How to Handle Interview Tardiness in Business Etiquette
During an interview, you not only reveal information about your skill set, but you show the kind of employee you are. Your punctual arrival to the interview illustrates that you're a responsible employee. Tardiness to the interview shows that you'll probably be late for work. However, if you must be late despite careful planning, you can follow business etiquette to minimize the impact.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Plan to arrive a few minutes early whenever you're going to an interview. Know the route you must take to the interview and allow extra time for any delays you might encounter. Be sure you have the phone number of your contact person at the company before you leave.
-
2
Call immediately if an emergency comes up that might make you even a few minutes late. If you don't have a cell phone, borrow another person's phone or find a public phone as soon as possible. If you've been in contact with the interviewer, call him directly. If not, call your contact person or the human resources department.
-
-
3
Explain the reason for your tardiness succinctly. An emergency situation, such as an accident or family member's medical condition, or an unavoidable weather situation, such as a flood creating unexpected road closings, are excusable reasons for tardiness.
-
4
Arrive with composure even if you're tardy. Rushing into the office won't make you get there that much more quickly and it makes a poor first impression. Even if you've rushed to get there, take a moment to relax and compose yourself before you enter the door.
-
5
Apologize for your tardiness when you arrive. If necessary, you can briefly explain the reason for your tardiness in a relaxed manner.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Make sure your car is in excellent working order if you're driving to the interview. Check public transportation schedules carefully if you're taking a bus or train to the interview.
Tardiness for trivial reasons reflects poorly on you as an employee, and a call to explain your tardiness may not improve your chances of acing the interview.
Be especially punctual if your interview takes place over lunch because most executives don't have unlimited time for lunch.
Don't make excuses or offer long explanations for your tardiness when you call in or when you arrive for your interview.
