I missed a job interview for this morning that I scheduled while I was out of town. It occurred to me about an hour after the appointment time. The prospective employer had my home and cell phone numbers, but only called my cell. I've already called and left a message, apologing profusely?
That was about 40 minutes ago; what more can I do?
If they are interested enough to reschedule me, how do I get past this faux pas and have a successful meeting?
I admit to being preoccupied (death in the family over the holidays, stressing out behind having to fly through Denver to make it home for interview), but I'm usually more on top of my game than this.
Serious replies only...I've already beat myself up behind this.
2006-12-28 04:15:56 · 22 answers · asked by Le_Roche 6 in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment
A lot of you provided candid, yet comforting, responses. I really appreciate it. I guess I'm freaked because as one who used to conduct interviews, I know how it looks; I've also given people chances to "redeem" themselves if they were well qualified for the position. Thanks again.
2006-12-28 04:37:49 · update #1
Step 1: Relax
Step 2: Call and ask to reschedule the interview. Make sure you know when you can be there before you call. Only bring up the death in the family if asked. Go to step 3 if they reschedule. Otherwise go to step 4.
Step 3: When you sit down at the interview, thank them for rescheduling and leave it at that. Do not bring it up again unless they do. Do not bring up the death in the family unless they ask why you missed the first interview.
Step 4: Relax
There is a chance you wouldn't get the job even if you hadn't missed the interview. Keep this in mind if you don't get the job (whether you get the reschedule or not).
Step 5: Relax!
Good luck! (not that you need it, you write very professionally)
2006-12-28 04:27:53 · answer #1 · answered by Automation Wizard 6 · 6⤊ 0⤋
Tell them in a professional yet sweet voice that you'd like another interview.
#1 DO NOT MAKE EXCUSES AT ALL, AND ESPECIALLY NOT DURING THE INTERVIEW!! I would never hire somebody who makes excuses. If you missed the interview too bad, so what, and there's nothing you can really do to undo the fact that you missed it but don't worry about it :-)
#2 Do not even THINK about your previous missed appt. during the interview
#3 Be happy, confident, and relaxed during the interview
#4 Have it in your mind/body that you want the job, that it will be fun, that you will love who you are working for, and that it's exciting work.
#5 Be sure to dress appropriately, but once in the interview, don't even think about silly things like what you're wearing.
Good luck! And get that job!
2006-12-28 04:19:54 · answer #2 · answered by John 2 · 4⤊ 0⤋
I'm not sure you can recover, to be honest. That's one of the deal-killing 'no-no's.' I was 30 minutes late for an interview once, due to my negligence in estimating the commute time, and even though I totally nailed the interview, answered all their questions, etc. I knew I was dead before I even walked in the door. I went ahead with it anyway, thinking it would be good to bone up on my interviewing skills.
2006-12-28 04:20:09 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Interviews are extremely stressful to begin with and the last thing that you should be doing right now is beating yourself up over this. You have already done everything that you could possibly do by making the phone call, anything more will come off as being desperate. I can tell you this, if they do call then it means that they are extremely interested in you and also this company is willing to see past small mistakes. If they do not call the only thing you can do now is put it behind you the job probably was not meant to be.
2006-12-28 04:31:48 · answer #4 · answered by lifeasakumkwat 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
#1 Send an apology letter, make sure its grammatically correct.
#2 Call and ask for another chance
#3 If they do decide to interview again, have a cover letter with your resume.
#4 Make sure your resume and cover letter are in top shape. Don't remind the interviewer that you wasted his time the first time by wasting his time this second time.
GOOD LUCK!
2006-12-28 04:21:33 · answer #5 · answered by Chrystal 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you really want the job, I would consider getting over there asap. Being late is better than just not showing up, I would think - and your getting down there shows them how important the job is to you. Tell them that you will wait until the interviewer has a free moment - and then wait, all day if you have to. Once you are there you can tell them about the death in the family and how much the job means to you.
Peace!
2006-12-28 04:19:14 · answer #6 · answered by carole 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Don't worry most employers understand once you have explained it to them. Wait a few hours and call back and ask to speak to the interviewer. Odds are she will reschedule your interview.
2006-12-28 04:25:14 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You've kind of answered the question yourself already. If they allow a reschedule, when you do meet, explain that:
"I want to apologize again for the miscue earlier, I had a death in the family, and was preoccupied--but its rare that I make those kind of errors. Thanks again for the opportunity to interview." Then don't bring it up again, and move forward with it. If they agree to see you again, you are definitely in a sellers market, and should be able to land the job.
2006-12-28 04:31:57 · answer #8 · answered by histrystudent 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Did you explain in the message about the death in your family? If not, wait just a little while to see if they call you back. If not, around 3 pm today call again and explain the situation. I'm sure they will understand. I know I would.
Good luck!
2006-12-28 04:19:53 · answer #9 · answered by cey12000 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If they reschedule, just be honest with them about why the interview slipped from your mind. I'm sure they'll understand. If not, you don't want to work there.
2006-12-28 04:19:39 · answer #10 · answered by lbuajlw 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋