Punctuality and the American job seeker

[Trompe le Monde 1,107]

I would never tell the receptionist more than 10 minutes before the interview, though. Arriving really early can be annoying to the interviewer.

[LeftCoastLady 441]

I can see your point, and I would usually wait outside until about 10 minutes prior. However, I don't think arriving earlier is an issue in most cases, as there will be a reception area and while the hiring manager may be told the candidate is here, that doesn't mean they have to go out to greet him until it is time.

Having been a receptionist many moons ago, that can get annoying because you have to "babysit" the candidate until the hiring manager is ready. I agree with others: 10-15 minutes ahead of the scheduled time, no more. You shouldn't be in the reception area long enough to finish a cup of coffee or tea and ask for another. If there's a coffeeshop, store, or other business nearby, go hang out there to get your wits about you and then go into the interview.

Also, as someone who's conducted interviews, if you're running late for the interview because of traffic, run in your hose, whatever, call ahead and let it be known. I've mentally docked many a candidate before the interview if they arrived late, but didn't call ahead.

[Samuel5028 2]

I just want to throw my two cents in here as someone who does a lot of hiring.

I HATE when applicants show up too early. Seriously. I have a schedule, I'm busy, and I'm not going to be impressed by someone arriving early. A few minutes early is to be expected, late is unacceptable, and too early (like more than 10 or 15 minutes) is trying too hard.

As for dress, well it depends on the position. If I'm hiring for an $8 labor type job and the person shows up in a suit and tie, I'm thinking "uh, this is odd." But someone trying to get a job as an office manager showing up in jeans and flip flops wouldn't cut it either. It's a question of judgement. I can teach people skills, but I can't teach good judgement.

Maybe I'm in the minority as far hiring managers, but I don't think so. I've talked to many colleagues who feel the same way about the arriving early thing. 10 minutes early is perfect. 25-30? Seriously annoying.

Yes i do accept your point. What dress can a man wear for labor type of job during interview?

[DandT14 272]

Yes i do accept your point. What dress can a man wear for labor type of job during interview?

Jeans and a half-nice shirt work just fine. I would just say makes sure they're "nice" jeans, not holy or dirty or whatever. Shirts can vary, but again go "nice", not a t-shirt with a picture of a marijuana plant on it or something like that. (And yes, people have done it.)

I'm looking for someone who knows that they are going to an interview, knows what kind of job they're interviewing for, but doesn't go overboard. Basically, you go a little nicer than the clothes you would actually plan on wearing to the job.

[himher 634]

This post belongs on a dilbert cartoon......LOL

I just want to throw my two cents in here as someone who does a lot of hiring.

I HATE when applicants show up too early. Seriously. I have a schedule, I'm busy, and I'm not going to be impressed by someone arriving early. A few minutes early is to be expected, late is unacceptable, and too early (like more than 10 or 15 minutes) is trying too hard.

As for dress, well it depends on the position. If I'm hiring for an $8 labor type job and the person shows up in a suit and tie, I'm thinking "uh, this is odd." But someone trying to get a job as an office manager showing up in jeans and flip flops wouldn't cut it either. It's a question of judgement. I can teach people skills, but I can't teach good judgement.

Maybe I'm in the minority as far hiring managers, but I don't think so. I've talked to many colleagues who feel the same way about the arriving early thing. 10 minutes early is perfect. 25-30? Seriously annoying.