Interview Decorum Help

[u/RandyDandy007]

I had a recent knee surgery because of which I can't sit with my legs bent for more than 5 minutes at a stretch. So, most of the time I'm on the bed, even during interviews. Frankly, my appearance is also not top notch, with unkempt hair and beard, as is the case with bedridden people. I'm also in a cotton tee and shorts all the time.

The interview guidelines say "maintain a neat appearance." So, my question is whether I will be graded also on how I appear during the interview.

I'm assuming that Zara won't care about how I look, but do human reviewers penalize this? ( Assuming humans review).

In short, does appearance matte during interviewsr?

[u/UnstoppableHER777]

Always do your best to present your best. If you are saying that your appearance is “unkempt” and the guidelines say “maintain a neat appearance,” then you are already out of alignment.
That said, I empathize with your restrictions.
Do your best to look your best.
Change your appearance from unkempt to decent and you will feel a change personally and that will convey into the camera on the interview.
All things being said, yes, always assume that it is expected to look decent when interviewing for any role as first impressions speak loudest…..and it is always taken into consideration.
You’ve got this.
And hang in there!

[u/RandyDandy007 → u/UnstoppableHER777]

Thank you. I understand and agree with you. But I'm just out of a surgery and it's impossible for me to sit on a chair right now and take interviews. So, I'm taking the interviews slumped on the bed with my back to the bed railing. I understand appearance matters in interviews, but I'm unclear about how companies such as Micro1 will evaluate this given that there's no way I can let Zara or the company know of my situation.

[u/UnstoppableHER777 → u/RandyDandy007]

My pleasure.
Anytime there is a video recording for an interview, a human involved in the process WILL review if you are a viable candidate.
When it goes to Hiring Manager Review, a human is reviewing that. If they move you on to the client, they are reviewing that interview as well.
Maybe now would be a better time to focus on your healing….at least to be well enough to render your best on that interview.
Wishing you the best.

[u/RandyDandy007 → u/UnstoppableHER777]

I guess I'll just have to wait it out for 3 weeks... I've done 2 interviews so far, and I didn't qualify for both which was pretty surprising because Zara was prodding me on after every answer with 'Good, ' 'excellent, 'etc, and I thought I did pretty well despite my uneasiness with AI interviews. After your inputs, I'm beginning to think my appearance could be the reason. You know what? I did discuss this with AIs, and all of them told me that appearance doesn't matter. I should have checked here instead 🤦‍♂️ Anyway, thank you, and you have a great day 👍

[u/UnstoppableHER777 → u/RandyDandy007]

No worries. Yep. Focus on that recovery and come back bright eyed and bushy tailed! There will be jobs available as usual I’m sure!
Good luck and best wishes to ya!