to think is bloody difficult looking for a new job while already in work

[BiscuitsAreMyDownfall]

So I have a full time job and looking for something else that I would much rather do. However everyone that wants to see me (being agencies or potential employers) for an interview insists it has to be while I'm supposed to be working. I understand that they are too at work and don't want to have to be late because of me, but there's only so many doctors appointments I can have and therefore leave early.

How does everyone else who is already in work get another job? Do they take holidays (which is also hard as these interviews are usually short notice)?

*disclaimer, I realize that insists might not be a good choice of word, but I couldn't think of a better word.

I'm in exactly the same position. Whaat makes it worse for me is that I've just come back from sick leave after surgery. Can hardly ask for more time off ...

Far easier to get a job when you are in one ........... Honest!

Yes my DD1 (19) is in the same position.

She is going to make the jump and resign

Can you ask the agencies if they will do a phone call to start with?

It is a nightmare, but I hope you find something soon :)

twentyten I'm just coming round to the idea it isn't.

Dd can't attend interviews ect because of her work, some day they need immediate start and she has to do her four weeks notice.

I took leave from work. However, the company who wanted to interview me did offer to arrange it at lunch time or after work if that would suit me better. My previous job had a recruiting evening so all the candidates could go after work.

I don't think there is a magic answer really. If you think you are in with a good chance with the job it is probably worth it.

Personally wouldn't do that if it was just an agent but I guess it depends on your profession.

I was honest with my boss as I was covering maternity and need permanent. I also trie to interview very early am so I could come in just a little late so others didn't notice.

Can you do any flexi type working?

The problem with my type of job is the majority if companies advertise through them, so there are a lot more jobs to apply for. Id rather not have to as they are a pain to deal with.

I considered just leaving, but how do I pay the bills without a job?

I thought employers were supposed to give you time off for interviews?
If you want a decent reference, there is no point lying about Drs appts. Because they wont be ticking the honest and reliable box

I thought employers were supposed to give you time off for interviews?

Eh? Why would they do that?

I took flexi-time or annual leave for my interviews.

I thought employers were supposed to give you time off for interviews?

Only if redundancies are looming.

Take annual leave or flexi time. Don't tell your employer that you are job hunting -- if you don't get another job quickly you could find yourself missing out on opportunities or be in the firing line as they know you are not committed to them.

Would wholeheartedly agree that it is much easier (and much less stressful) to job hunt while in a job.

The only organisation I have known to give time off for interviews was the Civil Service, but that was because the culture there was that you were expected to change jobs regularly.

My dd is going through the exact problem, she hates her job but has rent and bills to pay so can't resign.
She's still on probation so not entitled to any holiday yet, has had been applying for other jobs but trying to arrange interviews is proving very difficult.
Why can't interview times be at 8.30 or 5.30/6pm if possible?

While it might be hard to job hunt while working, it's harder to actually get a job while not working.

Employers are a suspicious lot and want any time that you've not been working accounted for.

I am in the same position and its hard but I need to leave my job as the environment is becoming more cut throat.

I thought employers only had to give you time off if you were a temp and had an interview for a permanent job.

Officially I think they can turn down your resignation so you are stuck, but Im not 100% sure on that one. If so then why would they be able to give you time off for interviews?

I could just leave earlier or come in later and make the time up, but then Ive got to say why and ask in the first place anyway (unless it was something unavoidable like an emergency or traffic problems etc)

Regarding holidays, I have 3 days left to use until December so that's not a lot of use either.

Why can't interview times be at 8.30 or 5.30/6pm if possible? I would imagine that the interviewer has a home to go to as well. Plus for every job they will be interviewing a few people so one person unable to make the time will be one person less to interview.

I just dont know what to do. Perhaps I need to give up for a bit, which is not something I want to do TBH. Though cant see any other way.

I think looking for new job is almost like working. It requires time and attention. I usually quit a job I don't like to start looking for another. And I really appreciate my extra vacation ( usually 2, 3 months).

I agree, it's really hard to take phone calls from agencies whilst you're at work and get to interviews at short notice, but it will be worth it in the end!

It is difficult but I work in HR and tbh, I don't want to be starting interviews at 5.30/6pm unless they are really senior and can't be seen at any other time. I have a family to get home to and we don't get paid overtime unfortunately!

I'll always do 8am interviews if requested though.

I agree though, it's hard to actively interview for a job when in a role already.

I usually quit a job I don't like to start looking for another. Ive done that in the past, but that was back when I was young, single and no DCs. Unfortunately now DH is a full time carer for our DS so is a SAHD while I work FT.

I'll always do 8am interviews if requested though I start work at half 8 so that wouldn't do for me either. I totally understand about you not wanting to start interviews as late as 5:30/6PM as I wouldn't really either (unless I could get time off in lieu), but why is it just senior people who can't be seen at any other time? Surely people already in a job can't be seen at any other time also? We do currently have work to think of. Ok so yes Im leaving, but I still want to work hard and be professional in the job I am currently in.

Its just so difficult to look for a new job while already working as there is little spare time for interviews etc.

So Ive discovered from this thread that as I can't take holiday or flexi time there's either stay in my job or leave now and look when I have more time as I will be out of work (although that is hard to get a job as employers wouldn't look favourable at me)

I have missed 3 interviews recently due to not being able to get time off :( my depression has got so bad I have had to resign. I hope I can get another job before my savings runs out. I hate what I do but failed miserably on trying to retrain, and am left with half a degree in a subject I love but can never afford to complete. The prospect of working the next 20 years doing something I hate and which has left me suicidal chills me to the bone. . The thing I have noticed though, is that employers seem happy to do Skype/telephone interviews if you live far away, at least in the first round, which is very helpful.

Good luck with your jobhunting OP.

Im considering resigning first. Its a risk, but I know I can then look properly and make sure I either get a temp job so I can either look for permanent while I am temping or get a job that is either part time or get one that is flexi so if I really dont like it I can attend possible interviews easily (Id give it time though like I have this one).

I'll have to have a think about it.