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Original poster

Forgot about job interview

31 replies

Burnt0utMum · 12/01/2022 20:57

I had an interview a couple of weeks back for a job I think would be really good for me. I don't have much experience in the actual role but enough other experience to be able to develop into it. I seemed to do well as they invited me for a second interview. Only, I forgot about it until an hour after it had ended. Completely my fault and I feel so ashamed and disappointed in myself. I've recently been diagnosed with anxiety and have been so focused on trying to manage that. I thought the interview was a few days later than it actually was and as I started to plan for it, realised I'd missed it. The recruiter has managed to get me another interview with the employer, which I am very thankful for but have I already ruined my chances by not showing up the first time? How do I handle it and give myself a chance of still getting the job?

OP posts:
user1958493 · 12/01/2022 20:59

They would not be considering you for another interview if they weren't willing to look past it. Just apologize once and move on. Try to forget about it, I know that's hard when you have anxiety.
Good luck!

AndItDoesntSeemToMatter · 12/01/2022 21:00

I wouldn't normally suggest this but - lie. Say you were in a situation that made it impossible to contact them.

TeaAndBrie · 12/01/2022 21:00

I think you should take comfort in the fact that they still want to interview despite you missing the first date. I wouldn’t address it at the interview apart from stating at the beginning something like ‘thank you for taking the time to offer me this interview’.
Then I would suggest carrying on as normal and not mentioning it again unless they do. Good luck!

Youdoyoutoday · 12/01/2022 21:03

Did you confirm you knew about the interview and then just forgot it?
I'd be tempted to front out saying you didn't receive the confirmation email so apologies for the confusion rather than 'I stupidly forgot'

TyneTeas · 12/01/2022 21:03

I have sometimes had to reschedule interviews for candidates, it has not really made any difference to how I viewed their interview.

Apologise and move on is good advice and then just focus on giving a great account of yourself in the interview.

Good luck!

PuntasticUsername · 12/01/2022 21:04

Tell them the truth, including about your anxiety (if you're comfortable to). Their reaction will tell you a lot about whether you want to work there or not.

Mrstamborineman · 12/01/2022 21:05

Give it your best. They must see potential or wouldn’t suggest an alternative. I once didn’t attend because I was very unwell, they re scheduled for me. On the day I was late, I got lost, I phoned them to explain, they gave me directions and later offered me the job! They want the best fit. That may well be you. I see you mention anxiety so I can see why you are worried. You do not need to feel ashamed though. Be kind to yourself. You forgot. No one died or was hurt. Best of luck.

RoseGoldEagle · 12/01/2022 21:09

OP, they’re human too and these things do happen. Once you have the job Wink you’ll be able to laugh about it, one day!! For now, just stay calm and try and forget about what happened and focus on the interview. Good luck!

PegasusReturns · 12/01/2022 21:14

The recruiter will have made your excuses and they’re happy to overlook it so don’t worry about.

If you’re confident that the recruiter was honest about you forgetting then you could start the interview with a quick “apologies for the mix up last week”.

Good luck!

Original poster
Burnt0utMum · 12/01/2022 21:22

Thank you all for the positive comments. It's helping me feel a bit more hopeful about it. I like the idea of thanking them for taking the time to interview me. I was going to apologise but don't want to make a big thing out of it if they're actually not thinking about it but also don't want to just brush it aside and look like I don't care that I missed it.

OP posts:
TheCloudsHavePassed · 12/01/2022 21:24

Blame COVID...there has to be some perks to this mess 😅 good luck OP

PurpleRainlnTheSky · 12/01/2022 21:34

@TheCloudsHavePassed

Blame COVID...there has to be some perks to this mess 😅 good luck OP
Was just gonna say this. Say you had covid, and were REALLY ill!

GOOD LUCK!

tobypercy · 12/01/2022 21:35

I did something similar. They phoned to ask where I was and I was at home with my feet up, completely forgot about it. I dashed in, very stressed, did the interview, didn't think it was great (no surprise!) but they offered me the job anyway!

I've read a tip about things like this. Don't say "sorry I missed the last one", instead say "thanks for agreeing to reschedule".

theemmadilemma · 12/01/2022 21:38

DO NOT LIE! The recruiter might have already passed on info.

Simply thank them for seeing you again and dive into it.

BookFiend4Life · 12/01/2022 21:40

Don't blame it on your anxiety! Just say thanks so much for allowing me to reschedule, and that you had it recorded as another day, you're really excited about the opportunity and looking forward to telling them about yourself and learning more about the company.

MoveOnTheCards · 12/01/2022 21:41

As someone who is recruiting now, i would say you should be reassured that they rescheduled. If I liked a candidate in the first round I would still want to see them again.

Good luck!

PurpleRainlnTheSky · 12/01/2022 21:42

@BookFiend4Life

Don't blame it on your anxiety! Just say thanks so much for allowing me to reschedule, and that you had it recorded as another day, you're really excited about the opportunity and looking forward to telling them about yourself and learning more about the company.
That's probably a better idea tbh.
Kshhuxnxk · 12/01/2022 21:47

Please do apologise, I know if it was someone I'd been interviewing and they brushed over it or ignored I wouldn't be impressed. Pretty much say what BookFiend4Life said.

Suzanne999 · 12/01/2022 21:48

@TeaAndBrie

I think you should take comfort in the fact that they still want to interview despite you missing the first date. I wouldn’t address it at the interview apart from stating at the beginning something like ‘thank you for taking the time to offer me this interview’. Then I would suggest carrying on as normal and not mentioning it again unless they do. Good luck!
^ This. A brief, sincere thank you to them then move on. Don’t make anything up or over explain. They’ve offered you a second interview and that’s very positive. Hope you get the job.
JaceLancs · 12/01/2022 21:50

With an honestly meant apology I would happily re arrange - it would not influence my opinion of you at all

GullyGawk · 12/01/2022 21:54

Don’t make it a big deal. Focus on the interview When you leave say you’re sorry for have wasted their time last time and thank them for their time this time. And smile.

topcat2014 · 12/01/2022 21:54

They need not have offered another interview so don't worry too much.

I missed a funeral recently...

user1363157897422457887532356 · 12/01/2022 22:01

There's no need to feel ashamed over it. As others have said they wouldn't have rearranged if you'd 'ruined' your chances - they're not interviewing you for fun, but because you're under consideration.

Thank them for rearranging but don't be effusive and don't dwell on it. Focus on the interview.

Don't beat yourself up, build yourself up.

TwoLeftSocksWithHoles · 12/01/2022 22:03

@AndItDoesntSeemToMatter

I wouldn't normally suggest this but - lie. Say you were in a situation that made it impossible to contact them.
... but don't give the 'abducted by aliens' excuse. It doesn't always work - I know from bitter experience Sad
user1363157897422457887532356 · 12/01/2022 22:04

@GullyGawk

Don’t make it a big deal. Focus on the interview When you leave say you’re sorry for have wasted their time last time and thank them for their time this time. And smile.
Personally, I'm not sure I'd want my closing words at the end of an interview to include the phrase 'sorry for wasting your time'. That's quite loaded.

Humans are funny creatures and that is not the thought I would want to leave in their minds for them to associate with me later.

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