Operation date clash with final round interview

[FannyBurney]

I have a date booked for nhs major abdominal surgery. The job I applied for has a final selection two-day event that clashes with this date. There are three rounds of interviews in total according to the job ad. I would be fully recovered to start work in time for the start of the job.

I told selectors about the clash on my application from and went through the first round interview with headhunter. Had an email today from headhunter to say I was not being taken forward to second round because although I was an impressive candidate with the right experience and qualifications, they could not make alternate arrangements for me should I get through to the third round.

I emailed straight back to say I found this reason disappointing and to ask if the employers would interview me if I managed to change my operation date.

I then had an email and phone call from headhunter saying that in fact the employers were very keen to meet me and could I in fact attend the second round after all.

WTF? I work in education. I suspect for various other reasons that they may be a pretty amateurish outfit and that working for them could be a poisoned chalice, but I guess I'll go to the second round simply for interview experience. It's my first application to a job at this level.

I would not suggest cancelling your operation, your health must be your priority, you could end up waiting months for a new date. It makes you sound keen to go for the interviews but they may well take advantage of your good nature and flexibility in the future. I'd go for the second interview and see how it goes, if you get through to the final round then they may interview you the day before your op, tell them nearer the time that the surgeon was unable to cancel, it is a priority and saves you having time off in the future. Sometimes if you give an inch they take a mile. Good luck with the op.

That's totally normal and indeed even though you are a good candidate, there are others and therefore from their perspective interviewing you is not worth their arranging another date.

I would call your surgeon's secretary and ask if another date close afterwards could be offered. They are usually very understanding. It's then up to you to decide whether you prefer to wait for the surgery or give up this opportunity.

The stress involved in all that juggling around, concurrent with the time of your surgery would make me pull out if I were in that situation. Surgery requires recovery time and if it's major, even more reason not to put yourself under the pressure of interviews then getting into a new role, if you are accepted (esp if the recovery time takes longer than you forecast)

No job is worth as much as your health - without health and strength you have nothing.

If they want to see you for a second interview then I’m sure they’d change the date of the third.

Interviews are worth going to whatever, employers are so open and you learn a lot.