Rescheduling first round interview (graduate role)

Question

I'm feeling very ill right now I definitely would not be able to do an interview for an hour straight without excusing myself. I have a first round interview coming up this Wednesday afternoon. This is for an associate consultant role (winter intake). From my understanding, all first round interviews are meant to be done between last Wednesday till the upcoming Wednesday. Second round interviews are supposed to take place some time between this Thursday till the end of next week.

Do companies usually allow for rescheduling? Do I need a doctor's note/proof?

If this isn't allowed how should I phrase cancellation of my interview to ensure it won't be a problem if reapply here.

Answer 1

Hey there,

Definitely don't take the interview if you are not feeling your best. Call HR right away and tell them.

Usually, they are very accommodating to candidates' needs. In my local McKinsey office you could have cancelled and rescheduled on the day still if you didn't feel well and it was not an issue…

Get well soon!

Cheers,

Florian

Answer 2

Hello!

I'm sorry to hear you're not feeling well! Definitely reach out to your recruiter to explain the situation and reschedule the interview. Generally there are always exceptions to the standard interview schedule, so the firm should be able to accommodate you. I don't think you need a doctor's note, though you can provide one if you want.

Get well soon!

Answer 3

Communicate. Communicate. Communicate.

One of the hallmark qualities of consulting firms is that it is generally best to community any difficulties you are having. It is part of the culture - and will also apply before you have joined the firm.

Please do communicate clearly to them that you are unwell and not at peak efficiency for giving an interview. They will most likely accommodate your request.

Even when you join the firm - the same policy applies. Communicate. Communicate. Communicate.

Answer 4

Hi, I'm sorry for it. I would explain it to HR, avoiding doing the interview in these conditions. Rescheduling interviews for health issues - especially in this period - is totally standard

Best,
Antonello

Answer 5

Hi there,

Sorry to hear about this - the timing sucks :/

Reach out to HR (call first, then email if they don't answer) and explain your situation. Make sure that your honesty/earnestnest comes across so that they don't feel like you're making an excuse.

They should be open to rescheduling…these things happen.

Answer 6

Hi there,

Sorry to hear you don't feel well, hope you can recover soon.

I would call HR and clarify (calling in this case is better than writing an email as you can get an answer immediately and explain more clearly the situation).

There may not be issues rescheduling, but that depends on the company and office as well.

If it is not possible to reschedule and you feel it is impossible to do the interview now, I would ask if the interview could be moved to the next recruiting cycle (assuming it is not too far away).

Hope this helps,

Francesco