Sick during interview?

[MNsocsci]

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I was wondering if anyone has been in the situation I'm in. I have a big interview coming up this week (UCSF) and I've completely lost my voice. I have a bad cold and my voice is now mostly a whisper except for a few croaks now and then. I'm really hoping it's better by Thurs. (intvw day) but what if it isn't? I can't reschedule (plane flight, late in season, etc.) so how do I make the most of it?

(Oh, and this voice problem has been going on since last Friday, so I don't think it's just a one day thing that's going to go away tomorrow.) Thanks for any advice!

 

[omgwtfbbq?]

okay, here are some tips. I used to have a TON of voice problems (vocal polyp) from being a singer and these helped

1.) gargle with salt water. it REALLY helps if there is inflammation. just does. don't exactly know why. and it helps a sore throat, hoarseness, just by the soothing aspect.

2.) drink a ton of water. we're talking a gallon a day. trust me on this one. it works wonders.

3.) DON"T TALK! don't even try to speak. whispering is the WORST thing you can do to strained vocal cords. so shhhhh, until interview day.

4.) if you're into the holistic stuff - singers saving grace - its a spray. you can buy it at any health food store. it has alcohol in it, not good for long term use, will dry you out, but for the day of your interview it may help

5.) did i mention WATER?

6.) WATER

7.) bring a pad of paper and a pen to your interview. Heck, i'd give you kudos for showing up partially ill. try to be as enthused as possible.
did i mention water, yet? and not whispering? hehe.

GOOD LUCK! i hope you feel better by interview day

 

[deleted50541]

I went to an interview while fending off the last remnants of bronchitis and water was definitely the key element that helped me get through the interview. Of course, I always have water during interviews anyway to keep my mouth from going dry.

Just keep things nice and quiet for the next day or two, sleep as much as you can, and lots and lots of fluids.

 

[slb830]

i had a terrible cold during one of my interviews and I know I didn't perform as well as I could have. Things I would suggest:

1) Be extra prepared. My brain was a bit sluggish due to my long illness and I wasn't incredibly quick on my feet. Preparation can help this.

2) Bring some sort of cough drop, etc, even if you dont think you'll need them. I had to go searching for something in the med school bookstore. They help when your throat gets dry from talking so much.

3) I totally agree with the WATER.
4) Bring tissues..there is nothign worse than you interviewer having to search for tissues in the middle of your interview.

good luck.

 

[Thundrstorm]

I've had a cold for a couple of interviews. At one, I had a coughing fit mid-interview, adn had to ask my interviewer if she minded me putting a cough drop in my mouth. She didn't seem to mind, but it was kind of embarassing.

As for losing your voice, that usually doesn't last too long... so just rest your voice, get sleep, take medicine, drink tea, and hope for the best.

Bring tissues and cough drops!

 

[shantster]

Stay away from dairy for a few days. Nothing makes you more flemmy than a nice big glass of milk. Water's good, and OJ is wonderful (especially the Calcium/Vitamin D enriched). If OJ makes your throat hurt, go for the low acid stuff instead.

 

[browniegirl86]

Another singer here.

Go buy some "Throat Coat" brand hot tea. It is awesome because . . . it coats your throat.

Not recommended for long-term use but it is nice for short term problems.

Good luck!

 

[CerealBox]

I was really sick at my UCSF interview too. I had a super runny nose and was coughing like crazy. I took cough syrup and ended up being in a daze the whole day. I think you should avoid meds that make you groggy. go with the water and cough drops instead.

I apologized for my sickness at the beginning of both interviews. The interviewers were very nice, but I think I still wasn't able to make my best impression.

 

[LucidSplash]

You didn't mention a cough in your post, but I DEFINITELY recommend Mucinex. I've never found cough syrup particularly useful in breaking up a cough or in supressing one and like a previous poster said, it knocks me out. At my doctor's suggestion a few weeks ago (I had a TERRIBLE cough/cold) I got some Mucinex (its OTC). The pills smell AWFUL but it worked for me.

Good luck!!!!

 

[ubcredfox]

Yes, I've been there. Being there sucks.

I'm actually sick right now, with something that seems like bronchitis. I've got an interview on the weekend.

I was actually sick, and I mean really sick, for my Northwestern interview too. I went in there on four aspirins, water and a hell of a lot of pep and vinegar.

The worst part about being sick is that I feel like I'm mentally numb and not as sharp. I think the best thing you can do is really pep yourself before the interview, and basically "forget" about your cold. Injectable adrenaline helps...

I'd prepare for my interview, but right now I feel so lazy...maybe in a couple of days...

 

[MNsocsci]

Thanks for all the helpful advice! I'm going with water/cough drops/tea and hoping for the best. It's been really hard to not talk much today but I'm trying. If my voice is still croaky on interview day I guess I'll just apologize for being sick and hope they can look past it. I can't help but feel that it might alter their impression of me, but oh well.

Thanks guys!