The Interview: Don’t Be a No-show

It is vitally important to show up for job interviews. After your resume your interview is the first real opportunity you have to present yourself as a desirable potential employee. A no-show can speak volumes about who you are as a person and more importantly who you are as prospective member of the interviewer’s team. Without sufficient damage control the interviewer is left to create their own negative impression of you as someone who is disinterested, irresponsible, disorganised, less than conscientious, careless, undisciplined, unreliable, and unable to commit.

This can jeopardise your chances of landing that or any job. In a small job market such as this one the network is crucial. Not only does word get around but there is a high probability that you may encounter the recruiter again. In as much as the network can assist you in getting a job, it can easily turn a faux pas into self-sabotage if you run into the interviewer you stood up when you least expect it. Awkward!

You do not get a second chance to make a first impression so do not be cavalier about something as important as your career. Even if you have changed your mind, received another offer or are no longer interested in pursuing the particular opportunity, do not simply brush off the interview. Consider it a commitment you made and what the courteous and professional course of action would be.  Be gracious. Notify the recruiter immediately and well in advance both by phone and in writing. Thank them and indicate why you are no longer interested in the opportunity. Honesty goes a long way and this approach ensures you do not burn any bridges.  The truth is you never know what may happen in the future. You may have been offered another, better opportunity but suppose it falls through. If you are pleasant and courteous there might be an open window for you to recover the bypassed opportunity but only if you handled it well. Think of it this way: You might have been the number one candidate and they might be happy to not have to settle for number two.

What to do if you missed an interview because of illness, a schedule mix up, you forgot, had an emergency or simply did not make it in time: If you miss the interview call ASAP, preferably before the appointed time, and sincerely apologise. Provide an honest, concise explanation and ask to reschedule. Follow up with an emailed letter of apology.

You can recover. If you act quickly and earnestly you just might have a second chance to redeem yourself. If your interview is rescheduled make an extra effort to arrive 15 mins early.