This chapter discusses the critical importance of timing when arriving for an interview. The ideal time to arrive is eight minutes before your scheduled interview time. Arriving too early can disrupt the interviewer’s preparation, while arriving too close to the interview time can make the interviewer uncertain if you’ll show up. Being late always leaves a negative impression, so aiming to be eight minutes early ensures that you allow yourself enough time without inconveniencing the interviewer.
The chapter also emphasizes the necessity of preparation. Before the interview day, it’s recommended to check the route to the interview location to account for potential issues such as parking and public transport delays. On the day of the interview, you should leave early enough to handle any unexpected events, like traffic or security checks, while still arriving at the interview room eight minutes before the scheduled time. Taking these extra steps ensures that you avoid unnecessary stress or delays and have time to adjust to any unforeseen challenges.
Additionally, the chapter highlights the importance of planning for unexpected problems, also known as "Murphy's Law." The text encourages candidates to account for possible mishaps like bad weather, accidents, or delays, which can impact your arrival time. The author provides a real-life example of a candidate who was determined to arrive on time despite a snowstorm, which helped leave a positive impression on the hiring manager. By being prepared for the unexpected, you demonstrate commitment and reliability, which are highly valued by interviewers.
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