What to Do If You’re Running Late to an Interview

Few things feel more stressful than realizing you’re going to be late to a job interview. Whether it’s traffic, a delayed train, or unexpected personal issues, being late can leave a negative first impression. But if you handle it well, you can recover gracefully.

Here’s what to do if you’re running late to an interview.

Step 1: Inform the Interviewer Immediately

Call or email as soon as you realize you’ll be late. A simple message like:
“I’m on my way, but due to unexpected traffic I may be 15 minutes late. I apologize and appreciate your understanding.”
This shows respect for their time and professionalism on your part.

Step 2: Stay Calm and Professional

Panicking only makes things worse. Take a deep breath, stay focused, and prepare mentally for the interview. Employers value candidates who can stay composed under pressure.

Step 3: Arrive Ready to Begin Immediately

If it’s an in-person interview, have your CV, references, and notebook ready to go so you can start without delay. For virtual interviews, log in quickly with everything tested in advance.

Step 4: Apologize Briefly, Then Move On

When you arrive, acknowledge your lateness once:
“Thank you for your patience, and I apologize for the delay.”
Then shift focus to the interview itself. Don’t over-explain or dwell on excuses.

Step 5: Show Extra Enthusiasm

Make up for the lost time with positive energy, strong engagement, and clear answers. Demonstrating that you’re genuinely interested helps rebuild a positive impression.

Final Word

Being late to an interview isn’t ideal, but how you handle it matters more. Communicate quickly, stay professional, and use the rest of the conversation to highlight your strengths.

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