Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Flexible and made to last.

Meet the Other Phone.
Flexible and made to last.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

Original poster

Best excuse to give to attend job interview?

32 replies

MargaretMorris · 31/08/2021 12:04

Hi everyone, I have a job interview next week but I don't know what the best excuse to give my current work is going to be.

I'm miserable at work, getting some support from the doctor to get through it. My employers are also under close watch from health & safety as they shunned the risk assessment recommendations & over half the office has covid now.

Anyway, I was planning to pull a sickie as I haven't been off sick for over a year. But then last week I actually did get sick and had to take 2 days off. I can't even say I have a GP appointment as they aren't face to face yet either.

I hate lying but this job is a great opportunity and I need to get out of there. What would be a good reason or excuse?

OP posts:
FinallyHere · 31/08/2021 12:10

Personal reasons.

NiceTwin · 31/08/2021 12:15

Book a days leave.

Original poster
MargaretMorris · 31/08/2021 12:28

@NiceTwin

Book a days leave.
We aren't allowed without several weeks notice unfortunately. It is a bit ridiculous but there is every chance they will just refuse up front.

@FinallyHere can I really say that?! I'm not coming in today due to personal reasons Grin I think they'll know...

OP posts:

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about these subjects:

General health Jobs
JennaPenna · 31/08/2021 12:30

If you can't book leave then it'll put down a sick anyway wouldn't it? So just say you aren't well

Original poster
MargaretMorris · 31/08/2021 12:47

I don't know JennaPenna

I was thinking if I make up a house issue then I would at least be able to and would be expected to work from home. I just hate lying!

I suppose I want to go for the most feasible option. I suppose I can say I'm sick but they probably won't believe me/suspect.

OP posts:
MoreAloneTime · 31/08/2021 12:48

In the real world most people either do a sickie or say its a medical appointment.

LegendaryReady · 31/08/2021 12:52

Just tell the truth. It won't do any harm at all for them to know you're looking.

tobypercy · 31/08/2021 12:53

will the place you're going for interview consider moving the time to suit you? End or start of the day, or lunchtime? It might be worth asking. We do a lot of interviews at 5.30!

gogohm · 31/08/2021 12:55

Medical appointment for a personal matter, if it's a male hint it's "women's problems" they don't ask any more. I'm guessing it's not all day so just ensure you don't look too smart on your return to work, if any enquiries more so you would rather not say

FinallyHere · 31/08/2021 12:58

Personal reasons has the merit of being the truth. If anyone tries to probe further, you say you don't want to say any more because ... it's personal.

The more specific you are, the more likely you are to get caught out in a lie.

You are expecting to get out of there soon enough, anyway, aren't you? Why fash yourself meanwhile ?

Ladyrattles · 31/08/2021 13:00

If you do want to fib.... The GPs are still doing smear tests. I had to go on a specific day a couple of weeks back as it's the only time they are doing that clinic. You could tell them something like that if they wanted more info of why you are at a GP in person.

CeceJoyce · 31/08/2021 13:04

Ive been in person to the drs a few times the last 6 months. Just say you’ve been having some issues and the doctor needs to examine you in person and they may need to refer you for further tests. They shouldn’t ask anything further, not their business. Even if they suspect they can’t prove otherwise…

Original poster
MargaretMorris · 31/08/2021 13:11

@Ladyrattles

If you do want to fib.... The GPs are still doing smear tests. I had to go on a specific day a couple of weeks back as it's the only time they are doing that clinic. You could tell them something like that if they wanted more info of why you are at a GP in person.
That is a good idea @Ladyrattles

Now I think of it, are blood tests still being carried out etc? I suppose they must be. The only issue will be if they ask for proof of the letter or appointment.

OP posts:
DoTheNextRightThing · 31/08/2021 13:12

@Ladyrattles

If you do want to fib.... The GPs are still doing smear tests. I had to go on a specific day a couple of weeks back as it's the only time they are doing that clinic. You could tell them something like that if they wanted more info of why you are at a GP in person.
Agree with this! Or something else physical like getting blood taken, having a breast exam, mole looked at. Something like that.
AshGirl · 31/08/2021 13:14

I would just say 'an appointment' which is both true and non-specific Smile

OoglyMoogly · 31/08/2021 13:29

“An appointment” is best. It's not a lie!

Don't pull a sickie.

OverTheWater · 31/08/2021 13:34

Don't say a blood test! There is a shortage of the required tubes and many GPs are delaying all blood tests!

Smear or physio or be non specific. I would think given you were off ill last week a face to face appointment is entirely credible.

Original poster
MargaretMorris · 31/08/2021 14:05

@OverTheWater

Don't say a blood test! There is a shortage of the required tubes and many GPs are delaying all blood tests!

Smear or physio or be non specific. I would think given you were off ill last week a face to face appointment is entirely credible.

The truth is that I will need to get follow up tests related to the reason I was off ill last week @OverTheWater. It's just that they won't be for a while...but they don't know that!

So I may feel better making it about something that will actually happen...I'm just er...bringing it forward Grin

OP posts:
Original poster
MargaretMorris · 31/08/2021 14:07

I don't really want to go in for the first half of the day because I hate lying and will feel anxious all day about leaving half way through to go an interview which is actually only a 20 min walk away!

I would rather go from home and not feel flustered etc which I think may happen if I go to the interview directly from work.

OP posts:
HopeHappy · 31/08/2021 15:23

I told my old employer that my boiler had broken down and the repair man was coming!

Told my interviewing company that was the excuse I'd had to give and cue many running jokes throughout the interview of "that boiler repair man's taking ages to fix the problem", etc!

Original poster
MargaretMorris · 31/08/2021 15:53

I'll consider this too @HopeHappy

The potential issue with giving a medical reason is that they ask for proof. I'd be surprised if they did but you never know!

OP posts:
HopeHappy · 01/09/2021 09:15

@MargaretMorris

I'll consider this too *@HopeHappy*

The potential issue with giving a medical reason is that they ask for proof. I'd be surprised if they did but you never know!

The benefit of the boiler option is if you get a second interview "they didn't have the part first time around so have to come back to fit it"!
Original poster
MargaretMorris · 01/09/2021 22:50

I'm getting myself into a bit of a tizzy about this. Colleague told me she had to provide proof of her medical appointment but unfortunately my doctor is only doing morning appointments that day!

Options left seem to be:

  • say my dog has taken ill and needs emergency vet appt
  • they know I'm a secondary carer so I would hate to make something up there but could.
  • the boiler excuse.
  • call in sick - again.

I hate, hate lying and have recently seen the doctor for anxiety and depression which has been mainly the result of this awful job. Having to make up a lie and keep to that lie next day is making me feel awful Sad

OP posts:
RedSoloCup · 01/09/2021 23:26

Taking an elderly relative to hospital appointment

Original poster
MargaretMorris · 01/09/2021 23:42

What if they ask for proof @RedSoloCup? Is that likely?

OP posts:
Swipe left for the next trending thread