Unexpected incidents may happen on your way to attend an interview. Only thorough preparation can help you handle these messy situations and find a way out.
Bad Weather
Before you leave home,
Watch the weather report. If Typhoon Signal No. 8 or Black Rainstorm Warning Signal is going to be hoisted, you should phone the company to see if the interview will be held as scheduled.
Leave a voice message if you are not able to speak with the responsible staff over phone. You may also phone the company the next day to explain the reason for your absence. This shows your concern and enthusiasm for the interview.
In case of heavy rain, you should still attend the interview and get prepared for the bad weather.
Don’t forget to bring along an umbrella/ raincoat/ windbreaker with you.
Allow more time for traveling and arrive earlier so that you can have time to freshen up before you meet the interviewer.
When you are on the way,
If your clothes get a bit wet, you may dry them using the hand dryer machine in a washroom of any nearby shopping mall.
If your clothes are all wet and if time allows, think about buying some new clothes for change.
Apologize to the interviewer if you get no time to dry/change your clothes.
*Remarks: To keep the important certificates and documents dry and tidy, place them in a waterproof folder or plastic bag.
Traffic Jam
Plan a number of routes and estimate the time required in advance for contingency purpose.
Visit the place before hand if you are not familiar with the transport facilities/ area in which the company is located.
Choose a transport means with reliable and regular time schedules
*Remarks: Bring along enough cash and coins.
Sickness
Your performance may be affected by your health conditions.
Depending on the severity of your illness, you may react differently:
For a minor discomfort, consult a medical doctor or take some medicine. Give an explanation and show your regret to the interviewer in case you are late or perform badly.
If you are terribly ill, explain to the responsible person of the company and request to postpone the interview date.
*Remarks:
You may feel sick just because of stress. Try to calm down and you may feel better.
Appointment Delayed/ Cancelled by Interviewer
Interviewers are mostly senior executives of the company. They may be too busy to turn up on time or may even forget the appointment.
Maintain your patience and manners even though it may be the employer’s fault. After waiting for quite some time, you may ask the receptionist about the arrangements politely. But don’t appear to be annoyed.
Make use of the waiting time to revise the facts of the company/ job. Do not leave the company on your own without notifying anyone.
Wrong Place/ Time
If by accident you have gone to the wrong place and it is impossible for you to get to the right place on time, you should make a phone call to the company apologising for your lateness and rush to the company in no time.
You may also ask for how you can get to the place. Don’t try to cover up. You will make a very bad impression if the interviewers discover your lies.
Remarks:
If you are not familiar with the place, get a map for checking the routes and transport facilities.
If you are uncertain about the interview date/ place, confirm with the company by phone first.
General Principles to Tackle
The following are the general principles to survive the unforeseen circumstances:
Grab a mobile phone so that you can keep contact with the company or seek assistance from others more conveniently.
Always stay calm and flexible in the face of troubles.
Be courteous even in an emergency.