DEAR JOYCE: I like the points an expert made in your recent column about candidates arriving on the dot for job interviews because, as he says, early arrivals pressure and may irk busy interviewers. So true. But here's my recommendation:

Arrive five minutes early and tell the receptionist: "I'm here to see Sandra Smith at 3 o'clock. I realize I'm a couple of minutes early, so no need to announce me just yet. In the meantime, may I use your facilities?" This move allows you to glance in the mirror to check your hair, tie, makeup and so forth. You'll look and feel your very best. The receptionist will view your request as neutral, or even mentally award you a slight plus for self-assurance and poise.

This strategy eliminates the chance that, when you arrive on the dot, the receptionist has stepped away or is busy answering the phone. You get nervous -- and you're announced a bit late. You don't want to seem late and then enter Ms. Smith's office blaming someone else.

That's why you're wise to plan for (1) your comfort and (2) cooperation with the receptionist, who may later be asked about you.

Getting to someone perfectly on time -- assuming he or she is on schedule -- is like merging into traffic from an access road. Alertness and skill pay off. -- John Lucht, RiteSite.com.

Author of the classic work, "Rites of Passage at $100,000 to $1 Million+: Your Insider's Lifetime Guide to Executive Job-Changing and Faster Career Progress in the 21st Century," John Lucht is one of the nation's leading career-management gurus. Many thanks for the tip.

DEAR JOYCE: Are information interviews wasted time for job seekers today? -- K.K.

Not if you can't fill your dance card with job interviews, and if you expand your personal network. Remember to ask for information, not a job. Behavior strategist Joe Takash suggests conversation-launching questions like these:

"What are your thoughts about ...?" "What advice would you give me on ...?" "What path did you take to get to this point in your career?"

DEAR JOYCE: If I do get laid off, will I get severance pay? Can I collect unemployment checks? -- P.K. Continued...