Not doing well today

Hey duckling, that must've been very frustrating. Sounds like you're being very hard for yourself, but I hope that sometime, you'll be able to see this as a learning opportunity as well. Each time something goes wrong, you'll get to analyze what went wrong and improve on this. We all go through this, we're only human after all. This time, you've underestimated the time it would take you to get there, but you can use this experience for the next interview or appointment. That way, today hasn't been a waste even though at this moment, it might feel that way.

It's true that it's best to be early for job interviews, but the truth is: far from everyone is early. Some people walk in last minute or even far pass the appointment. Especially if it's a position many people apply to, I'd dare to bet that you won't be the only person that walked in late for the appointment that day. When you're late, you indeed don't make that well of an appearance and some interviewers attach more value to it than others. But if you're honest instead of making up excuses, you might be given a fair chance. You may also not be given one, but the worst that can happen is that they reject you. Pretty much the same as when you didn't walk in at all.

I totally understand you'd feel very embarrassed if you're late for a job interview, especially when you're always early. I'd feel the same. I hope that if I ever get in that position, I'd be able to gather the courage and use what I just said to walk in anyways, but honestly, I'm not sure if I could. So what you did is totally normal and understandable.

I hope you'll hear back from those other places soon so you have some positive news to look forward to.

Hey @Uglyduckling1988!

Awesome job snagging an interview! That's an accomplishment and you should recognize yourself for that effort and that achievement.

Firstly, I want to say that I've done similar things. I've even entirely blown interviews off from the fear of driving there. You're already an entire challenge beyond that and that's amazing.

Secondly, I can't really give advice, but I want to share a generalization about life with you. If you feel embarrassed like that ever again, remember that the worst thing that can happen is that they say "no." If you go in and explain to them that you misjudged the time it would take to get there, own your mistake, politely apologize for not being on time, and ask for an interview anyway, that employer will see that you take ownership of your life. As a former hiring manager, I've hired people who were late to interviews that took the time to explain themselves, apologize, and ask. You always have a chance!

Thirdly, if you ever feel overwhelmed before walking into a building, try this:

Activate your sympathetic nervous system by inhaling deeply for seven seconds, holding the breath for five seconds, and exhaling for seven seconds. Breathe normally and repeat two more times.

This technique combats your anxious fight-or-flight response by utilizing your body's natural pathways for relaxation. It works wonders. Psyche yourself up and jam to your favorite empowering song! Some suggestions: The Mountain by Three Days Grace, What Are You So Scared of? by Tonight Alive, or Dead and Gone by State Champs. All great jams!

Lastly, I want you to know that your support network is always here to back you up and prep you for those stressful days. Even if you don't believe in yourself, I believe in you. Always, fam.

Best wishes and you'll gettem next time!