The Career Blog

How to Avoid this Major Interview Deal Breaker

By: Alice Tutunjian | Published on: September 13, 2016 | 2 minute read

You have the perfect resume, the perfect outfit, a great personality coupled with the exact skills the employer is seeking. You walk away from the interview feeling elated, thinking a job offer is on the horizon, but the offer never comes. In fact, you never hear back from the recruiter or employer. What went wrong? 

You showed up late for the Interview!

Too often candidates don’t factor in enough time to arrive at the destination. For example, they don’t take into consideration that the employer’s facility is a 10-minute walk from the parking structure, that they have to first check with security in the lobby or that traffic is horrendous during certain times of the day.

If you are late to an interview, you can lose the chance of being interviewed or have the interview cut short due to schedule constraints. Moreover, when you are late, you are giving the employer the impression that you are not respectful of their time. You may also give the impression that, if hired, you will not show up to work on time.

You only get one chance to make a first great impression, and being late will certainly leave a negative mark.

Suggestions:

  • Plan ahead
  • Review driving directions the day/night before an interview
  • If flying in for an interview, take an early flight or fly in the day before
  • Look at several route options in case the area is traffic heavy during certain periods
  • Ask the recruiter/employer for any specific parking and/or location challenges in advance

If you are late:

  • Call employer (if you can) and let them know that you will be late and provide your estimated time of arrival. The employer might ask you to reschedule if you are running too late, or just cancel the interview
  • Once you arrive, offer a sincerely apology, but be brief
  • If you have a really good reason for being late, let interviewer know. Otherwise, don’t share the reason if for example, you were late due to traffic or you couldn’t find the street.

Some employers may be forgiving and not consider your tardiness when making a hiring decision. However, other employers may mark you off their list despite how qualified you are and what great skills you possess. 

If anything, err on the side of arriving early so you don’t jeopardize your chances of being hired.  Arriving between 15 to 30 minutes early is a good idea, then checking in 15 minutes to interview time is advisable especially if a security guard or receptionist needs to check your ID prior to letting you in. If you happen to arrive over 30 minutes early, it is advisable to wait in your car or somewhere away from the interviewer’s office and prepare for the interview. 

 

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About the Author - Alice Tutunjian

Alice Tutunjian is a consummate business leader with over 20 years’ experience developing people, establishing processes and enhancing services in high growth environments. She has developed and provided career advice to hundreds of professionals over the course of her career and created top performing teams. She owns a proven reputation as a career coach and job search strategist. Alice holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and MBA from the University of California Irvine. She also has a certificate in Human Resources Management. Her professional experience spans the Information Technology, Engineering, Environmental Consulting, Analytical Testing and Healthcare sectors.

 Tags: IT Talent, Professional Development, Careers

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