Interview- what to tell employer?

[wooga]

I work lunchtimes in a school but have applied for a similar but more challenging post at a school nearer to me with more hours.

The job interview is at lunchtime in order for me to be around the children and members of staff and see what's involved.

It will clash with my current job and the voluntary listening to reading that I normally do in the morning before I work there.

My employer knows my situation- that I'm a single mum having to claim some jsa and that I need more hours.

Do I just tell them why I can't come in that day?
I don't feel it's right to lie to them,but am I making a mistake in being honest?

[LonelyCloud]

I wouldn't tell them if I could avoid it. Some employers get upset if they find out staff are applying for other jobs, regardless of how good their reasons are.

I'd say that I needed the day off for private personal reasons, or because I had an important appointment. While trying to avoid the word job interview.

[Nevercan]

Or throw a sicky but be careful no-one sees you

[wooga]

Thank you for your replies,it's a tricky one but it looks like I have no choice.

I feel bad about it and I'm the world's worst liar- stammering while turning red!

I've never had interviews clashing with work before so it's a new situation for me.

[FlibberdeGibbet]

Generally in schools staff tend to be quite open about jobhunting - teachers will ask for time off for interviews, and if you are moving to another school, the potential new employer should seek references if you are shortlisted, so the cat would be out of the bag then.

Can you discreetly ask other staff what the approach might be? I would advise honesty, and I am sure you can explain that you are attracted to a post with more challenge - you never know, they might be able to offer you something where you are at the moment!

[wooga]

Thank you Flibber,good points there!

I will consider that,I would rather be honest than sneak around and then look bad.

[thixotropic]

One employer I Knew of used to ask, at interview 'where does your boss think you are now?' And if anyone said 'dentist' or 'pulled a sickie ' they got no further.
I just ask for leave and say 'personal' if asked.

[Rockchick1984]

Personally I'd tell them the truth - I once told my manager I needed time off for an interview, the following day he had a big chat with me about why I was looking to leave, valued team member etc etc. I explained my reasons for looking (felt I had no room for progression in my existing role). Didn't get the other job, but got promoted in my existing role think it made them realise I was someone they didn't want to lose.

[wooga]

Well,I decided to be upfront- good thing too as the other school are requesting references!

The school know I won't be in on that day and why.

I picked up dd from school today,she said she'd been feeling sick all afternoon- poor thing has thrown up so no school for her for at least 48 hours.Apparently another bug going around the school.

I will have to phone work to say I can't go in tomorrow,I just hope ds doesn't get it too.

I'm usually very reliable,typical!

[aroomofherown]

Glad you were upfront - in my experience schools are always upfront about jobhunting. Usually schools appoint on the day and you have to accept on the day, so it's a quick turnaround and therefore much better that the school has some idea what's going on.

Good luck!