Do I apply for this job?

[coragreta]

I've seen a job advertised which is perfect for me. Perfect role, perfect hours, I think I would be really good at it. But the interview is next Tuesday when I am on holiday. It's also a group interview.
Is it worth applying? The application will take me a while and the deadline is tomorrow (only saw it yesterday). I don't want to waste my time filling out the application if there's no point. Any one ever been in this situation and still got the job?

Anyone??

What sort of holiday? just a day off, or away? If you're away would you cancel if you got an interview?

You're not going to get it if you don't apply, so I would apply now and decide about the holiday if they invite you.

It is worth ringing them, asking some questions about the role, giving them your best elevator pitch and asking if there is any way round the interview date thing. You've nothing to lose.

If they say no - and they probably will - you'll need to decide about the holiday. It depends how desperate you are for the job and, perhaps, whether you could make the lost holiday up to yourself in other ways.

Thanks for the reply's. Phoning is a good idea but I think I've left it too late to do that. The deadline is tomorrow.
I'm on holiday, it's our only family holiday this year so not really an option to change it.
If I did apply by wasn't able to make that date would I be better putting that in my email (you email in your application form) or mentioning it if they offer an interview?

It doesn't hurt to apply. If they think you're a good candidate they may consider a Skype interview. I guess it depends on what the other candidate are like and whether they think it's worth trying to accommodate you. But if you don't ask, you don't get!

I would also ring up, explain the situation and ask whether there is any wiggle room in the interview date. You won’t know unless you ask, and I always find that people are more receptive/accommodating if you ring them than if you email them.

You look much more assertive and can-do by ringing people. If you go to all the effort of applying without thinking you can do the date, it looks like you don't value your own time, or you are not being receptive to the employer.

Ring them even if it is difficult and feels too late. I know it's difficult, but a cover letter saying you can't make the interview date doesn't cut it I'm afraid. The Skype interview (or even just phone) is a really good thing to suggest to them.

The other way you could play it is to wait until you are offered the interview and then become unexpectedly unavailable, and see if they'll delay for you. You'd have to lie about being away though. Not the best start.