I absolutely adore the punctuality of eager interviewees, but let’s talk about the mysterious trend of showing up a whopping 30 minutes ahead of schedule. Who’s giving out this terrible advice? I’m here to share a crucial tip with all you job seekers getting ready for your interview – Congratulations, but remember, the secret to a great entrance is to arrive no earlier than 5 minutes before your scheduled appointment!

What is so wrong with being excessively early, you might wonder? Here are my top ten reasons.

1. You have to sit there looking eager for 30 minutes! How exhausting and nerve wracking.
2. Well-intentioned employees strolling through the waiting area, continually asking if you’ve been seen and “can they help you?”.
3. Now, let’s not forget those delightful employees who diligently inform the hiring manager of your lengthy wait – not once, but several times. This gets the hiring manager more and more annoyed.
4. This waiting game can be truly disconcerting for the hiring manager. Suddenly, they’re feeling the heat to rearrange their tightly packed schedule, all because you arrived way too early. It sets the wrong tone.
5. And let’s spare a thought for the receptionist, shall we? They’ve got their workload to get through, but they might feel compelled to entertain you. After all, who wants to leave someone idling in the lobby?
6. How do you occupy yourself during this extended waiting period? Playing with your phone might seem like an option, but it’s not exactly the greatest look when you’re trying to make a great first impression.
7. Oh, and here’s another thing to consider – parking fees! That extra time spent sitting there is costing you more.
8. What if the hiring manager unexpectedly strolls through the foyer? They spot you, but then they leave you to sit there until the official interview time. Awkward, right?
9. The early arrival could also paint you as overly anxious.
10. So, let’s be honest – it’s just not great for everyone involved!

Arriving early for an interview is a sign of professionalism and respect but stick to the “5-Minute Rule” as a general guide.  If circumstances require you to arrive earlier, cap it at 10 minutes. This way, you’ll strike the right balance between punctuality and composure.