Punctuality and the American job seeker

[Penguin_ie 5,994]

Now our youngest is 2 years old, we decided I'd be looking for some work if I find something I like, so I went for a job interview yesterday, a fun part time job at a museum. My first job interview in the USA! The interview itself was standard ("why do you want to work here?"; "tell us about a time you dealt with a difficult customer?" etc), but what really surprised me is that the manager seems surprised that I arrived ten minutes before the appointment time, and was dressed in a business suit for this entry level, part time position. He remarked upon both several times. I know Americans don't have Swiss punctuality standards (where arriving on time would be considered late), but is it really that unusual to arrive on time for a job interview???

[LIFE'SJOURNEY 970]

Why base your comment upon American, the manager probably only could base his experiences upon those he have interviwed from your part of the country. The US is a large country, no two states or people from these areas act/talk/walk the same.

[peter.chou 3]

Now our youngest is 2 years old, we decided I'd be looking for some work if I find something I like, so I went for a job interview yesterday, a fun part time job at a museum. My first job interview in the USA! The interview itself was standard ("why do you want to work here?"; "tell us about a time you dealt with a difficult customer?" etc), but what really surprised me is that the manager seems surprised that I arrived ten minutes before the appointment time, and was dressed in a business suit for this entry level, part time position. He remarked upon both several times. I know Americans don't have Swiss punctuality standards (where arriving on time would be considered late), but is it really that unusual to arrive on time for a job interview???

Like 5 minutes ahead of time, and ask dressing code before interview? That's I used to do.

Edited April 27, 2012 by peter.chou

[Enigma11561 336]

Arriving a few minutes early and dressed in "appropriate business attire" is SOP for a job interview. Many younger people today miss that point, but most older people know how to present themselves in the best light.

[3-4D 7]

I know Americans don't have Swiss punctuality standards (where arriving on time would be considered late), but is it really that unusual to arrive on time for a job interview???

Arriving 10minutes before the interview is pretty much the same standard here in the U.S. Depending on what industry you going in, if the interview is at 8. The interview starts at 8. It doesnt mean you have to be there at 8, you are late if you arrive at 8. In some cases, when you get to an interview, you have to sign in at the reception. You will be told to sit down while they wait for the hiring managers to get their information ready. All that could take 15minutes. I always give myself 10-13minutes. I have never met any American that has ever gone to an interview and show up at the interview time.

[NigeriaorBust 4,087]

My husband does everything on African time, which means if you are going to do something first thing in the morning you start getting ready right after lunch. I really had to make sure he understood that if you are supposed to be at work at 8 they mean 8 not 9something.

[vosnmars 25]

I think it depends on the person. I hate being late and I would always arrive 30 minutes before and I would either wait in the garage with my notes/book/magazine or drive around in the immediate area so I could arrive for the interview 10 to 15 minutes early. For my work, I would wear a business suit to an interview, but if I were going for a entry level - part time position, I would opt for a business casual shirt and slacks. I don't think it would hurt since it's a museum, but for some positions, I would not want to be over-dressed.

[3-4D 7]

My husband does everything on African time, which means if you are going to do something first thing in the morning you start getting ready right after lunch. I really had to make sure he understood that if you are supposed to be at work at 8 they mean 8 not 9something.

There is no such thing as an african time. It is cultural thing, as I have african background, I am well structured when it comes to time management. Time management is a cultural thing, it has nothing to do with what continent you are from.

[TBoneTX 45,570]

most older people know how to present themselves in the best light

Lest this be misunderstood (ha, man), the lovely & gracious Pinguina (Spanish spelling) will be 29 until she's 60, and then 39 until Whenever, see man.

But this poster is absolutely correct, si man: Some "younger" people today haven't been taught that first impressions count, no man.

[Trompe le Monde 1,107]

If someone did not arrive at my place of employment on time and dressed appropriately they would not get the job.

[TBoneTX 45,570]

If someone did not arrive at my place of employment on time and dressed appropriately they would not get the job.

Si, man... er, no, man... er... what she said, see man.

[Penguin_ie 5,994]

Lest this be misunderstood (ha, man), the lovely & gracious Pinguina (Spanish spelling) will be 29 until she's 60, and then 39 until Whenever, see man.

But this poster is absolutely correct, si man: Some "younger" people today haven't been taught that first impressions count, no man.

You almost got me; I am 38. Yes, I think the age may have something to do with it, and also this job on paper suiting a student and being very well paid for part-time, thus maybe some Highschoolers applying more out of curiosity than seriously wanting it.

[Adnan&Liane 8]

I think more than a cultural thing it is a generational thing. I am 27, but I was raised well and taught to be professional. I find that many of my peers and those younger than me do not have the same attitude. We've been interviewing at my company and many applicants do not even show up for their interview and don't even send an email of explanation! So sad. Just be proud that you were raised to be professional and that is why you will most likely get the job above all of the other applicants.

[Iyawo Ijebu 157]

My husband does everything on African time, which means if you are going to do something first thing in the morning you start getting ready right after lunch. I really had to make sure he understood that if you are supposed to be at work at 8 they mean 8 not 9something.

After 20 something years here I am still having to adjust to that

But yes, OP, I guess it depends on the job, but for a professional IT company, interview at 8AM means I am there at 730AM and I am in front of the Receptionist at 745AM latest. And professionally dressed regardless if it's a Mail Room clerk position.

Once I got a job partly because I showed up an hour before the interview and informed the Receptionist that I am here but will sit in the lobby until the proper time. Apparently the position has had a few bad apples that had timing issues.

Anyways good luck to all job seekers

[confusedasheck 21]

Regardless of what you are interviewing for, it's usually standard to arrive a little bit early. He might have been paying you a compliment because the usual applicants for that job are late.