 15 minutes before your interview.

Do not skimp on parking. If free parking is close to the interview location then all the better for you. However, if getting close requires paying for parking then spend the money. Being closer to the interview location can keep you from being late due to walking, breaking a sweat during the walk, potentially getting muddy or dirty during the walk, or having a rain storm making you look like a drowned rat. I realize some of these potential situations may seem unlikely; however, would you rather find yourself in a less than ideal situation or prepare for the worst scenario and have it not happen?

Following these steps will help to ensure that you are not are late; however, if everything fails and you are late be sure to call. Call as soon as you know that you will be late. This gives the interviewer plenty of time to consider other alternatives. If the interviewer will not have time to conduct a full interview, this gives the interviewer the option of rescheduling. If the interviewer provides you a second chance then use these tips to arrive early.

Few things can destroy an interview quicker than arriving late. Simple steps such as conducting a dry run, identifying how much travel time you need, adding additional travel time, and arriving early will help to ensure you make a great first impression. Additionally, being early provides time to relax and clear you mind, before your interview. You want to be waiting on the interviewer. You do not want the interviewer waiting on you.