Running late for an interview... the life and times of Kimberley Granger.

My interview with Amanda Bresnan starts at midday at the Legislative Assembly.

I wake up early for my morning exercise, have brekkie, shower and put on my “I’m an awesome Journalist” clothes.

I head up to uni to pick up the new Edirol (voice recording equipment), and get the paper. I grab a coffee, as it is only 11.10am and I really need one after my late night.

I get to my car, remember I don’t have fuel and choose ignore that the gauge is on empty so I can get to Civic early.

I arrive in Civic at 11.30am, park my car right near where Google says the Legislative Assembly is and gather my equipment.

I start walking and realise with disbelief that I have forgotten my headphones. Uh-oh, big mistake.

I think, “It’s ok, there are plenty of shops around.”

Unfortunately, none of these shops sell headphones, from newsagents to the post office, nobody can help me.

Shit, now its 11.50am!

Ok, i’ll have to go without and hope for the best. So I start walking in the direction Google tells me and at 11.55am when I have not arrived at the L.A I ask some workmen where I can find it.

“Oh thats all the way down there,” he says as he points in the way I have just come.

SHIT! Now its 12.00 on the dot.

I call Tom, who is the media advisor for the Greens, and say I’m lost. Really, what more can I do in the situation? So he gives me directions and I literally run down London Circuit with my bag falling off my shoulder, my book ruffling in the wind and my face sweating like a pig.

Good look.

Tom is waiting outside when I arrive, he is quite amused to see me stressing as I profusely apologise for the mix up. He does not seem to mind, although I believe that is his job.

He leads me in, through security with my little visitor badge that says I am 10 minutes late, and up the stairs to meet with Ms Bresnan.

She is lovely! She did not mind my lateness as she herself was running behind schedule. All my questions were answered directly and at the end of the 20 minute interview (long, I know… lots of editing for me!) she was happy to pose for a photo. (Which I did not mention was for my blog).

Amanda Bresnan and I

What this experience has taught me: You can still be late for an interview and not get yelled at by an angry interviewee.

No, but seriously, be on time and get your directions right! There is no worse feeling that being flustered when you enter an interview… or having to call up and say you’re lost!