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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

How are you suppose to go to interview?!!!

163 replies

HeyArnoldHey · 12/10/2021 09:45

Ok AIBU.....
Looking for a new job . I currently work Monday to Friday 8-5 . No flexability. One week notice required for holiday day. And questions asked ....

I have been offered a few interviews during my search . Usually 2 days before with really little flexibility on the times offered only 11am , 12, 1pm . How the hell are you suppose to go for interviews......

I went to one and had a sick day (no other option!) and didn't get that. I can't keep being sick if I don't get others.....
How does everyone manage it??

OP posts:
Grenlei · 12/10/2021 13:58

Whether people agree or not, claiming to be ill when you're actually at an interview would constitute gross misconduct in most professional organisations.

Having been involved with disciplinaries and dismissals of staff in such situations (in legal/ financial services sector), I wouldn't want to put myself in that position. It hardly gives a good impression to a prospective employer either.

Interviews are often held across 2 weeks because of availability - I cannot see why it's not possible to say you can come for interview next Tues or Weds rather than this week?

icedcoffees · 12/10/2021 14:02

Where I've worked people have used all sorts of excuses - car trouble, migraine, sick pet that needs the vet etc.

It's fine.

GoodForTheSoul · 12/10/2021 14:08

Some strange advice on here. Everyone I know would either book annual leave or call in sick. And I work in recruitment!

Btw, how would an employer prove you weren't sick but went to an interview? Such idiotic take.

Mary46 · 12/10/2021 14:16

Do not say you are doing interviews awful advice! Op I had one interview after work. I told her Im on reception and no flexibility around times. Companies are good. Or early time apt?

HollaHolla · 12/10/2021 14:22

@HeyArnoldHey

The jobs who have called me back seem to have a specific day or days in mind for interviewing , it's always less than a week.

Even an appointment I'd have to give details and a note to my work.....

It's not private at all either , our manager and team know every little details about each other any time off is openly discussed . Anything else would be suspicious . Any other workplace you didn't have to divulge so much but if I didn't where I am now it would be pushed and pushed.

Lunch break only 30 minutes and current workplace out of the way. Zooms never been offered Envy

Ah why is it so difficult . When I was peak applying I was booking every second Friday off as a prep incase anything cropped up now I'm running low and wasted a few days.....

I'd have appointments. They can choose not to pay you for those, but I think they'd be hard pushed to not give you the time. If your Manager asks, you tell them that these are private appointments. You could be having a series of investigations, or IVF, or something.... If you are able to, can you ask if they'd push the interviews to the beginning/end of the day? I would certainly try to facilitate that, if someone asked me as an Interview Panel Chair/Recruiting Manager. Good luck - your current workplace sounds a bit grim.
BoredZelda · 12/10/2021 15:28

Every place I interviewed, it was after hours.

TheOrigRights · 12/10/2021 16:05

@BoredZelda

Every place I interviewed, it was after hours.
That doesn't really help the OP.
EerieSilence · 12/10/2021 16:29

Any employer I left I wanted to do it with open door. Also, I wouldn't be able to lie, it's just totally against my principles so I never pulled a sickie.
Be open with your potential employers and tell them a day off has to be booked a week in advance. TBH, it looks more professional to the potential employer if you advise them of it rather than pulling a sickie.
Worst case scenario, get a dental or medical appointment and go there.
I can't believe they are keeping the details of medical appointments public. I'd put colonoscopy in mine if I were you.

EerieSilence · 12/10/2021 16:30

Btw, in case of colonoscopy you could always claim you couldn't come back to work because you were so "windy" after the procedure you didn't want to disturb other colleagues with your sounds and smells.

Twizbe · 12/10/2021 16:32

As a recruiter I was always sympathetic if someone wasn't able to get time off for an interview. If asked id try to arrange an evening / video or early morning interview.

JennetHumfrye · 12/10/2021 16:35

I'm in the same boat. It's very tricky to get time off as my boss is rarely in so it's just me covering. My boss is also the type to ask what you are doing with a random day off and can get very suspicious.

I have decided that I'm going to leave it a month and then hand my notice in. That way I can fully focus on my job search and if needs be I will temp.

Angrynellie · 12/10/2021 16:40

@Bluntness100

Probably best to be honest and tell your boss/manager you have an interview and you need time off.

What!

I think there are folks posting here who don’t work.

Just quit? Tell them you’re looking to leave and going for interviews? These are terrible ideas.

Lol 😂 yes that’s a terrible idea. I say tell the company you need an interview early or late or in a week when you can book leave. I’ve been asked by an interviewer how I’ve managed to get time off, so obviously it looks better if you’ve booked a days leave or used flexi!
zonkyzonky · 12/10/2021 17:03

@Grenlei

You absolutely should not be calling in sick or claiming a child related emergency - that would be grounds for instant dismissal with many employers.

Most companies arrange interviews with at least a week's notice so you should be able to book time off. Alternatively do they offer virtual interviews by zoom you could attend in your lunch break?

In theory, no, it's not a good idea. However, I've been forced to call in sick as my annual had been denied for a random reason..too shirt notice (given a week's notice in a lot of the cases)...had I not done what I needed to I'd still be stuck in some of the shot holes I've worked at and not increased my salary.
zonkyzonky · 12/10/2021 17:09

It's unfortunate we can't be transparent about wanting to leave/interviews so we're forced to act unprofessionally...
I certainly won't give up on an opportunity because it isn't morally right... So far in the last 20 years it hasn't been a problem

Original poster
HeyArnoldHey · 13/10/2021 10:19

Ok so I have an 'appointment today' fingers crossed.

I understand with the new place why they arn't doing late nights. They are extremely flexible hours and wfh therefore they had dedicated a day both managers in office for this specific interview. They also don't tend to work overtime apparently. So it's good for me if I get the job in a sense haha!

OP posts:
Blondeshavemorefun · 13/10/2021 10:32

@HeyArnoldHey

Ok so I have an 'appointment today' fingers crossed.

I understand with the new place why they arn't doing late nights. They are extremely flexible hours and wfh therefore they had dedicated a day both managers in office for this specific interview. They also don't tend to work overtime apparently. So it's good for me if I get the job in a sense haha!

Good luck
TheKeatingFive · 13/10/2021 10:32

Good luck 🤞

CaptainMerica · 13/10/2021 10:36

I thought "dentist appointment " was the standard. As in, "that's a nice suit Bob, do you have a dentist appointment?".

Hopefully you won't have to do too many, OP, good luck.

00100001 · 13/10/2021 10:49

@Grenlei

You absolutely should not be calling in sick or claiming a child related emergency - that would be grounds for instant dismissal with many employers.

Most companies arrange interviews with at least a week's notice so you should be able to book time off. Alternatively do they offer virtual interviews by zoom you could attend in your lunch break?

How would they know??
Original poster
HeyArnoldHey · 13/10/2021 11:31

Yeah I definetely look more dressed up so they probably suspect opps.....

OP posts:
cricketmum84 · 13/10/2021 13:32

Tell them it's your smear test. Surely that will stop them asking questions!

Original poster
HeyArnoldHey · 13/10/2021 13:59

@cricketmum84 lol you'd be suprised!!!

OP posts:
Original poster
HeyArnoldHey · 18/10/2021 11:10

I got the job!!! Grin

OP posts:
anthurium · 18/10/2021 11:14

@HeyArnoldHey

I got the job!!! Grin
Well done Smile - glad to hear your 'appt' was worth it!
TheKeatingFive · 18/10/2021 11:15

Whoop. Well done Grin