Is it bad to wear a mask during a case interview? There are positive cases in the house I live in.

UPDATE: The interview has already passed. I didn't need to wear a mask and it went as normal. Thanks for input. 

11 Comments
 

I really don't think a consultant would judge you in any way for wearing a mask, especially after all that's happened in the past years. 

The only true concern I have is that not being able to see your face might hurt your rapport with the interviewer. They're probably more likely to positively remember a candidate whose face they've seen. If you really want to wear the mask, I wonder if you could have it off for a few minutes at the beginning during introductions/chit chat, and then tell the interviewer you're going to put on a mask, if that's okay, because you're in a place where there's other people. Of course, they'll say it's fine, but at least they'll have seen your face. 

When you're wearing the mask, try to be expressive with nodding and gestures, etc. (but not too much) and don't have a monotone voice. 

 

If I interviewed 2 candidates and let’s say they’re pretty much identical, except one is wearing a face shield and mask on the call while the other isn’t.. taking the one without 10 times out of 10.

Sounds like you’re alright with that though. Good luck

 

Ok...I understand that...but like...it's not the person's fault that there's a positive case in their house and that they want to be safe, you know? I'm not sure why they should risk their health for a job or just to move onto the next round. 

 
Most Helpful

They shouldn’t, you’re right. But life is about calculated risks. You’re in a different room. Mask is all you need for covid, adding a face shield doesn’t do much. Mainly for hospitals where you have patients squirting and shooting liquids on you.

If I saw a potential hire being that cautious… I would worry they might be a little difficult to work with. Fair critique… probably not. In all honesty it would likely be fine.. but I would still take the other candidate as I would assume they would be more go with the flow and chill in a work environment. Just my .02, I’m sure others view it different.

 

Can’t you just communicate with your roommate that you have an interview and that you need to do it in the kitchen? I don’t get how this is so hard.

 

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