Emergency on Interview Day. Really, how about growing a pair

Emergency on Interview Day. Really, how about growing a pair 4 Flares 4 Flares Since starting Corn On The Job Ive read stories from job seekers trashing employers, recruiters, and hiring managers.  Ive sat back and watched, and I have wrote about and agreed with comments regarding how long an interview process can take, the rudeness of a recruiter or manager, and also how completely idiotic certain interview questions are for selection.  Youve all made great points, and many organizations and recruiters are surely at fault, but its about time the recruiters and organizations fire back.  This surely wont be my most popular post, but Ill be damned if Im not the one to finally say Job Seekers:  Its time to grow a pair, and stop making excuses As recruiters, weve learned that scheduling an interview doesnt necessarily mean our candidate is going to show up.  In our early years, we may have experienced a bit of shock and some anger at your lack of consideration, but over the years we just come to realize that its all part of the job.  Weve heard every excuse in the book, two or three times over.  Here are some of the most common: Car broke down Cat/Dog is sick Son/Daughter is sick Im sick Alarm never went off   Couldnt find the office There are others that fall a bit on the ridiculous side, and Im sure my recruiting buddies can share some hilarious excuses theyve heard.    No matter what the excuse is, its hard for a recruiter to buy it.  As a recruiter, we naturally begin to question how bad you want the job, if at all.  We may give you another shot at rescheduling, but well hold our doubts.   In a situation where you have changed your mind or decide the job isnt for you, just call us!  Even a simple e-mail will do.  Give us plenty of time before the scheduled interview so we can inform anyone actively involved with the interview process.  Canceling  the day of is incredibly frustrating for everyone involved, and at times can  embarrass  the recruiter.  You can also damage a recruiters reputation, especially those on the staffing agency side.  Just do us a favor and call us plenty of time before the scheduled interview if your feet start dropping in temperature. Are you a victim of Boy Cried Wolf syndrome We do understand that sometimes your cat, Buttons, really is sick, or maybe you really have had stomach problems the morning of the interview (stay off Taco Bell and Chipotle the night before).  Even though you really might have an emergency on interview day, we arent going to believe you.  Luckily, in most situations youll be granted a chance to reschedule.  This is your opportunity for redemption, and to be successful you must follow these critical steps: When you must cancel, but really do want the job: Notify your recruiter immediately when unable to make an interview Apologize with sincerity, and beg/plead for a chance to reschedule Schedule a time that you can make, at all costs Thank the recruiter and apologize again at the end Show up extra early (30 minutes) or so to prove that you are excited and do want the job Thank your recruiter, interviewer, and interviewing team for rescheduling and apologize again for missing the first scheduled interview When you burn us once, you need to come at us three times as strong the second time.  Failure to show up on the second attempt results in crossing your name off of our list.  Do as I say, and those suffering from Boy Cried Wolf syndrome will redeemed.