Be on time...but not too on time! First - and this should go without saying - be on time. As hard as it is to believe, as a hiring manager, I've had many candidates show up late for interviews over the years. It's usually just a minute or two, but it's the worst thing you can do when it comes to first impressions. That said, you also don't want to arrive too early.
What?
If late is bad, then shouldn't early be good...and the earlier the better? Not necessarily. If you show up twenty minutes early for your interview, one of two things will happen. (1) Either the interview before you isn't over yet and you have to sit around awkwardly for twenty minutes, or (2) There was no interview before you and the hiring manager has to either start the interview early or rudely let you sit and wait. Either way, you start out bad.
Here's what you should do. Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes early - 45 is better - and then wait in your car reviewing your notes. Then, walk in five minutes before the interview. This is perfect. It shows you are punctual but have the business etiquette to not show up too early.
The reason you want to arrive at the interview location 30 or 45 minutes early is to allow yourself time for any unexpected delays, such as traffic or a flat tire. Plus, you won't be rushed and will arrive much more relaxed and ready. Dress professionally. Basically, you don't want to look like a slob and you also don't want to look like you're ready to step out on the town. You want to look neat and professional. The best advice is to dress one step up from how you think people at that company in comparable positions dress. One thing you may want to do prior to the interview is wait inconspicuously outside the employee entrance around quitting time and observe how people are dressed. Then, dress one step up from that.
For professional and management positions, a suit or sports coat and tie with dress shoes is the most appropriate dress for men. For women, a formal pant suit is best, so that you don't have to worry about things like what is the proper dress length and whether or not to wear stockings. Keep jewelry to a minimum and wear shoes with conservative heels....
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Author: Tom McBroom