Why Arriving Early To The Job Interview Is Important

By Selipha Kihagi

Your application has made its way to the shortlisted candidates and you have been invited for an interview to discuss your qualifications further. The one thing you want to do to perfection is prepare for the interview before the actual day.

Ready enough, the day for the interview is upon you. Should you get to the interview on the exact time given or should you get there before time?

Melody Mwendwa an Interview Coach at Corporate Staffing Services who offers interview preparation guidance to job seekers , says that candidates should always show up for the interview at least 10 or 15 minutes before the actual time.

“Arriving early to an interview is not only professional, but of great importance to the candidate during the interview,” Melody says.

 Advantages of Arriving Early For Your Job Interview

1. It gives you time to identify with the location

You might think you got the directions right, only to get there and realize you can’t pick out the lane or building you are supposed to show up. Or maybe you alighted at the wrong stage and can’t figure out what direction the Google maps is giving you. If you were early, the time you take trying to identify the place will not eat up into your interview.

2. You are able to prepare yourself better

If you have 10 minutes to the interview but are already at the offices, then you will have time to go through the few details you could not master in the matatu.

“It gives you time to identify with company details that you did not know, just from observing your surroundings,” says Melody.

3. Being early gives you relaxation

When going for an interview, it is only normal that you feel anxious and that can work against you in the interview room. Having extra minutes for yourself will let you calm your nerves and take in the environment that you are in now.

Try visualize yourself walking into a strange office and you’re late, not only will you be confused but you are prone to making mistakes you could have avoided.

4. The interviewer will not have a reason to quickly dismiss you

Being early will show the interviewer that you really value the opportunity you have been given and will be willing to listen to what you have to say, unlike when you arrive late. If you’re late it is very probable that you are thinking of an excuse to give; this might confuse you and make your interview turn out badly.

Interviewers are keen on first impressions, so you must remember that being early or late has its implications.