AIBU to say something in my interview

[waterjungle]

I have an interview in a few hours time. Like most interviews at the moment because of COVID it is via Zoom. It is 20 years since I have had an interview and it is my first since leaving my previous job after having my kids.

I woke up this morning with some kind of allergic reaction. My whole face is swollen and the skin is peeling off. My eyes basically look like two currants in a Chelsea bun and my entire head looks like the last potato in the bag. I also feel like something is trying to kick it's way out of my head.

Do I say anything to the interviewers about my appearance? I don't want to say anything about physically feeling like shite as I don't want to come out with excuses but appearance wise?

I thought I would just try and style it out but I've tried putting make up on and it just looks even worse. What the actual fuck do I do? I know it's not about looks but there is going to be five people looking at my face on their computer screens and my face looks obviously strange.

Do I say something or is it really bad to kick off an interview with excuses? I mean FFS why today!!!!

That sounds really bad op have you spoken to a medical professional for some treatment? Please dont worry about the interview, I would call and explain you have had an allergic reaction and need to reschedule

Can you take some anti histamine ?

Id make a quick joke of it at the start and move on swiftly.

Um, it sounds like you need to go to hospital in case your airway starts to become affected.

You sound like you need a doctor

I would just begin by saying 'please excuse my appearance, I'm having an allergic reaction but I am fine and keen to continue' then move on.

Best to mention it I think or it'll be playing on your mind throughout, but if you are clear and concise it doesn't come across as an excuse (for what?) And should seem professional

Turn the camera off on your computer and say it's broken

I've taken antihistamine. I also had a look at myself on the video screen and it's not good. Doesn't help that I've been up with a screaming child since 4am. Ive got a call back with a doctor but I don't think anything it going to fix me in time.

They will probably tell you to reschedule when they see your face anyway op. If it was me I'd be wondering why on earth you didnt get in touch rather first

I'm also fine by the way in terms of airways- I'm not wheezy and my lips aren't swollen.

If you are sure you are well enough to do the interview, yes just say at the start, 'before we get into the interview could I explain that I've had an allergic reaction, please forgive me if it seems I'm squinting at you'.

Make sure your lighting is as comfortable as possible, don't have the light coming from behind you, raise your camera so its eye level, and turn zoom filter up to maximum. Good luck 👍

Definitely say something! If you don't you'll seem really odd. If this was a meeting with colleagues you'd say something. Just say a quick apologies for my swollen face, it doesn't usually look like this. Definitely won't keep using the new shampoo! And launch into a question or return it back to the interview so they don't get bogged down in it.

I'd mention it. When they all do they hellos and names etcm just a hello, I'm Margaret. Please excuse me face l, I seem to have come out in an allergic reaction overnight. Anyway, ... And change the subject

I can't believe you're going through with it.

Good luck. I hope you're better soon.

Contact them and explain - say you think you should be okay for the interview but you've called 111 and so you thought you should warn them just in case the callback hasn't happened by then or you're told to go to hospital. They might then offer an alternative slot, and if not they'll hopefully be understanding.

(Something similar happened to me - I was able to get to the interview, but I looked a mess, and I was glad I'd sent them an email so they were forewarned.)

I’ve done a lot of zoom interviewing and I think it’s harder to see closely compared to face to face so they might not notice. I would also have you mentioned it if you were going to be worried about it. I’ve found it is also much easier to rearrange interviews over zoom than standard face to face ones.

@sapnupuas

I can't believe you're going through with it.

Good luck. I hope you're better soon.

If she wants a chance of the job, she’ll have to. Even with the best of reasons, missing the initial interview will make any employer think twice

Oh poor you, OP. I would briefly mention it at the beginning - the PP's reference to squinting had the right time I think - so it wouldn't play on my mind. I don't think it will come across as an excuse - I wouldn't take it as one as as interviewer. Best of luck for the interview and feel better soon 🍀

*right tone

I would call HR (or the person who arranged your interview) and explain to them on the phone. Then they can prewarn the panel on your behalf.
Good luck.

I understand she wants the job but if I was on the interview panel I'd be shocked and probably offer to rearrange.

I certainly wouldn't hold it against someone.

100% mention it. I’d send an email in advance and repeat it at the start.

My friend had an interview less than 48hrs after having a precancerous mole removed from her face. She mentioned the reasons behind her appearance at the beginning of the interview.
She got the job (and loved it)

Personally I would say something at the start and then move on quickly so they don't think you are playing a "get out of jail card". I would not make out my camera was broken or reschedule because frankly if you reschedule they will move on to someone else.

Good luck - hope it goes well and hope you recover soon!

If you’re ok to be interviewed, just mention at the start that you’re having an allergic reaction but you’re ok to proceed.
I think that would make a good impression - you may be having a reaction but it’s business as usual.