Job interviews: what happens if you are sick on the day?

Ask Kate Column: BT writes: “I was just wondering if you wake up sick on the morning of an interview, is it bad to ring up and tell them you are ill and ask for the interview to be rescheduled?”

Hi BT, you cannot help being sick and I reckon it is an act of consideration not to take your germs into someone’s office.

Saying that, I imagine that calling in sick to a job you haven’t yet landed will leave a doubt in the mind of the hiring manager or recruitment consultant.

Things might go easier if there has been a lot of flu about and you sound dreadful on the phone.

However, hiring is usually a drain on time and resources for all concerned and so if there are other good candidates who do show up then you will probably be left at a disadvantage.

Sorry I wasn’t able to offer a more positive answer. Good luck.

Follow up: BT wrote back that she did ask for a re-scheduled interview but was told it was either that day or no way. She has put it behind her and continues with her search.