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thebandit thebandit

You're just about to go to a job interview when you spill something on your shirt. Do you go change and risk being late or just wipe it off?

Obviously, not spilling it in the first place would be the best option, but it would be too late for that!
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irishsteph...
irishsteph...
Marked as Best! October 27, 2009 09:30 PM
Nope, you go right in and act like it's no big deal!!
Confidence is everything in an interview.
Employers realize that stuff happens - mainly because stuff happens to them too! We're all human and they can tell the difference between an accident and someone who's slobby just like you and I can.

I've been on the hiring side of the table a few times and have to admit, a person who spills something on themselves and can still come in, show me what they've got and act like a spill doesn't bother them would REALLY impress me. It shows that they can handle the pressure, they don't sweat the small stuff and they're mature enough to realize it's not the end of the world.
Source(s):
Being a hiring manager (although this scenario never happened).
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quesera
quesera
October 27, 2009 09:08 PM
As someone who interviews prospective hires, I would find it more professional for them to arrive on time, briefly explain that they feel a little embarrassed abut arriving with a stain on their shirt but they didn't want to be late, and then let it drop. I want to see that their priority is to be on time and do a good job. They should be able to overcome a minor setback without it destroying their positive attitude or causing them to fall apart. If someone can make a good, professional impression with coffee all over their shirt, I can imagine they'll be even better when they're on top of their game. If they show up late, but dressed nicely, I might not even believe that's why they were late.
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redgold
redgold
October 27, 2009 11:01 PM
Am I in the car yet? If not, then I would grab another shirt and change in the car on the way to the interview. There is almost always a moment where you can stop in the bathroom just to do a quick spot-check and make sure everything is buttoned, tucked in, etc as it should be.

If I am already on my way, first I chide myself for eating and/or drinking on my way to the interview. Then I do my best to either cover the stain or prepare to laugh it off.
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rspears01
rspears01
October 28, 2009 02:27 AM
Ideally, you would be prepared for any situation and have an extra shirt with you that you could change into.
However, if you've not prepared for that situation - as most people would not - I think you're much better off to simply go to your job interview and perhaps explain why your shirt is a mess.
One thing in your favor is when you're asked that question potential employers always ask, "What would make you an asset to this company?" you can answer on the lines of, "I'd be an asset to this company because when I make commitments, I follow through. No matter what situation occurs, I still do my absolute best and keep those commitments along with performing my responsibilities even in unideal situations." Then point out your shirt and explain that you could have went home and changed even though you would have been late with an excuse that would have quite possibly been accepted. BUT you chose to not do that. Why? Because you had made a commitment and did not feel it would have been fair to have broken it or wasted the time of your potential employer over something so small.
In the end, you may not look best for your interview, but you will certainly show your commitment along with your ability to handle whatever life throws at you and STILL keep those commitments!
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annelisle
annelisle
October 29, 2009 12:48 AM
Between being late and facing my interviewer with a smudge on my shirt, I would choose the latter. They said first impression is always lasting. And being late is the worst first impression compared to appearing with a smudge shirt. I could always explain after the interview about my "not so clean" appearance and I'm sure he will understand. But being late even if your excuse is valid enough is still very acceptable. It also shows unprofessionalism and can reflect what you are as a worker and you might end up not getting the job too.

We have to be on time because being prompt shows that you have respect for others for they have their own schedule and tasks to attend to. And being late can affect their job and schedule.
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jazs07
jazs07
January 19, 2010 08:47 PM
Its just about the confidence and how to deal with the interview, stay focused and set aside your thoughts about the stain in your clothes
Source(s):
https://www.jobsindubai.com/career.asp?qArticleID=37&page=2
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