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Submitted by summer on
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Hello,

I have my first interview at a company tomorrow and I'm currently struggling with a bad cold (mostly a running nose). Should I just go or should I better reschedule? I don't want to pass it on to the interviewers. And I'm afraid that blowing or sniffing your nose during the interview will not give a great impression. On the other hand I don't want to loose this opportunity. And if I go is it ok not to shake hands (especially at the end)?

Summer.

Jrlz's picture

Yes I would go on the interview.  It will show that you have a good work ethic and if you reschedule it would send the wrong message .  At the outset of the interview I would let them know you are fighting a cold and don't want to shake hands.  I am in sales and do this everytime I have a cold.  I think people appreciate the consideration for thier health and it seems to leave a good impression. 

FYI, becuase you are fighting a cold it will be even harder to elevate your energy level, which you need to do on the interview.  Get a goods nights sleep before, eat a healthy breakfast the morning of and make sure to have a high level of energy. 

ashdenver's picture

 As a mild germophobe, I would gladly reschedule the appointment and think very highly of you for being both professional and courteous to keep your germs away from me and my office. 

This, of course, assumes that "a bad cold" means you look like death warmed over, are coughing up all sorts of nefarious looking things and your nose is beet red from having to blow it every three minutes.  No one wants to sit across from THAT!  Even the courtesy of refraining from shaking my hand isn't enough to compensate for that.  As it is, I sit two rows away from someone who is constantly coughing and sneezing and I get skeeved out at the thought of all sorts of germ particulate floating around the office - and this is in cubicle-ville.  You couldn't pay me enough to be trapped in a 9'x9' room with those kinds of things.

That's just me.

But not every recruiter or hiring manager is as germophobic as I am.  To that extent, I would suggest calling to say "I really want to meet with you about this fantastic opportunity however I don't want to spread the virus or make anyone uncomfortable.  Would you like me to still come in as scheduled or would you prefer we reschedule for later in the week?"  Leave it to the recruiter / hiring manager to assess the risk they're willing to take. 

(Am I the only one slightly grossed out by other people blowing their noses?) 

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Mark's picture
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Holy Toledo GO.

Fight through it.

Others' fear of germs is irrelevant here.  Do not call.

GO.

Mark

summer's picture
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Thank you very much for your responses! I have indeed tried to sleep and rest as best as I could. I'm very happy that this morning the fever is gone and so far my nose is doing pretty ok. So I'm definitely going to the interview.

summer's picture
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So I went, and thanks to the MT interview series, I was confident and well prepared. I missed one of the questions, but overall it went well, and I closed. Yes it felt a bit awkward when I was about to deliver it, but I delivered and received a positive response "That is what we like to hear".  And now I can go to a second round of interview scheduled for tomorrow. Going to write those thank you notes now ....

 

Mark's picture
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...when a plan comes together!  Now if only I had a cigar.

Wait.  It's 1230 pm.  Maybe later.

Mark

summer's picture
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One more update: I got an offer! Thank you Manager Tools!!