getting to an interview - one hour early or 10 mins late?

Question

I have an interview tomorow at a company - its about 20 miles away from my home. The question is .... since there are road works going on i have to catch the bus and have found that i can arrive 1 hour early or 10 minutes late - those are the only buses going there.

Do you think it would affect my chances of getting the job if i arrive 10 mins late and what woud being an hour early say about me to the interviewer?

Answer 1

1 hour early - shows enthusiasm but then again what are you gonna do for an hour if they have other interviewees?

Answer 2

Coming late to an interview is a big no-no.

It gives the impression that you don't care about getting the job and you could potentially be late for work every morning.

I would say that arriving an hour early because it was the only public transport available to you to ensure you were on time, shows commitment to getting the job and giving it your best effort.

I would suggest going early and getting a cup of coffee or a newspaper on the way. I'm not sure what else is in the area but I'm sure that there's something you can do.

Alternatively, you could call ahead today and ask if there is any possibility of moving the interview forward by half an hour or so.

Good luck with the interview, whatever you decide to do.

Answer 3

You want to arrive aout 10-15 minutes before the interview. If you are late, you will have no chance at getting the job. Also if you are an hour early, they will probably want to know why. As soon as you explain that you have to come by bus, it is a red flag that you will have restrictions on when you can come and go from the job, and you will have no chance at getting the job.

So "arrive" an hour early, but then enjoy a coffee, book, etc. until a few minutes before the interview. Arrive at the actual interview site about 10 minutes in advance. No mention of difficulties getting there.

Answer 4

A couple o points


Get there about 5 or 10 minutes prior to the interview.

This is part of the interview process, if you cant get there for this most important time, how will you turn up for work on time .

If you get there one hour before then you have to wait around , calm down reflect on the interview and prepare your self.

As an employer we get nervious as well and like to look professional turning up early sometimes can cause the person doing the interview being unpreparedand not have there prepared questions availible .

I have done this and the interview has gone crap

any how Good luck

Answer 5

Don't even bother showing up if you are 10 minutes late.

Your ONLY choice is 1 hour early. It's not as if you have to go to the interview directly from getting off the bus. Just kill about 1/2 an hour THEN go to the interview.

Seriously, you have zero chance of getting the job if you show up late. I must admit I question your even having to ask.

Answer 6

Personally I'd get there an hour early, and find a cafe nearby, and have a nice relaxing coffee. If it's an industrial area that might be harder...
Your other option would be to ring the interviewer, and ask for an interview 10 minutes later. I'm not sure how this would be taken... It might be seen as a sign of confidence, or they might see you as being difficult. Either way, it's not going to be make-or-break so give it a shot.

Answer 7

Arriving ten minutes late would be a really good way to remove yourself from consideration for the job. For most employers, lateness all but automatically removes you from contention.

If you're really early, walk around the block a few times, read a book, get a cup of coffee........whatever. Come in 10 or 15 minutes before your scheduled time, and you'll look like someone who was smart enough not to waste his boss's time.

Your forethought and effort at courtesy will make a good impression, and a good answer to a "what have you done to deserve this job?" kind of question.

Answer 8

Never, ever, arrive late. It's unlikely they'll even speak to you, the interviewers have a schedule to keep to as well.
I'd take the early transport and while away the extra time by taking a walk, go for a coffee etc., then present yourself maybe 15 minutes early.

Answer 9

Early - without a doubt. You will be competing with other people who will be on time. On a "points" basis - being late loses you points - so you have to be extra good (and give a really good explanation of your lateness) to get those points back.

You can think positively about this. At least you think far enough ahead to be aware of the travel problem and plan to circumvent it.

Depending on the company / industry, you could spend the hour reading the company's internal bulletin, reading about the industry. If it's not that type of job then take a good book with you.

Good luck.

Answer 10

I would choose one hour early. If you arrive early it shows that your into the job and could help your chances compared to other interviewee's. When your late for an interview (even if it is 10 minutes) it looks bad and could reflect how you will be if you were hired.

Answer 11

Don't be late...By being early it shows commitment to the position and that you are excellent with time keeping. You do not have to arrive early for the interview go for a coffee or do some shopping. If nowhere local to go turn up and be honest it will impress them...