Need an excuse for asking to postpone job interview

[lkjhgfdrr]

I applied to a job and the recruiter has been in contact and asked if I'm available this week for a Zoom call with the team. I have a really rotten cold which is making my WFH job difficult, and have had to leave calls or turn my camera and mic off as I have been having constant coughing fits which make me gag and struggle to breathe. I know it sounds OTT but ever since I've had COVID colds make me having really awful coughing fits.

I need an excuse as to why I can't attend this week. They know I WFH so it's easy to slot a 30 minute Zoom call into my diary. I don't want to say I'm ill as I don't want to come across as unreliable.

Does anyone have any suggestions? I feel guilty as I haven't replied to the recruiter yet

Hospital appointment?

Call the recruiter. They’ll hear you’re unwell. They want you to get the job as much as you do. The recruiter will just call the employer and say ikjhgfdrr can’t make it. Will next Monday be ok?

I would just say you have a lot of work commitments this week and next week would work better for you

Just be honest and say you are ill. Everyone gets ill from time to time.

Just because you’re working from home it doesn’t actually mean you’re free, you could have back to back calls. Just say this week doesn’t work for you but Tuesday/Wednesday next week is good any time/after 2.

Just tell them you're ill and will struggle to speak through an interview.

Just explain to the recruiter that you currently have a bad cough that's already proving problematic in meeting calls (needing to turn off mic and camera) and that it wouldn't make a good impression or be productive if you were to have the interview this week.

That way you're not turning down the interview, just sensibly pointing out that it won't be productive to have it this week. Does the recruiter work for an agency or the company itself? If an agency, they're more likely to side with you because ultimately they want you to be successful in getting the job.

Just be honest! "Unfortunately I'm not well enough for calls this week as I'm battling a horrible cold, but I'm available next week on xyz"

As a recruiter, I'd prefer that than "I'm too busy" as while that might be true it makes you sound inflexible.

I am a recruiter. This happens all the time and companies are far more accepting of this post covid and it's nothing like the inconvenience of arranging a face to face interview.

I would be honest and just say you aren't well, struggling to do your normal day job, and that you are really interested in the role and the company so you want to give yourself the best chance of doing your best in terms of being able to prepare and also give the best impression of yourself that you can. The company will like that too

Totally agree with @lemonsaretheonlyfruit I too am a recruiter and this is really common. Believe me, the recruiter will want you to do your best and you aren't going to be able to if you are coughing and spluttering and feeling muzzy headed ! Just be honest and tell them how keen you are and that you want to do well. Good luck !

Tell the truth.

Aren't you worried you recruiter or their partner might be on MN? This type of thing you ask a friend in private not online.... unless this is an overseas non English speaking job...

"This week" is only this afternoon and tomorrow. It's perfectly reasonable for you not to be available for an interview at such short notice.

"I am not available this week. Here is my availability for next week: insert suitable windows]"

I had someone who was supposed to come in for an interview today, they emailed this morning to say they're not well enough, I offered them an alternate date, they've not got back to me yet.

My working assumption is that they've found or are interviewing for another opportunity they like better.

Flippin eck just be honest!! I'd rather employ someone who's human and gets ill, then someone who starts coming up with stories and excuses.

I'd seriously consider trying some cough suppressant medication before turning down an interview. If it's not a productive cough (ie, no gunk), a pharmacist would be able to advise a suitable OTC medication or you could just take the weakest codeine containing tablet OTC.

Why on earth would you begin a professional relationship with a lie?

Youre ill. Say you're ill.

My God its not complicated.

I was going to say similar. Starting an employment relationship by lying is never a good idea.

it’s also unfair on the employer as they should have all the facts before deciding whether or not they want to hire you!

Absolutely this. FFS.

I got offered an interview 2 weeks ago but was away on leave. I was honest and booked the interview when I got back. I got the job the same day.

Just be honest and ask if you can book it for Monday.

Yep

Another who doesn't know why you wouldn't just say you are ill.

If the company thinks that makes you unreliable, then they are unlikely to be any more impressed by any reason you dream up.