Interview on my day off? WWYD

[AuntieMillicent]

I have applied for a promotion, I currently work 4 days a week and work have scheduled my interview on my day off.

I am afraid that if I point this out to them it will look as if I am inflexible or difficult...but I do have plans that day. I can potentially reschedule them. Or should I go to the interview without fuss to show willing?

Alternatively it may look as if I am too soft if I don't say 'Nope, not coming in on my day off!'

Not trying to make excuses but I am a bit addled today anyway (painkillers and tiredness) hence asking for advice!

It's internal, obviously it would be different if it wasn't.

I expect they planned the interview for that day so you have time to prepare for it, if it was during your working day how would you be able to when you are meant to be working

If this wasn't an internal role you'd go when they told you wouldn't you? this isn't any different. I wouldn't be impressed if someone wanted me to change and interview time as its their day off and they had plans.

Me and another manager who was to be interviewing, who has since responded that she can't attend.

I will go to it

thank you to those who've wished me luck!

As others have said timings are organised around the panel's availability so you need to show up when asked. As one of the panel has the same issue they may reorganise anyway. You now have an opportunity to raise the issue - you can send a short email saying something like:

'I see that ABC is not able to attend the panel, as it's also their day off. I was planning to rearrange a client session as it's also a day I'm not working at the office, however before I reorganise the session, can I just check that the date and time is going ahead as planned? I completely understand if it will be altered to ensure all panel members are available'

That way you're opening up the conversation without asking for a change to suit you.

Yes, but OP is trying to get promoted!

Also, she's probably up against other people who might not be done arse-kissing just yet.

If your plans can't be moved, ask if it could be rescheduled for a working day, otherwise can you do both?

You can try to justify it to yourself and us as much as you like ( ie the impact in your private work) , the fact that they have never interviewed anyone before on their day off, etc etc.

But none of that changes the possibility that you will come over to them as not that interested, entitled, being difficult - all of which you mentioned in your first post.

This is not just about the logistics and 'fairness' , it's about how you'd be perceived. If you want to risk that, fair enough.

But if you aren't the only person in the running for the job, it may work against you.

Thats completely different tho - conducting an interview as a panellist is part of her job and thus work, and shouldn't have been scheduled during her work hours.
ATTENDING an interview, internal or not, is not part of your job, that's something you are choosing to do for your own personal advancement. If it had been scheduled during your working day id have expected you to book some leave as youd have been taking time away from your work for something personal.
As PP have noted, it's telling that you'd rather reduce your availability for your NHS service users on a working day, than expect to move private clients. Not good.

To get back to the point...

Yes, if you want this promotion, I think you should go to the interview on your day off if at all possible. Their reasoning for choosing that particular day is neither here nor there in the grand scheme of things.

I have worked part time (though diff industry) and had internal promotion interviews. I always understood that whilst my working days were Mon-Wed for example, their business worked Mon-Fri and so the interview would be on any business day.

I treat internal interviews in the same way as I would external. This means taking the time and date offered to me unless there is a really novel reason not to.

Just to add, I'd make the decision based on how important the role could be to your career/life. I once delayed a holiday for an interview but this was a "big break" kinda job. If its not that big of a deal to you (which is fine) then ask. But ask soon so they have enough notice!

Sorry - my comment was to ThatsNotMyTeen

I don't work for the NHS and we don't have scheduled appointments as part of our role, it wouldn't affect anyone adversely, I'd just have some work to catch up on at a different time of the day (this does happen sometimes and I would usually stay behind if necessary, but this is rare).

this 😅

and yes, I realise It's different for the panel, it just does illustrate that It's likely that it isn't deliberate, rather that they've done it as an oversight, not realising It's my day off-as they also evidently didn't consider that it was her day off too.

Are you supposed to be working today? Because if so, you are spending quite a lot of your work time moaning that you don't want them interviewing you in your time...

I am currently at work yes-It's just very quiet at this time of year.

I'm quite surprised by these responses.

Different industry but as an interviewer I would look positively at a polite enquiry as to whether a different day is available. We're looking for someone who can engage professional to professional. Especially when you're going for promotion, we want someone who can manage clashes, not just jump through hoops.

Do you always overthink to this degree?

You come over as not really appreciating the vibes it will give.

You acknowledged those in your first post but since then you've continued to argue the other side.

It really isn't the point whether they know it's your day off or not.
The interview is on X day. You either attend or ask for it to be moved.
If you ask, it will show a lack of flexibility.

You also appear to think you're going to get the job rather than accept there are other candidates who will be wanting it more than you appear to.

If you REALLY want this job you'd move heaven and earth to turn up when they say, without asking it to accommodate your other work.

I am not trying to argue, just responding to some points which aren't relevant to this particular situation.

I will attend the interview.

I am not sure why I appear to think I will get the job, I actually don't at all unfortunately. More so that there's a small chance and I have nothing to lose by applying.

I assume they have access to your work calendar and in my book they are a bit special. We wouldn’t book in an interview without checking anyone’s calendar, regardless if it’s your work day or not, you might have an important meeting.

I would email them and say “thanks for interview invite, unfortunately you aren’t available at this time. Would it be possible to move this to x date and time (have a look in their diaries) or offer a few alternatives.

I am not sure why I appear to think I will get the job, I actually don't at all unfortunately. More so that there's a small chance and I have nothing to lose by applying.

What comes over is that you appear to expect them to reschedule the interview as if you are the most likely person to get it, and they must try to interview you at your convenience.

It's hard to understand why you can't see that any request may just cast a shadow over your application as it does simply show a lack of enthusiasm.

If this was something like a wedding or an appt that was long standing it would be justified.

It's a minor inconvenience and it's possibly going to give off negative vibes if you ask for it to be changed.

Can you let me know where you work, that pretends to give flexible working but actually expects its employees to be at its beck and call 24/7, so I can avoid it?

I work with human beings who understand that people have lives outside work. The OP has clearly stated that she thinks this is oversight and implied that the organisation accepts flexible working arrangements; so presumably the interviewers are more like my colleagues, than yours. Mutual respect costs nothing and doesn't weaken anyone.

Some people on here seem to want a return to Dickensian times.

"Maybe your employer has decided it's far better for you to work 4 days than 3."

This attitude makes me shudder. We're not owned by our employers. MH professionals are in high demand.

I didn't expect it, I was asking what others thought.

I have not asked them to reschedule, based on responses on here I have decided to rearrange my day and attend it.

I don't know who else (if anyone) has applied anyway.