Dear Experts,

I went on an interview & used the restroom beforehand. I saw an employee NOT wash their hands. Turns out the person was my interviewer! I reacted by not shaking hands – I just stared and stammered. Well, the interview was tense as a result. The worst part is the job is AWESOME (with the exception of working with someone who doesn’t wash their hands!). How do I save the situation?

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Here is how our T.A.P. experts answered this question:

@kgrantcareers Q#170 Send thank u letter nd call. Blame on nerves, don’t admit 2 interviewer not washing hands. State int n job – heavily!

@keppie_careers Q#170 Take this as a lesson for future-focus on goal = getting job. Next time, worry about germs later.

@gradversity Q#170 Agree with experts. Shake hands and deal with it after. You may want to keep looking as this one might be a lost cause.

@beneubanks Q#170 Shake anyway next time. There are germs everywhere! Re: situation-tell ‘em you were nervous. Apologize!

@jtodonnell Q#170 Good reason to carry hand-sanitizer! Could always fake a wrist injury next time to skip the shaking!

@iplawman Q#170 Send thank you ltr citing interest/quals, follow-up. Shaking hand is gr8 relationship builder – ignore bathroom incident.

@DebraWheatman Q#170 Might need to move on. Establishing rapport early sets tone & is part of process. Send positive follow-up; hope 4 best.

@resumesrevealed Q#170 Ewwww! Send TY note; stress intrest in job, ur qualifications, enthusiasm, etc. Dont bring up handshke (or lack of).

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