Being ‘punctual’ doesn’t mean being (too) early

JR BECHTLE & Co.

Interview punctuality

JR BECHTLE & Co. | June 2026 | Blogs

Being ‘punctual’ doesn’t mean being (too) early

For some time now I’ve considered sharing reflections on the recruiting field drawn from my close to 30 years in this sometimes crazy but never boring business. My hope is that the one or the other of these reflections, in the form of anecdotes – humorous and serious – will give rise to ideas and tips that will be of use to those seeking new roles as well as those interviewing those persons.

This reflection relates to a question we’re often asked about, and if not, we make sure to address it before candidates meet on their own with our clients. It can be summarized by the apparent conflict between ‘being on time’ and ‘being early’ for an interview.

Our firm works mainly with firms and people based in or coming from German-speaking Europe. These are places known for adhering to tight standards when it comes to punctuality. What many people don’t realize is that punctuality, from the Latin word ‘punctum’ meaning point, refers to hitting a certain point in time, not being early per se.

I once had a client call me and tell me, with clear annoyance in his voice, that he can see the candidate he’s supposed to meet milling about in front of the company’s door before opening time. “Does he not know that we’re not meeting for another 45 minutes?” A bad start that didn’t get any better once the door was opened for him.

Another situation, this one a bit more humorous, was when a candidate arrived at the interviewing company 30 minutes early, against my explicit instructions. Had he waited somewhere ‘off-site’, that would have been fine. But instead he wandered around the building to eventually take a squat at a picnic table for employees where he proceeded to contentedly munch on a McMuffin and hash browns followed by a smoke. Unbeknownst to him he was seated directly next to the meeting-room for his upcoming interview in which the client and myself were sitting and watching. The tinted one-way glass gave us a spectacular up-close view of the feast. This wasn’t the decisive factor for him not getting the job but at some level the first impression of the outdoors breakfast had an impact.

Moral of the story: Being punctual doesn’t mean being (too) early and certainly doesn’t mean being late. Fair is to arrive ca. 5-10 minutes before the meeting-time which allows yourself to be announced and meeting partner to not fill pressure to begin earlier than planned. Under no circumstances hang out next to the building for a meal and a smoke.

Curious about how JR Bechtle & Co. can help your business navigate international hiring with confidence? Contact us today to start a conversation about your global talent needs.
ds.

Testimonial Spotlight

“Over the past 10+ years, my interaction working with JR BECHTLE & Company has been extremely positive. The staff is extremely thorough in ensuring they have a very solid understanding of the role that needs to be filled as well as the company culture. They spend quite a bit of time upfront collecting information from their client. This is not only important from a company standpoint but also from an applicant standpoint. The results of their detailed process are solid applicants presented for the role. They are a strong recruiting partner and ensure close communication during the whole process to ensure expectations are aligned. For these reasons, I highly recommend JR BECHTLE & Company.”
Global HR Business Partner

Pro Audio Solutions Channel, Sennheiser

Management Consultancy and Advisory

Working between different cultures with our clients on the fundamentals and ramifications of new management selections before the recruiting project process even begins.

Know Your Audience – Part 1

What does nearly 30 years in recruiting teach you? More than a few stories, lessons, and unexpected insights.

The Time Factor in Recruiting – The Candidate’s Perspective

At the initial contact the recruiter will present the client (the most important part) and the position to the candidate…

Mastering Video Interview Etiquette: Your Guide to Making a Great Impression

Working between different cultures with our clients on the fundamentals and ramifications of new management selections before the recruiting project process even begins.

Reflections on 30 years at JR Bechtle

Today marks my 30th anniversary here at JR Bechtle & Co., quite a milestone and occasion for me to reflect on this tenure. This means first extending heartfelt thanks

The Inability to Get Angry

My visitor from Germany is aggravated. He flew into New York from Frankfurt with a non-German airline, and his bag arrived missing a strap. It was not the missing piece of his bag that made him so upset, it was the reaction…

Onboarding beginnt bei der ersten Kontaktaufnahme! – Part 2

Der erste Eindruck entscheidet: Warum erfolgreiches Onboarding schon beim ersten Kontakt mit dem Executive Recruiter beginnt.

The Myth Of “Mobility”- What Is It Anyhow?

The question asked frequently by European companies during the recruiting process: If Americans are famously known to be highly mobile…

Intercultural Candidate Preparation – Some Do’s and Don’ts

The special nature of our business – recruiting for firms based mainly in Europe – has required us over many years to adapt and fine-tune our “boutique” search approach to accommodate for…

Globalization- Turning “Us vs. Them” to “We” – part 2

Dealing with the “rift” between the parent company and its subsidiary. This divergence is reflected in relations (and tensions) between the two, on all levels, all processes and coming together to find a solution.