To wonder if in person vs remote interview matters here?

[LorettaYoung]

I've been invited to interview for a digital role at a luxury fashion brand and the interview will take a place in the building next to the showroom. Initially, the HR person asked me to come in for an in person interview. She then mentioned the office is 3 floors up and the lift is out, would this be ok. She then said we could offer online interview if better?

So I said yes to the latter and she then said 'hmm although it might be better to see round the showroom in person and it's a one stage interview.' So I said ok to in person!

Then she sent through the complicated sounding instructions to find them and added 'seriously it's no problem to change this to an online interview. Just let us know.'

My concern is I might not be fit enough depending on the building (it's a tall building) as I have endometriosis with some mild pain. I'm worried I'll be greeting the interviewer winded. But I also don't want to lose out if an in person interview will leave a better impression - I interview well generally. Should I push through for in person or go remote?

I would go in person and explain your physical difficulty if needed.

I don't think I'd be bent over in agony for the record, but there could be some breathlessness and mild discomfort once I'm at the top.

Just leave time to go steady and catch your breath / regroup at the top. It would put me off an applicant if they didn’t want to come in to see the environment etc

@MellowPinkDeer I know that is what I'm thinking from their point of view - it's just hard to gage as they keep offering online.

Sounds like they want to do an in person interview, but feel obligated to offer an online interview (maybe it is a requirement?). If you want this job and it will only cause mild discomfort, I'd go in person. Make.sure you have enough time to recover and take breaks.

luxury fashion brand

They want to look at you, to see if you're a good fit!

Sadly yes this

I always ask to use the toilet before going in to any interview, so do the same and take a few minutes to catch your breath.

I wouldnt get a good first impression from someone who pushed for a Teams interview.

I would be upfront and a bit cheeky, and just say I'd love to come and do the interview in person but am horribly unfit and can I have a few minutes after the stairs to catch my breath!

If you’re keen to do the in-person interview, maybe get yourself a stylish walking stick which will telegraph a mobility issue that both allows you to go up the stairs more slowly and explain any signs of effort.

I know you don’t have trouble walking, but little things like this can make a difference to perception when you don’t want to go into explanations.

you're probably right. And I am fashionable and will be well turned out/I'm getting a haircut the day before.

I'll go to the online interview and rest on the second floor if needed. I want to give myself the best chance after all. A few minutes tricky moments could land me a great job. Let's just hope if I get it the lift won't be permanently out of service!

I'd be wondering why their lift is out of action for so long??? If there are less able people working there, how are they climbing 3 flights each day? I'd certainly be a puffing, sweaty mess at the top. Best of luck with the interview and let us know how it goes 😊

If I heard "horribly unfit", I'd be thinking a candidate would be more likely to call in sick often. I would avoid saying anything. Totally prejudiced I know, but just being honest.

100% agree!

I don’t think many people would be put off from an in person interview just because of three flights of stairs. I would make the effort and catch your breath before you go in the main doors.
if you are the only one doing online it may put you at a disadvantage.