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Describe a time when you were late for an important event.
you shold say:
When it happened
Where it happened
What made you be late for that event
And explain how you felt about this experience
Sample answer
Oh, this one stings a bit! Let me tell you about the time I was ridiculously late for a very important job interview. It was a few years ago, right after I graduated from college. This company I really wanted to work for was holding interviews, and I'd landed a slot. I was so nervous but also incredibly excited.
The interview was scheduled for 10:00 am in their downtown office. The night before, I laid out my interview outfit, prepped all my documents, and even double-checked the bus schedule to the office. I felt super prepared.
Well, fast forward to the morning of the interview. Everything seemed to go wrong. First, my alarm clock decided to malfunction, and I woke up a good thirty minutes later than planned. I scrambled to get ready, but of course, nothing went smoothly. My shirt wouldn't cooperate, and I spent way too long trying to tame my hair.
By the time I finally raced out the door, I was already sweating and feeling flustered. I knew I was cutting it close, but I figured I could catch the next bus and maybe still make it on time. But of course, Murphy's Law struck again – the bus I needed ended up being delayed due to traffic.
Standing there at the bus stop, watching precious minutes tick by, I felt a pit of dread in my stomach. I tried calling the office to explain the situation, but unfortunately, their receptionist wasn't very understanding.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, I reached the office building. I burst through the doors, apologized profusely to the receptionist, and explained the entire ordeal. Unfortunately, I was way too late, and the interview slot was already filled.
Needless to say, I was mortified. All that preparation, all that excitement, gone in a flash because of a faulty alarm clock and some bad bus luck. I felt incredibly unprofessional and disappointed in myself.
Looking back, it was definitely a learning experience. It taught me the importance of having a backup plan, especially for important events. Now, I always set multiple alarms and factor in extra travel time, just in case. That experience definitely made me a more responsible and prepared person!
Part 3
Why do you think some people are often late for meetings or appointments?
There are a few reasons people might be chronically late. Some struggle with time management or underestimate travel times. Others may be disorganized or forget appointments. It could also be a personality trait – some folks are naturally more relaxed about punctuality. Additionally, some people might use lateness as a passive-aggressive way to exert power in a situation.
Do you think it's important to be on time?
Absolutely, punctuality is crucial. It shows respect for others' time and promotes efficiency. Being on time demonstrates reliability and professionalism, especially in work settings. It also minimizes disruptions and ensures everyone can stay on schedule throughout the day.
Do you think people are born with time management skills or they can develop such skills?
While some people might be naturally more organized, time management is definitely a skill that can be learned and developed. Through practice and using tools like planners or to-do lists, we can improve our ability to prioritize tasks, estimate time effectively, and stick to schedules. The more we work on it, the better we become at managing our time efficiently.
Are people in your country often late for meetings?
Punctuality in the US can be a mixed bag. While showing up on time for meetings is certainly valued, there can be a bit of tolerance for minor delays. However, excessive lateness is generally frowned upon as disrespectful and unprofessional. It's important to be considerate and communicate if you're running behind schedule.