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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU to say something in my interview

77 replies

waterjungle · 14/10/2020 12:42

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!!!!

OP posts:
Bluesheep8 · 14/10/2020 13:20

I think you need to be seen by a doctor rather than an interview panel op. Sorry but your health comes first. You need to reschedule imo

amusedbush · 14/10/2020 13:24

I would go through with the interview if you feel physically able. As pp have said, they have a pool of candidates to pick from so I'd avoid rescheduling unless absolutely necessary.

Just mention it at the start and move on.

Newnamenewopenme · 14/10/2020 13:24

Can you email ahead? Just say something along the lines of: I’ve had an allergic reaction this morning, I’m fine other than a little swelling. Just letting you know in advance so there’s no shock when we connect.

ilovemydogandMrObama · 14/10/2020 13:24

Agree with mentioning it, and playing it down.

(and then dash to doctors....)

Sheena99 · 14/10/2020 13:28

You're having a day!! Had my first interview in 19 years over Zoom on Monday, so I have an idea of the nerves. I would drop them an email first, let them know you're having an issue, rather than springing it on them at the interview, explain you're happy to go ahead, but it'll save the palaver at the start, and means they won't be processing any surprise and not concentrating on you, if that makes sense? However you handle it, I wish you all the luck in the world, mine went well after all my nerves, I'm sure yours will too.

123becauseicouldntthinkofone · 14/10/2020 13:34

@CurlsLDN

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

This
Butchyrestingface · 14/10/2020 13:45

To be honest, I'd be worried that the interview panel would take one look at me and think I had some sort of serious illness and this would count as a vote against employing me (shouldn't happen but this ain't Walton's Mountain).

I recommend trying to rearrange. For your job prospects AND your health.

mamma4586 · 14/10/2020 13:48

I had an accident with my contact lense hours before an interview, and came in with one really red eye. I told them at the start, made a joke about it that they laughed at, and then got on with it. I got the job, so have hope it will be ok and may even work in your favour!

PETRONELLAS · 14/10/2020 13:48

Email first saying you’ve had a reaction to something. Good luck.

ChrisPrattsFace · 14/10/2020 13:51

It’s not an excuse though it’s an explication.
Just say hello, apologise that you’ve had an allergic reaction but you’re well enough to continue if they’re happy to.

Seaswims · 14/10/2020 13:54

If you feel OK to continue then yes, just mention it at the start. Good luck OP, let us know how it goes!

PleasantVille · 14/10/2020 13:54

@sapnupuas

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.

Why would you be shocked, you wouldn't know the person and for all you know that might be how they look all the time? The person doing the interview has no idea what interviewees look like, imagine if you offered to rearrange and found out it was their normal look. Shock
Bellabelles · 14/10/2020 13:58

I agree with those saying email ahead to whoever set up the interview - they will then have a quiet word with whoever is interviewing you and then there is no need to awkwardly have to draw attention to it during the call.

catnoir1 · 14/10/2020 13:59

Just say I've had a severe allergic reaction but I am fine to continue with the interview.

HollowTalk · 14/10/2020 14:00

Did you have red wine last night? I was like that once after drinking just a couple of glasses of wine - never had it before or since and have certainly tested it.

anniegun · 14/10/2020 14:15

Mention it in fairly light hearted way at the start and re-assure them it will not impact the interview. These things can work in your favour. Shows you don't let these things get in your way. Stops them worrying that you are not well. They will empathise about something like this happening to you just before an interview

VinylDetective · 14/10/2020 14:16

@Onairjunkie

Um, it sounds like you need to go to hospital in case your airway starts to become affected.
No wonder the NHS is overwhelmed.
CoralFish · 14/10/2020 14:18

You're appearance should not matter, but I would make a lighthearted comment so that they know you haven't been crying/ beaten up/ aren't about to collapse from anaphylactic shock. - "In case you're worried, this is just a cosmetic allergic reaction -- I'm not about to collapse or anything!"

TokyoSushi · 14/10/2020 14:20

Oh goodness OP, yes definitely mention it, or even email ahead. If it's really severe but a one-off, I'd perhaps say it's something like an 'unusual' allergic reaction, just so they don't think that it's something that's going to happen to you frequently.

I hope that you're ok, sending lots of luck!

DespairingHomeowner · 14/10/2020 14:21

@Smelborp

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

It would stand in your favour to me: gets on with it, doesn’t make excuses, maturity of character to handle unpleasant surprises and communication skills for not turning off camera

That said, likely won’t show as much on camera vs real life

Good luck with your interview!

howabouthisthen · 14/10/2020 14:22

Oh bless you!! How stressful. I would be tempted to claim my camera was broken !!... but agree with others posting here re: contact the person you arranged the interview with and let them know in advance that you are having an allergic reaction and hence don't look like you normally do (and emphasise you are fine to do the interview - if you are?). that way you don't have to be embarrassed about bringing it up in person.
really hope you are ok from a medical perspective, and hope the interview goes well!

Cleanmean · 14/10/2020 14:25

Oh how stressful. Good luck op, mention it before your interview and I'm sure they'll be fine. Really hope it goes well for you.

WeAllHaveWings · 14/10/2020 14:28

After being made redundant, I went through an interview once with a painful ear infection in both ears and had great difficulty hearing.

I apologised and the interviewers had to shout the questions to me, it was quite comical and the whole thing a bit more relaxed as I thought I was unlikely to get the job in the circumstances, they were kind about it and didn't ask too many challenging questions. They must have had some doubts as, although I was successful, they gave me the job as a temporary role for 6 months first before making permanent.

My advice would be to be open and honest. Good luck op.

2me2u2u2me · 14/10/2020 14:28

Just as the zoom is about to open, hold up a recent good photograph of yourself, then move it and show yourself and say that's what I normally look like ... then explain the unusual allergic reaction, say you didn't want to cancel and move on ... hopefully they will see it as a commitment and it may earn you brownie points Grin

PatriciaPerch · 14/10/2020 14:32

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