Interview over the phone while sick?

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.

21 Comments
 

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.

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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.

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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?

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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.

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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

 

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