What are the best ways to avoid arriving late to an interview?

2 Pack your essentials

The night before the interview, pack your essentials in a bag or a folder. These include your resume, cover letter, portfolio, references, identification, and any other documents or materials you need for the interview. Make sure they are organized and easy to access. You should also choose and prepare your outfit, accessories, and grooming products. Avoid wearing anything too flashy, uncomfortable, or inappropriate for the job. Having everything ready will save you time and stress in the morning.

3 Set multiple alarms

Another tip to avoid being late is to set multiple alarms for the day of the interview. Set one for when you need to wake up, one for when you need to leave the house, and one for when you need to arrive at the interview location. You can use your phone, your watch, or another device to set the alarms. Make sure they are loud enough to hear and that you don't snooze them. This will help you stay on track and avoid oversleeping or forgetting the time.

4 Confirm the details

A day or two before the interview, confirm the details with the interviewer or the hiring manager. This includes the date, time, location, format, and contact information of the interview. You can send a polite email or make a phone call to verify the information and express your interest and enthusiasm for the role. This will also help you avoid any confusion or miscommunication that could cause you to be late or miss the interview.

5 Leave early

The most obvious and effective way to avoid being late is to leave early. Aim to arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled time of the interview. This will give you enough time to find the place, check in, use the restroom, relax, and mentally prepare yourself. It will also show that you are punctual, respectful, and eager for the opportunity. However, don't arrive too early, as this could be inconvenient or awkward for the interviewer or the staff.

6 Communicate if necessary

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, you may encounter an unavoidable situation that makes you late for the interview. This could be a medical emergency, a family crisis, a car breakdown, or a public transport failure. If this happens, you should communicate with the interviewer or the hiring manager as soon as possible. Apologize for the inconvenience, explain the reason for your delay, and provide an estimated time of arrival. You should also ask if they can reschedule the interview or accommodate you later. This will demonstrate that you are responsible, honest, and respectful, and that you value their time and consideration.