What to say if you’re late for an interview

This article is recommended for individuals near the beginning of their careers

What to say during the call

If you're running late for a job interview, it's essential to call the interviewer as soon as possible to inform them and apologise for the inconvenience. Here's a suggested script for your call:

Introduce yourself: "Hello, this is [Your Name]. I have a scheduled interview today for the [position name]."
Apologise: "I'm really sorry, but I'm running a bit late due to [unexpected traffic/transportation issues]."
Give an estimated arrival time: "I estimate that I'll be there in about [mention how much time you expect to be late, e.g., 15 minutes, half an hour, etc.]."
Offer to reschedule if needed: "If it's more convenient for you, I completely understand if we need to reschedule the interview. Please let me know what works best for you."
Express your enthusiasm for the interview: "I'm very interested in the position and am looking forward to the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to [company name]."
Thank them for their understanding: "Thank you for your understanding, and I apologise for any inconvenience this may cause. I'll make sure to get there as soon as possible."

Remember to remain calm and composed during the call. Being honest and proactive in handling the situation will show the interviewer that you are responsible and respectful of their time.

What to say if you’re late for an interview

What to do upon arrival

Upon your arrival for the interview, we recommend you:

Remain calm: Take a moment to compose yourself and remain calm. Rushing in flustered and stressed might not make the best impression.
Acknowledge your lateness: As soon as you arrive, address the lateness proactively. Don't wait for the interviewer to bring it up.
Apologise sincerely: Express your apologies genuinely and sincerely. Be respectful and understanding of the fact that their time is valuable.
Avoid excuses: While you may have valid reasons for being late, it's best not to offer excuses immediately. Offering them without prompting can come across as making excuses for poor time management. If the interviewer asks why you were late, then you can provide a concise and honest explanation without dwelling on it.
Keep it brief: Don't dwell on the lateness too much. Keep your apology concise and to the point so you can move on to the interview itself.

Remember, the key is to be honest, sincere, and respectful. Everyone can have unforeseen circumstances causing lateness, but how you handle it professionally speaks volumes about your character and ability to handle difficult situations.

Good luck with your interview!

Are you looking for a job?

Now that you know what to say if you’re late for an interview, you should take a moment to check our current vacancies page.

At 11 Recruitment, we have a range of white-collar temp and perm jobs available. We're always on the lookout for top talent to place with our clients, so we encourage you to apply for any positions that are of interest.

If none of our current vacancies are right for you, you should register for job alerts. Then we’ll be able to notify you when we receive a position that matches your profile.

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