Even if you’re the most organized person, you may encounter circumstances that make you late for an interview. You might miss your train, get lost, or have to deal with a sick child. Because your tardiness may influence your chances of being offered a job, you need to know how to recover if this happens. Follow these guidelines to recover from being late to an interview.
Contact the Interviewer
Let the interviewer know you’ll be late. If you call and leave a message, follow up with an email. The interviewer may have time to check voicemails or emails, but not both. This way, your odds increase for communicating the fact that you’re behind schedule. You also show respect for the interviewer’s time by letting them know they can do something else while you’re on your way to talk with them. Provide the time you anticipate reaching the interview location. Ask whether the interviewer can still meet with you or you need to reschedule. Have days and times available just in case.
Compose Yourself
When you arrive for the interview, take a minute to regain your composure. You’ve already started off on the wrong foot and put yourself at a disadvantage. You don’t want to start an interview frazzled, which will cause further harm. Instead, do what you need to get yourself back on track. Inhale and exhale 10 deep breaths. Focus on a quote or mantra. Count or listen to music. Do what it takes to calm down and focus. You need to cultivate a good impression.
Apologize for the Delay
Let the interviewer know in your messages and in-person how sorry you are for being late. Be sincere and concise. Let them know how out of character not being on time is for you. Then move on. People understand that things come up that are beyond our control. Focus on your skills and experience that make you the best candidate for the role.
Show You Are Adaptable
Prove to the interviewer that you’re adaptable. They want to get to know you as a person and get a feel for whether you’ll fit within the organization. How you react under pressure says a lot about how you’ll conduct yourself as an employee. If you’re late for the interview, you may be late when meeting with a client. The interviewer wants to see how you recover. It’s basically a test of how you handle the situation.
Interview with Barracuda Staffing
Set up an interview with Barracuda Staffing. Whether you are looking to take a step up, achieve more flexibility, earn more, or find an employer who values your contributions, we help you find the job that’s right for you. Get started with our leading Tulsa recruiters today.