I am not in human resources. I am not in personnel. However, over the years, I’ve been given the task of hiring people for my department. I place the ads, contact the career services offices at local schools, schedule and conduct the interviews, and this is all in addition to my normal workload. Therefore, when I schedule an interview, I also have to schedule the rest of my day around that interview. What do I dislike more than the interviews themselves? People not showing up for said interview without an email or a phone call.

I never used to have this problem. But now twice this year, I’ve had no-shows. In August, I had at least two, maybe three. And now again, I’ve had two no-shows. The disturbing part about the August interviews was that the candidates seemed genuinely interested in the position. One I had spoken to several times before scheduling. Another I spoke to on the phone the very morning of the appointment. I just don’t understand.

Maybe they got another offer before their appointment with me. Sure that’s a tad disappointing, but I would at least like a short little email – “sorry can’t make it. no need to reschedule.” Then I could go about my day at my normal pace and schedule.

P.S. If you are a no-show, don’t send in your resume a few days later as if nothing happened.