You should aim to arrive about 10 to 15 minutes early for a job interview. This timing is widely recommended as it shows professionalism and respect for the interviewer's time, while also giving you a chance to check in, settle down, review your notes, or mentally prepare before the interview begins
. Arriving more than 15 minutes early is generally discouraged because it can inconvenience the interviewer, disrupt their schedule, and create awkward waiting situations for you
. If you do arrive too early, it’s advisable to wait outside or nearby until about 10-15 minutes before the scheduled time
. In summary:
- Arrive 10-15 minutes early to check in and prepare.
- Avoid arriving more than 15 minutes early to prevent inconveniencing the interviewer.
- If you arrive too early, wait outside or nearby until the appropriate time.
This approach balances punctuality with consideration for the interviewer's schedule and helps you make a positive first impression.