Interview with a Broken Ankle

[Anonymous]

So I have several prescheduled interviews coming up. And- I just broke my ankle. Cast, crutches, the whole nine yards. What do I do? Do I let them know ahead of time? Try to reschedule? Ask for a phone interview?

[Anonymous]

You go in, show up in time and let them know you are capable of meeting life's challenges and still show up for work.

I don't know why you'd let them know ahead of time unless the job entails physical labor and some type of physical test.

Never request a phone interview when a face to face is preferred.

Honestly, op, the fact that you think a broken issue may affect your ability to show up as scheduled is concerning.

[Anonymous]

Just proceed. Life goes on.

[Anonymous]

I'll be a dissenter, having had ankle surgery. How much pain are you in / are you on pain meds at this point? Definitely don't want to interview if you're not totally with it due to pain and / or pain meds. But that would just need a couple days to reschedule - I think I was off the hard stuff in less than a week, certainly for daytime use.

[Anonymous]

If you are not in pain etc., go and I would tell them. You certainly don't have to, but people tend to focus on the unfamiliar or unexpected and that is not where you want the focus to be.
I would say something light and breezy, like, "I am looking forward to meeting you!, I should be easy to spot; I'll be the one on crutches". Takes the surprise out of the equation and makes for a good icebreaker.
Good luck!

[Anonymous]

If you can do it, do it. Yes, I'd be concerned that I might be perceived unconsciously by the interviewer as "weak" (terrible, but true)- so I'd say something ahead of time. 1808 is spot on.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thanks for the insight. I am definitely not worried about being able to show up. I can make it work, get there, and do well. But I am concerned that I will look awkward on the crutches and might be judged based on that. I thought perhaps sending a heads up would take the surprise out of that. But I like turning it into a positive... just another challenge I am more than capable of overcoming.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Thanks for the insight. I am definitely not worried about being able to show up. I can make it work, get there, and do well. But I am concerned that I will look awkward on the crutches and might be judged based on that. I thought perhaps sending a heads up would take the surprise out of that. But I like turning it into a positive... just another challenge I am more than capable of overcoming.

I did a few job interviews with a giant knee brace after tearing my acl. It was a great way to break the ice and I think the interviews went much better as a result.

[Anonymous]

Actually they should be asking if you need any accomodations regardless of whether or not they know you broke your ankle. I would certainly give them a heads up - especially if you need elevator or special parking.

[Anonymous]

Email ahead of time in case they plan on having you walk around a lot to meet people, see the space, etc.

"Hello. I am looking forward to our interview. I just wanted to let you know that I broke my ankle. The injury is minor, but I didn't want to show up on crutches without letting you know."

To me, it shows dedication to go to the interview still.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You go in, show up in time and let them know you are capable of meeting life's challenges and still show up for work.

I don't know why you'd let them know ahead of time unless the job entails physical labor and some type of physical test.

Never request a phone interview when a face to face is preferred.

Honestly, op, the fact that you think a broken issue may affect your ability to show up as scheduled is concerning.

Oh shut up. I'm so sick of you overly concerned folk. Relax. OP asked a valid question.

[Anonymous]

I agree that emailing them ahead of time is fine, but don't worry about it too much beyond that if you can help it.

"Just so it's not a surprise..." etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Email ahead of time in case they plan on having you walk around a lot to meet people, see the space, etc.

"Hello. I am looking forward to our interview. I just wanted to let you know that I broke my ankle. The injury is minor, but I didn't want to show up on crutches without letting you know."

To me, it shows dedication to go to the interview still.

As an HR professional I would appreciate this. It would not be a big deal if he/she didnt, but I would want to make the candidate feel comfortable and probably find an office to conduct the interview closer to the entrance.

[Anonymous]

Don't reschedule. Arrive and laugh it off. Tell a good story. If the interviewer can relate, it may be what seals the deal.

[Anonymous]

Just practice your 22nd response for when people ask you what happened. Premed and transition the conversation quickly. Practice this. Otherwise, you may get lost in conversations about interviewers own breaks, their childrens' broken bones and the like. Practice a thoughtful, strong comment followed by transitioning the interviewer into the interview. This may not be your role, but you will likely need to call upon it during the interviews. Manage the situation.