General Question

chelle21689's avatar

Would you go to an interview with a bad cold?

Asked by chelle21689 (7907points) October 21st, 2014 from iPhone

I have an interview tomorrow and came down with a cold today. I’m so tired, sore throat, and runny nose. I would go but I’m afraid I can’t hide the symptom of a nasty dripping nose disgusting the interviewer.

Do I just apologize for my illness and avoid shaking hands, bring a tissue and apologize for dabbing my nose? Lol

Some day go and some say don’t.

Observing members: 0 Composing members: 0

9 Answers

Here2_4's avatar

I think you should call the interviewer, and ask what they would prefer. If that doesn’t work, I would try very hard to reschedule. If that doesn’t fly, I would just go, and apologize. If you have no other choice, attending would be nicest if you did keep a tissue to your face, and have some hand sanitizer handy to use, and also share, if they wish.
Man. What a tough break. I am so sorry this happened like it did.

ibstubro's avatar

Skip it.
For you both.

Pandora's avatar

Do they still have the no drip nasal medication. That use to stop my sinuses for a few hour. It may be hard to reschedule without it looking poorly.
I would try the sinuse nasal thing and wash my face in ice cold water before the meeting and use eyedrops to refresh my face.
Then when you get there, explain that you woke up this morning with a cold and didn’t want to risks losing an opportunity by calling to reschedule last minute and ask that you forgo a handshake because you don’t want to spred your cold. Take a cloth if you have a cough to cover your mouth if you feel a sneeze or a cough coming on and a sanitizer wipe to wipe the door knob on your way out.

Pandora's avatar

On second thought. Do call first to reschedule and leave it in their ball park. I just thought it over and I wouldn’t appreciate someone coming in sick and possibly making me sick. That is not someone I would hire. I would think them selfish and not considerate.

dappled_leaves's avatar

I would ask what they prefer. You could very easily be interviewed by someone who hates having contact with sick people.

On the other hand, I’ve interviewed people who came in with a bad cold, and it never influenced my decision.

I think the reason you’re getting mixed answers is that there is no right answer on this one. Go with your gut.

Earthbound_Misfit's avatar

I’m in the ‘call and ask them’ camp. You can tell them how interested you are in the role but you’re reluctant to pass on your cold and what would they prefer you do? Reschedule or attend the interview? If I was running the interviews, I’d be thankful for your good manners and common sense.

chyna's avatar

Call and reschedule. At my last job they were interviewing a woman that came in with a horrible cold and that’s all they could talk about after she left. Not her qualifications, but the nerve of her coming in so sick and coughing and snotting all over everyone.

Pachy's avatar

Definitely call and reschedule. Besides sparing your potential employer your germs, it would show the interviewer you are smart and responsible.

chelle21689's avatar

I feel better now. Still tired but good news no runny nose lol I think I’ll go. I’m not showing obvious symptoms. I’ll just sanitize before shaking hands.

Answer this question

Login

or

Join

to answer.

This question is in the General Section. Responses must be helpful and on-topic.

Your answer will be saved while you login or join.

Have a question? Ask Fluther!

What do you know more about?
or
Knowledge Networking @ Fluther