I scheduled a phone interview for Deloitte Consulting on Monday for tomorrow. Now, it's Wednesday and I have strep throat. Should I just suck it up or not risk being on top of my game? From what I've heard is that there over-the-phone interview is mostly behavioral.
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Can you think clearly? If you feel dizzy or tired, don't do it. If not, make a huge pot of hot tea, drink a ton before and during the call, and that should do it. It's ok to push back a few days if you think you'll get better by then.
It may be mostly fit questions but in a phone interview it's almost MORE important to present yourself well. You can't get away with positive body language, your voice has to project it all.
Is one day in advance not good enough? Should I call and let them know or email directly? Thanks
Good advice above. If you're nasally or you can't think clearly then you should postpone it. Otherwise, do work.
I would probably think you were bullshitting if you called me the day before and said you were sick. I would do the interview and just start the call with "Excuse me if I sound a bit hoarse but I have been battling strep throat for a couple of days now." A kind interviewer will ask if you want to reschedule and if not, just suck it up and go for it.
I left a message on the recruiters email about possibly rescheduling. I'm completely nasally and it's even worse when guys always seem to talk deeper on the phone. Plus, a medium temp never did anyone any favors.
I get what your saying, but it's impossible to build a rapport with someone when you sound like a jackass, you're coughing every 3 or 4 min. and it doesn't feel the greatest to laugh at the moment.
If you are in the bullshit-unabled mode, reeeeschedule. They will ask brain teaser like how many ping-pong balls can be fit in a Boeing 747, and you will be like what's ping-pong ball?
Sick during an interview? (Originally Posted: 11/03/2008)
Hey guys,
I am trying my best to get an internship for the summer and am taking part in a program at my school that flies students to other cities for interviews and company visits.
I've done some cold calling and have set up interviews for this Thursday and Friday in a different city. But the thing is, I caught the flu and went to the doctors last week. She gave me some meds but it's not making me any better. I'm going to see another doctor in about an hour for some stronger medicine.
My question is, should I still go on this trip? I doubt I will get any better in 2 days and I would be coughing and sneezing during all my interviews and generally be very disgusting. Should I postpone the meetings with them and perhaps plan another trip there in a few weeks? Or should I fly out and go into the interviews anyway?
Any help would be appreciated.
I would try to get out there....In a few weeks, these places may have selected much of their summer base. The sickness may and should turn soon and in two days you may feel a lot better. Also, it does show resilience on your part and they will appreciate that (as long as you aren't blowing chunks on them)!
Best of luck
I would go if I were you.. Afterall, if you land a job in banking its not like they wouldnt expect you to show up to work no matter how crappy you feel. Now, if you are throwing up every 5 minutes then maybe scratch my advice. If its just aches and pains or a slight case of stomach flu, take some advil, pop a generous dose of imodium advanced, and be on your way. Goodluck
Nah...if you're self-conscious about being sick, just apologize for being sick at the beginning of your interview but also say that you didn't want to miss the opportunity to meet with them. Nobody will begrudge you for getting sick. I mean, if you're feeling terrible and just don't want to be there, that's one thing, but everyone gets sick.
On the other hand, you can also turn it into something funny if you feel like it. One time, I was interviewing for a junior year internship and had bronchitis, which caused me to lose my voice. The guy I was interviewing with asked me if I was OK and thanked me for coming in while I was under the weather. In response, I explained to him that I was actually just trying to do my best impression of Don Corleone from The Godfather.
help...sick before an interview (Originally Posted: 01/10/2015)
Hey guys got a corp banking SA interview coming up (Monday) but I got really sick. I'm omw to the doctor's now but if I don't get better fully can I go into the interview and briefly mention that I'm a little under the weather? Do I just gun it through without mentioning anything? Or do/can I call HR and explain what happened so they are either aware or can push back.
My throats sore as shit ands hurting my ability to talk clearly and well which fuckin sucks...granted itll def impair my ability to seem confident/enthusiastic. Really the worst timing ever.
I remember gettin sick during interviews last year and got an offer with a runny nose but also lost my voice DURING another interview (phone). The last thing I wants the latter happening on monday. Any thoughts?
If your voice is audibly off then you can say "sorry I sound funny, I've been under the weather" or something, but I personally wouldn't mention it or ask for another interview unless you basically physically can't get out of bed. If you say you're sick people may just think you have a small cold or osmething and are being a puss
Gotcha thanks for the feedback. I was plannin on saying something like that since my voices off at the moment but gonna gun through it thanks
I'm supposed to have a phone interview this week, but I'm really sick. (Originally Posted: 01/27/2015)
I'm supposed to have a phone interview this week, but I'm sick-- specifically, I feel a lot of pain in my throat and chest when I speak at any volume louder than a whisper. Is this a legitimate reason to ask for the interview to be pushed back? Or do I have to roll with it. I dont want to give off the impression that I'm a pussy that can't handle a little cold to my company.
if you don't want to give off the impression that you can't handle a cold, then handle your cold. speak up, you'll have plenty of money for dayquil if you get the job.
Fight through it. You will be expected to do the same on the job.
Study and prepare. When it's gametime, drink some tea with honey, down some halls, take immense amounts of ibuprofen. Get through it.
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