Walk Into Your Next Job...By Running on Time
Whether you are an entry level applicant, or bring 15+ years of polished & professional experience to the marketplace, the obvious rule of thumb for interview preparation is to BE ON TIME!
The "obvious" tips for being on time:
1. Tack an additional 30 minutes onto your commute in order to avoid traffic and mass transit delays.
2. Identify the interview site the day prior. Have you ever circled around the block frantically looking for a suite number only to learn it's under construction? These things happen!
3. Take a peak at the security desk, is there a line? If you're there any earlier than 10 minutes, hangout for a bit, be respectful of others time. If there is a long line of guests ahead of you, you'll be glad you arrived when you did.
Why we should be on time?
There is only one answer...it is to be regarded as someone who is accountable and responsible. There's a popular quote, "Half of the battle is showing up." Sound familiar? There aren't any memorable quotes about those whom arrive late.
I understand in this fast paced, high pressured environment (locally known as The New York Minute), it's challenging to make time. However, the irony of being on time - is that you receive so much more in return for walking into the situation properly. I advise applicants to maintain composure and confidence, thinking about what they have to offer as they commute to their interview. Get excited to share your story and poetically phrase what contributions you can make to an organization.
Those who are on time have the ability to conduct a quick ethnographic research. This tells you a lot about the organization you are interviewing with. For example: questions about the dress code, can be answered in advance. Take a look at what your peers are wearing as they enter the building. Do you feel your wardrobe is similarly aligned? Will you need to make additional purchases? If you have an early morning interview, check to see if there is a noticeably heavy flow of traffic indicating an earlier start time, or is it mostly relaxed, which can indicate a later start time? Was this a feasible commute for you? How will it relate back to your work life balance? These items above are the "little" things that actually do make all of the difference. They all play a role in your decision making process. If you're running late, or concerned about a timely arrival, it will be a massive distraction from taking into account all of the items that are contributing factors in accepting a job offer.
So as it turns out, being on time is much more than demonstrating accountability and responsibility. It's about giving yourself the opportunity you DESERVE to examine if the opportunity/environment holistically, is right for you.
Jana Kleinman - Media & Creative Talent Manager/Staffing, Golden Retriever