ajcjobs > BlogBreak > Archives > 2006 > December > 07 > Entry
The Mistake of Being Too Early
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
It’s no secret that being punctual is important to our professional success. Whether it’s a medical appointment, a lunch date with a friend or a job interview, when we make an appointment with someone, we are honoring their time and availability.
Everyone has something else they could be doing, so it goes without saying that missing the appointment without calling first is unacceptable. Likewise, we’ve all been taught to call ahead to apologize and offer to reschedule when, despite our best planning, something causes us to run late for an appointment.
In the business arena, common courtesy dictates that we show up for business appointments, such as job interviews, about 10-15 minutes early if we want to make a positive impression.
But what if you arrive at your interview 45 minutes earlier than you expected because, for example, you misjudged the amount of time it would take to arrive at your destination? You might be tempted to think that if being 15 minutes early is good, then being 45 minutes early is great, right?!
Well, not really. Being excessively early is really just as bad as being late. Arriving at an appointment a full 45 minutes early is equally disrespectful of the other person’s time. At that point you’re not 45 minutes early for your own appointment. You’re 15 minutes late for someone else’s!
Don’t assume that there will be a waiting room at your destination and don’t assume that the person with whom you’re meeting will be impressed. It is always possible that an early arrival would inconvenience your interviewer, who may be finishing lunch or working on a time sensitive project. The person with whom you are meeting is available at the time you scheduled, not earlier.
If you find that you have arrived more than 15 minutes early, proper business dictates that you find something to do until a more appropriate arrival time. If you’re driving, simply wait in your car. If you’re walking, find a nearby coffee shop or hotel lobby and rest for a moment.
Use that time to review your resume and gather your thoughts prior to your interview. That’s a better way to make a good impression!
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