Pets interrupting online interviews: cute or unprofessional? I have a new kitten who is rather clingy, and she decided to hop up on camera during my last Zoom interview. Usually, people are like, “Oh, how cute,” anytime an animal comes on screen. However, my interviewer today didn’t comment any time my cat would appear or walk across the keyboard, and he actually looked pretty annoyed. Now I’m worried I've doomed my chances at this job because I didn’t lock up my cat somewhere.

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Unprofessional. I love animals, like most people, which is exactly why they are a problem. They are incredibly distracting and letting them be disruptive shows a lack of respect IMO. Just like I wouldn't want someone's kid constantly interrupting a meeting or interview.

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I agree w the kid thing. Animals are always welcome.

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I don't know that you've completely ruined your chances but I do think that you could take this as a learning opportunity.

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It’s cute if it is a meeting with a coworker, unprofessional for an interview or with clients.

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Hey before same problem

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Unprofessional. Cute and no big deal if you're meeting with coworkers. Not appropriate for an interview. I love my pets too, but I always shut them out of my home office when I've got an interview scheduled.

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Some therapists use animals as treatment for their patients.

You could always shoot a thank you for job interview email. Something along the lines of i wanted to thank you for the opportunity to interview for the -- position. It was a pleasure meeting you. I apologize for the interruptions with my new kitty...i learned that it is always best for me to secure him elsewhere etc...I don't know something like that. Nothing too long or drawn out.

It's definitely unprofessional, but if you truly want the job maybe see if there's a way sneak a little message that says thank you, I do value your time.

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I wouldn’t make apologies for the obvious. Leave it alone. They are already aware of the kitten. But definitely send a thank you.

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If I’m interviewing you and there are animals running around, I won’t think it’s cute at all. If we’re coworkers and a pet or even your kid walks into frame I’ll wave and ask if he wants to join the call.

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In my opinion, it's unprofessional. It can seem to them that distractions will be an issue and productivity won't be there. I have 2 big dogs, but when I'm interviewing or working, my dogs are outside or in another room. You do whatever you feel is ok, but for interviews at least make it appear you're a professional.

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Absolutely

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Unprofessional, sorry. I've been a Recruiter for over 10 years, and first impression matters ALOT when I'm deciding whether or not to move an applicant to an interview step. I don't enjoy my time being wasted by a distracted applicant, and if they act like the phone interview isn't important, then I won't potentially waste my managers time with an applicant that doesn't seem engaged. Personal note: I adore animals, and understand pet interruptions.. but its not professional during an interview.

likesmart

Make sure the animal is comfy before the interview

If your interviewer looked visibly annoyed and didn't acknowledge the cat, it may have signaled that it was hurting the flow of the conversation. If not, hey it can happen.

likeuplifting

Distractions can be triggering for some hiring managers, as they may question your level of focus with the job if you’re not able to focus during the interview. It is best to avoid having any type of disruptions during a professional interview. It shows common courtesy and that you’re focused on Meeting with the hiring team.

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Unless you are interviewing at an animal rights organization, place the kitten in another room.
Having pets around doesn’t convey respect to the interviewer and the time they are providing to get to know you.

likefunny

You are so not mature enough for a professional role posting like this

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To judge me by having a well trained dog is funny, and to not take what I said into context about Interview VS co-worker would make sense for your comment, if I had to make an excuse for it. Furthermore, not that I have to explain this to you- I have taken a step down from corporate salary roles to pursue work that is less demanding. A self demotation, if you will- as I took the plunge and started my own business. I’m looking for part time work in customer service so I can put the money (100% of it) into my business. So, go be pompous on a different platform. I don’t have time for your negatory assumptions and snobbery. The fact of the matter is, people are salty that I am cut and dry about it and that I’m completely right. Too bad that your view is based on a pessimistic world view. I apologize that my life and outlook is clearly better than yours, by the looks of it.

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I had a similar thing happen to me when I interviewed for my current job. The very day before my interview, my husband and I found a kitten and decided to keep it. It was only 4 weeks old and I wasn’t comfortable leaving it alone. So, at the top of the interview when the interviewer asked me to tell them something about myself, I told them about the new kitty. We bonded over the love of animals and then the interview continued as normal. Four more interviews later, I got the job. This all to say, it depends on how you approach the conversation

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I definitely think it depends on your audience. And I probably wouldn't encourage it for an interview. While I would think it was cute, other interviewers might get annoyed or feel like you're not taking it seriously.

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Exactly. If they want you they want you. Lot of reasons to not hire someone.

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I love animals too and been a volunteer for an animal charity for 7 years. However, I would err on the side of caution re: video interviews. If you can, keep your pet(s) in another room for the duration. Bless their little paws.

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I hope you get the job you interviewed for but Im wondering why you didn't temporarily restrict the cat for 30-45 minutes just by closing a door.

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It’s one thing not to be a cat person, that’s already red flag in my book. But to be annoyed because a cute kitten hopped up on the screen? I mean, do you really even wanna work with people like that?

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This is a valid concern. I have a clingy cat who INSISTS on sitting on my arms/keyboard and somehow knows when I'm on ZOOM, therefore a captive audience for him. My dog also barks at times.

I think the ideal is to pen them up somewhere during the interview if possible, and let your new work fam encounter them once you've GOT the job.

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I love animals! I have a dog, but she just stays in her bed in the background. She seems to know when I'm in a meeting and will get up after. I would think a pet walking across a keyboard would be a negative as it indicates a disruption in your working environment -- especially if it is remote.

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