What if you’re sick on the day of the interview?
This section is dedicated to my dear friend Kari. For many years, she has aspired to work as a Flight Attendant. In the spring of '22, she was invited to prepare a 90-second interview as the initial part of her application process with the same airline my wife works for. She had 72 hours from the time of the invite to complete it. During that window, she contracted Covid. At the 70th hour, she recorded the video. She was sweating from the fever and not her usual articulate self. She failed the recorded video interview portion of her application process. So, no callback. This incident made me realize the importance of rescheduling interviews when ill, and I hope my experience can help you, too.
I'm sure this is obvious, but if you're sick on the interview day, reschedule it. We're all human; as soon as you feel down, email the interviewer and reschedule. Suggest a time, and give yourself a few days to heal. But try to avoid muscle throughout the interview. This means you should try to relax and not overexert yourself during the interview, which can worsen your condition and affect your performance.
Why Rescheduling is Important
Attempting to push through an interview while you're sick can significantly impact your performance. Your concentration, articulation, and overall demeanor can be compromised when you're not feeling well. This can leave a less-than-ideal impression on your potential employer, potentially ruining your chances for the job. However, it's important to remember that interviewers understand that illness happens and would prefer to meet when you are at your best, ensuring a fair evaluation of your qualifications and fit for the role.
How to Reschedule the Interview
Rescheduling an interview can be a manageable task. Most employers will appreciate your honesty and concern for presenting yourself in the best possible light. Here's a simple template to help you draft your rescheduling request:
Email Template for Rescheduling an Interview
Subject: Request to Reschedule Interview for [Position]
Dear [Interviewer's Name],
I am looking forward to the opportunity to discuss the [role] with [Company]. However, I am currently [briefly explaining your situation, e.g., "experiencing flu symptoms" or "not feeling well"]. As a result, could we reschedule this interview for a later date to ensure that I can perform to the best of my abilities?
I am available [two or three other times and days that work for you]. Please let me know if any of these times are convenient for you or if there is another time that works better for your schedule.
Thank you for your understanding and flexibility.
Best regards,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Contact Information]
Learning from Kari's Experience
Kari's story reminds us that unexpected illnesses can happen at the worst times. However, it also highlights the importance of giving yourself grace and the opportunity to present your best self. If you're ever sick on the day of an interview, remember that it's okay to reschedule. Employers will understand, and it's better to wait until you're fully recovered than risk a poor performance due to illness.
By handling the situation professionally and promptly, you maintain a positive impression with the employer and set the stage for a successful interview when you're back to total health. This responsibility is a key part of the job-seeking process and will be appreciated by the employer.
Article by Eric Palmer
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