AIBU to cancel interview due to COVID?

[Sexisthairdressers]

I have a job interview this morning but have COVID. Didn't sleep. Work up feeling crap and did a test. Just emailed to cancel. Feel terrible that it's last minute and really want the job. Have asked to reschedule. Did I do the right thing? AIBU? For info, it was a 4 hour interview (tests etc then face to face interview - just don't think I could have got through it - quite apart from not wanting to infect everyone).

You won't get the job. I'd think you were flaky OP.

As an interviewer, I'd be relieved you didn't give me COVID.

I disagree. She has emailed to let them know she's unwell in good time and asked to reschedule. I'd think that was organised and give her a chance.

If it's an in person interview you were right to cancel. But be aware they may not be willing to reschedule, we don't do that at our place due to the hassle involved in reconvening panels etc.

YABU to even have tested.
COVID in 2025 is very different to COVID of 2020- 5 years of mutation and de-escalation as is normal for new viruses.

I would have done the same, I hope they reschedule, but if not so be it.
Hope you feel better soon

i often wonder in what circumstances people test

Not at all. When we interviewing recently one of the candidates rang to say she had covid. We rescheduled it for online a few days later

Sorry for the bad timing. If it was just an interview they may have rearranged for you but as it was an assessment day you’ve probably lost out. But I think you did the right thing and hopefully the right opportunity will come up soon. Get well soon.

I would be incredibly happy as your interviewer that you had a/ tested and b/ cancelled. Had COVID twice, both times couldn't work for two weeks and left with lingering respiratory issues, really don't.want it again.

I hope that's a joke..

OP, I wouldn't want you on my premises if you have COVID and I wouldn't think any less of you for cancelling.

That’s bollocks. As an interviewer, I’d be fuming if a candidate showed up visibly unwell and contagious.

You did the right thing, OP. You are so unwell that you were unable to sleep. The fact that it’s COVID or the flu is irrelevant. Hopefully they will reschedule. But if they don’t, I’d say you dodged a bullet. Do you want to work for the sort of organisation that expects employees to drag themselves out of bed to go into the office sick?

If I were desperate for the job I would have dosed myself up and carried on. You shouldn't have to, but the job market in some areas is very competitive right now. Sympathetic employers do exist, but they are in the minority. They will probably hire someone else today.

I don't think many people would want a job working for someone who thought getting sick was "flaky".

It's a tough one. It's not unreasonable to ask to reschedule but the reality is the job market is not good at the moment and unless you're in the unusual position of your skills/experience being in high demand, they probably have plenty of others to choose from without any further inconvenience.

I am sorry you have covid. I think you did the correct thing by asking if they can reschedule. I hope they can reschedule your interview.
Get well soon and good luck.

I'm sorry, but you are wrong. Two people I know have just had covid and both were very seriously unwell with it.

Ok I will bite.

I and my colleagues test because we work in a children’s home. Once Covid gets into our residential homes and staff and children become poorly it becomes a nightmare to look after the children safely when we are low on staff.

I also test as I have an 85 year old DM who comes to us every day for her evening meal. I do whatever I can to ensure she does not get Covid as the result could be awful.

Ive had Covid about 4 times now. A couple of times I just felt under the weather, twice I have felt bloody awful and had to go to hospital. I’m not scared of Covid but if we can do anything to prevent it spreading at work then we do. Simple.

The fact it’s Covid is irrelevant. But you are unwell and not able to perform at your best so it’s entirely reasonable to ask to reschedule the interview.

What if it was norovirus? I would be grateful you let us know and reschedule accordingly.

Of course you did the right thing. I would be furious if someone turned up for an interview or meeting who knowingly had Covid. I’m fully vacccinated but still spent a week unable to get out of bed last month because some selfish twat spread their illness to me and goodness knows how many others. I do a test if I have any flu or Covid type symptoms. Tests are extremely cheap and easily available, and it takes just 15 minutes to check if you’re infectious. I was every bit as ill last month as I was when I had Covid for the first time three years ago, and I couldn’t live with myself if I knew that I could have passed it on to someone who might be particularly vulnerable. I hope they will be able to reschedule things for you, OP.

This. You are ill and couldn't do the interview, so you've asked to reschedule. Entirely appropriate

I think you did right, it would have been the same with any virus which makes you feel similar.

Why are you still testing for Covid?? Why?

If you aren't well enough to attend, cancel, you may not get another chance as its a pain to reschedule a panel, but if you're not well, you're not well.

You are massively unreasonable for testing for Covid!

But what happens if flu comes in?
What if you give your mother flu?
Does your mum not go out at all?
Flu can and does still kill!