You've been preparing for this day for a long time now; researching about the company, practicing your introduction, sitting up straight and putting your outfit together. Nothing can go wrong and you are sure you are getting hired. Everything goes well until THE day, and then you got sick.
What now? Does calling in sick and asking for a reschedule too much? Read the following advices originally written by Vicki Salemi, a hiring manager and specialist, and it could just save you from looking like a total let down.
Stay. At. Home.
Of course you want to impress your future boss and prove your dedication by dragging yourself and still show up. After all, you are professional and you want to leave a great first impression, and cancelling on the last minute might not be the best way to demonstrate it--but face it: you are more likely to screw things up.
You may not be able to think straight, be irritable and uncomfortable the whole time, look bad or worse, pass out or lose control of your sick self. Spreading the virus in the office will not be on your plus points too.
Learn that being sick is a valid reason to postpone it and more importantly, you should prioritize your health first in order to function optimally. Consider that recruiters and hiring managers tend to get cancellations from time to time, and it is completely understandable that getting sick on the day of the interview is not in your hands.
Pick Up The Phone.
Call-don't email. It would be very sincerer and convincing that you are rescheduling because you really can't make it. Explain your condition and thank them for their kind consideration. Also, take the initiative to suggest a more suitable time for your postponed interview. Your potential employers will note your enthusiasm to pursue the interview and get the job if you do so.
Move On.
Don't overanalyze it. Focus on getting better. According to Salemi, rescheduling the interview because of sickness does not alter her impressions of the candidate. It "didn't tarnish their reputation or negatively impact their job interview". It was really a plus point because she sees that they are prioritizing their health (and the people from the other end's health) first.
So, when you've finally recovered and well, show up on on time, on your best disposition, thank the person on his/her understanding and flexibility and go get the job! Good luck!
