On Punctuality, Arriving Early and Not Getting a Job

Everybody knows - or should know - that arriving late for an interview will harm (or kill) your chances of landing the job.  However, many people do not understand that arriving too early can be equally harmful.  The getpickd blog has a great, succinct explanation:

Why is arriving too early a blow to your chances of winning the job? The answer is quite simple. One of the primary goals of the interview process is to determine a prospective candidate’s understanding of, and ability to operate within, the norms of a professional environment. One of those norms is an understanding of how your actions impact others around you and your respect for your co-workers schedules and time.

The lesson?  Arrive five to ten minutes early for an interview.  If you arrive earlier than that, wait before you go in.