job interview + snowstorm: should I reschedule?

Jules A, MSN · Feb 14, 2007

Of course, when I am already working and earning, I will make sure to make arrangements so my kids will be with an adult (whom I will pay) during such bad weather conditions so I can go to work.

No matter what you decided I wouldn't mention the above, lol.

I wouldn't miss a scheduled interview if I wanted the job. To me a commitment is a commitment. I think this would be a good way to illustrate your ability to rise to the different circumstances that might present themselves and be a dependable employee. I hope you get the offer. Jules

caliotter3 · Feb 14, 2007

I would leave plenty early and make sure my cell phone was good and charged with my car charger in my purse before I left or make arrangements for public transp if possible; but not miss the interview. (And hope the interviewing person calls to cancel instead!) In some cases, interviews are very hard to come by these days, so you don't want to give any bad impressions or miss the chance at a good job.

JaxiaKiley · Feb 14, 2007

I'd try to get there, if I thought I could be safe.

llg, PhD, RN · Feb 14, 2007

I agree with the other posters. If you CAN get there safely and CAN make arrangements to keep your kids safe, then you should do so. Nobody wants to hire a new employee who can't be counted upon every time the weather gets bad.

Now .... if the situation is exceptionally bad and safety is an issue, that's a different issue. In community emergencies, people are urged to stay off the streets unless they truly need to be on the roads -- and for good reason.

If appropriate, call the person with whom the interview is scheduled and ask what their status is and what the roads are like near where they are. Give them the impression (if possible) that you are flexible and willing to come in if appropriate, but that you are also able to reschedule if that seems to be the most sensible course. They may be hoping that you will cancel so that they can go home!

caliotter3 · Feb 15, 2007

Here's one I forgot:

Ask the interviewer if they would consider interviewing you over the phone. Phone interviews do happen. Follow-up could happen when the weather gets better if she/he wants to see you in person. It seems like it would be a convenient idea for both concerned. An idea to propose when you call to touch base. No harm done if they don't want to do it that way.

manangmdrn · Feb 18, 2007

Thanks for all your suggestions!

I did call the HR and asked whether it would be okay to resched the interview for the next day. The forecast was really bad (all day snowstorm). I could have gone to the interview but getting back home would really present a problem. It was okay. The next day, there was no more snowstorm, only nasty winds blowing the snow (we had about 2 feet, made worse by the wind). Had some problems with plowing the driveway. I called to warn I could be late, but eventually made it on time anyway.

Good news is, I got the job offer the day after the interview!

Now I gotta research about the experiences of those who work in LTCs.

Thanks a bunch! I am sure I might encounter more such circumstances in the near future, as I just applied to two more hospitals (one 40 minutes away and another one hour away!), so your tips are really valuable, esp to someone like me who is new to this place and to winter driving. :)

caliotter3 · Feb 18, 2007

Congratulations on landing the job! Glad to see that they were willing to accommodate you! Good luck on your new job!