The Wait-O-Meter

Recently, I received a phone call from a client who asked this question:

Billie, how long do you think I should wait on someone for an interview?

Seeking further clarification from the caller, they said they had experienced several occasions where the person conducting the job interview made them wait for an extended period of time (more than 30 minutes) and it caused them to become anxious, then upset, and they felt their overall interview performance was weakened by the wait.

Have you ever had to wait for someone to retrieve you for a job interview? If so, did it bother you, or were you so happy to have a job interview that you simply slapped a smile on your face and kept waiting?

I don't know about you, but long ago, I established a "wait-o-meter" -- the amount of time I am willing to wait before I reschedule. This came about due to a personal experience several years ago when I was making a sales call for my outplacement services. The VP of a financial services firm had agreed to meet me at 10:30 A.M.; 10:45 came and went; no problem. I understand that people are very busy and have very important business to tend to. The funny thing, though, the waiting area was situated in such a way that I could see into the VP's office. I could clearly see that he was reading the newspaper and I knew that he knew I was waiting, as his assistant had promptly announced my arrival. About 30 minutes into my wait, his assistant announced to me that "he's on a conference call." Clearly, he was not.

Finally, nearly 45 minutes later, the VP retrieved me, offering that he'd gotten tied up on a conference call and knew that I would understand. I have often thought about that experience and the lesson I learned. I have established a set amount of time that I am willing to wait before rescheduling. In general, as a professional, one of the things that my clients can count on is that I value and respect their time as much, if not more, than my own. I don't keep them waiting.

How about it? Do you have a "wait-o-meter" and if so, how long do you let it run before you reschedule, or do you just grin-and-bear-it no matter how long the wait?

posted by: billiesucher

Comments

[Amber Shah]

I'd only be willing to wait up to 20-30 minutes - and I'd expect them to very apologetic afterwards. I have turned down job offers because they were not respectful or friendly, where I knew I would not be happy working there. If they don't value my time BEFORE I even go work for them - imagine how little they'll value you it when I'm on their clock. I haven't had empty waiting as often as I've seen people give "filler interviews", interviews with someone to fill the time where their input really isn't important to the hiring decision. Let's show a little common courtesy, please.

[Nathan McIntyre]

Great read. Right now with the market saturated like it's current state many times the interview process is unfortunately extended. There may be benefits to the employer for waiting but many times it weakens the interview like you said. Usually, when you find a position to apply to you are focused on that position. The longer you have to wait before the interview means that you may have moved on continuing you search. To recall why you applied may be difficult if the process is extended out to far.

[Candice]

Sometimes keeping a candidate waiting is actually a part of the interview process to test his/her patience. Some jobs require a person to have the patience of a saint in order to qualify to work with their clients.

I only know this because I failed that particular test; patience is my greatest weakness.

[Brian Turner]

I've heard about a waiting period included as part of the interview process as described by Candice though I've never had it happen to me that I know of. I usually find that people underestimate how long an interview will take and get backed up as the day wears on. The exception is the HR person doing the pre-qualification. They do this every day so, they usually know how to plan their time. There are four strategies in my opinion:

1. I assume someone will have a morning routine (coffee, check email, project status) so, I'd like to give them an hour to do that and be the first person interviewed after they get that done. Ask the person setting up the interview that you'd like to get that slot. You'd be surprised how often they just say okay.

2. Schedule the interview for 11 AM. They'll run over time. Then let the receptionist know that you'd be willing to do your interview over lunch if it would help. Not only do you demonstrate your flexibility and adaptability, you'll stick in their minds as, "the one we had lunch with." Bone up on your table manners for this one.

3. Grin and bear it. Plan for a wait in your daily schedule. When they apologize for the wait, say something like, "It's worth it to get the opportunity to work for a great company like XYZ." Bring an industry magazine or two to read if you like and catch up.

4. Reschedule. I'll ask for a reschedule when the wait reaches 90 minutes. By then, I don't think they have any chance of catching up. Hopefully, they'll appreciate your making the process easier on them.

[Kelly]

I, too, had a personal experience that changed my view on people being late and the "Wait-O-Meter" except that I was on the other end. I had a very bad habit of being late everywhere. In fact, I've actually changed my ways because of this issue. I was meeting a friend for coffee about 15 years ago. This was someone I worked with and I admired and respected her very much. My being late was a joke around the office and when it came time for us to firm up our coffee plans, she said, "Just to let you know, I have a rule that I wait for 20 minutes for someone and that's it." (This was before the wide use of cell phones.)

You would have thought that would have been an embarrassment enough that she had to actually say that to me but wouldn't you know it - I was late. I just caught her as she was leaving the cafe. She looked a little upset and I didn't have to ask why. I think things were never the same between us after that and I'm pretty sure she lost a lot of respect for me that day.

So, I use Colleen's rule - I wait 20 minutes. I guess for a job interview, I'd stretch it to 30 - especially in this economic climate.

[Steve]

I like to call to confirm my appointments either the day before (if it's a morning meeting) or the morning of the meeting (if it's an afternoon meeting). I usually find that most people have a better idea of what their day will be like and will reschedule as needed. Maybe because of this, I might have a bit more hard-nosed approach than most that I've read here. 20 minutes is my maximum except if someone calls (my cell phone is always with me) with a reason. This holds for friends, interviews, sales calls, etc. If I'm going to have a relationship with someone (personal or business), I want there to be a mutual respect in all aspects. I don't change "because of the economy". I figure that if someone is going to "take advantage" of me in tough times, then I don't want to do business with them or work for them ... let alone be friends with them.

[billiesucher]

Amber, Nathan, Candice, Brian, Kelly, and Steve,

Really enjoyed reading all your thoughtful comments and your perspectives on this wait-o-meter post -- and how we each have our own logic and reasons for what we deem a reasonable wait period. To each of you, thank you for taking the time to leave such good comments.

Best always,
Billie

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