Being Late: The Interview Killer

  This is a problem that has plagued humanity for millennia. The Romans had one solution--slightly impractical--although no one was ever late a second time. Beyond it being an ancient behavior, it is a killer in the interview process. Nothing communicates “Don’t hire me!” more clearly than showing up late for an interview. Sadly, for too many people being late is habitual. 

  What do people perceive when you arrive late to an interview or any meeting? Two things pop to mind:

First, it is rude and shows a lack of respect for everyone who arrived first. It is simply poor manners.
Second, when a positive impression is most important, you’re late! You’ll be late with deadlines, late with key information and late when the team needs you most. You’re not trustworthy!

  Tardiness is not allowed in job search, you need to be early to make a positive impression in the interview. When you’re shooting for a promotion or in a job search erase tardiness from your life. Wake up early and make sure you are early for everything you do. Create a mindset that being on time is for average people and you’re above average. Remove the things that set you up for being late; mitigate the risks before they result in a situation where you’ll be late.

  I know of accountability groups that sometimes deal with people being late...What if someone in your team or group is late, what can you do? Let everyone in the group know that this is not acceptable behavior. Point out that it is disrespectful to the members of the group who arrived on time, unprofessional and disruptive to the efforts/goals of the group. Remind the whole group that the purpose of the group is to help each other change habits and behaviors that are keeping them from achieving their goals and or a job offer.

  Beyond that what can you do: This is a good example when giving feedback in a group setting is acceptable since the whole group has been affected by the negative behavior. If people cannot change the behavior, invite them to leave the group; they may return when they can behave more professionally.

  One responsibility for an accountability group is to point out things that are hindering a member’s job search. If that member is being serious about a job search they need to be professional in all aspects of their life and actions speak louder than words.

  So be professional, be early and be prepared to do your very best in interviewing, networking and in every interaction you have during your day. You never know where that job offer will start from or end up.