What have you said to get out of work to go to a job interview?

[KitKat1985]

I work as a nurse in the NHS. I've applied for another role but I'm very aware that if I do get an interview there's a good chance it'll likely be when I'm on shift so need a reason to leave. What excuses have you come up with to leave work for an hour or two? It's a team that's linked with my current work team so worried that if I lie and say I'm sick or similar it'll look bad or I'll get found out. Or have you just bitten the bullet and told the truth?

I have previously booked any leave for interviews as holiday eg half day

I’ve either booked annual leave or told the truth and worked flexi for it. Wouldn’t ever lie, no need too.

Why lie? You're entitled to time off for interview.

Depending on the company, it really depends on how you play it. Some will support you going for an interview while some will take it as an insult. As you work for the nhs, you can probably just be honest and tell them you have applied. It sounds like an internal transfer and they might help you to get the role. Good luck!!

Dentist, doctors, failed childcare etc.
Used to work in hospitality on zero HR contract and if they thought you were interviewing elsewhere they'd kill you by contract (give you fewer and fewer shifts).
Once I was a manager, I had to battle for time off so it was easier to call in sick than to try and book time off.

Swapped shifts , Taken AL. If it's literally within same hospital may as well be honest. Biggest gossip places ever so you risk being spotted sitting outside for the interview by someone you know. Not really such a big deal normally.

Booked half a day’s holiday for a “private appointment” - never questioned. Used the time to get ready properly, and in one case have my hair done for a job I really, really wanted. I got it.

Oh sorry, I read OP wrong, yeah in your shoes I'd tell the truth

Yeah you're right. Maybe half a days leave would be easiest than try to make up some crap excuse.

“Can I book a half days leave please”

If it’s a team that’s linked to yours aren’t you best to telling the truth?

Unless there's a really good reason not to, I would be up front with your manager about having an interview for another job. I was in a similar position a few years ago, didn't tell my manager and then of course he found out and it was very embarrassing.

@maddy68

Why lie? You're entitled to time off for interview.

Unfortunately that’s not right, employees are not entitled to time off for interviews I do get why people lie, if you ask for holiday and it’s refused then it gets a bit tricky. But if the teams are linked, telling the truth is the best idea IMO

Told them I had a solicitor's appointment as I was thinking of suing my neighbour. In response to questions afterwards I said the advice was I'd lose.

Doctors app normally- go for an hour then come back. This was always in private practice tho and luckily have always got the job so only had to lie the once per job

But I do find hospitals more supportive so depending on your manager I think I'd be honest

Al or doctors appointment and try and arrange for first thing or last thing or even lunch time . If you already work for the nhs it’s probably a bit different to my industry there is no way I’d say I’m going for a interview.