Work interview, excuse needed!

[bonnymiffy]

Lucky dilemma, but please help! (Not really AIBU, but I'm posting here for traffic...)

We moved house 3 months ago, so new schools, new jobs. I applied for lots of things, including a public sector job that would offer some flexibility (it's purely back office so some flexi time, which would help massively with child care, particularly during school holidays). Large organisation so recruitment process is slow.

I also applied for work with several through agencies, and 3 weeks ago I started a new job, money's ok, job's ok, colleagues are friendly, helpful etc. No career progression, fixed working hours, salary reasonable, I knew that when I accepted. I'd assumed that public sector employer didn't want me, probably plenty of other applicants, and had pretty much forgotten about it.

Anyway I've had an email inviting me to an interview, date tba. I've checked back on my login and interview date likely (but not definite yet) to be the day after the coronation.

So come on, how the hell do I get out of work for a morning/afternoon to go? I told current employer that DH is now the SAHP so that they wouldn't think my attendance will be a problem (he starts a new job on Tuesday, we have child care in place) so it will be difficult to use that as an excuse.
The job may not turn out to be what I thought it would be but I won't know unless I go to interview, but given DH's new job (which although not amazing for him there's a real chance of it leading to something much better) I don't want to be looking back and saying 'what if...'

I'd really appreciate some impartial advice!

Emergency dental appointment maybe?
The only time I’ve ever pulled a sickie was to go to the interview for the job I now have. The interviews were only held on one day and they couldn’t rearrange for me.

Try and time the interview to be at the end or beginning of the day. Ask if you can take half a day off. If no, then say that you have an appt and ask to leave a bit early/come in late and offer to make up the time.
Maybe ask someone casually in advance in case it’s the sort of place that needs to see the appt letter.

Or, don’t say anything and have a migraine.

Hi @bonnymiffy
Yay! You got an interview!
I would say an emergency dental appointment too.
All the best in your interview x

I’ve used the emergency dental appointment too, offered to take half day A/L for it. Only felt guilty when boss said no need to use my leave, just go.

Mine wasn’t an interview, but an emergency for me, which may not have generated the same level of support.

The day after the coronation will be next Sunday so I don’t think an emergency dentist appointment will work

Can you say childcare situation but you will try and get something sorted and come in later?

Sunday seems an odd day for an interview is it definitely going to be then?

Honestly, I wouldn't ask. If they say no to leave, you are stuffed.
An emergency on the day is the way to go. Illness (d and v from a dodgy Coronation quiche?) I think is the best way to go.

I'm assuming you mean the Tuesday after the Coronation BH.

Can't you just book a days leave? Given it's coronation weekend presumably it'll seem fairly normal to make a long weekend into a slightly longer one. Maybe you went to see family for the weekend....

I used an emergency dental appointment for one of my children for the interview for the job I have now and a doctors appointment for the one before that! Needs must . Goos luck .

I usually just say I have an ‘appointment’ - no one asks as it could be something private or embarrassing for all they know! It also depends how your work is generally with doctors appointments and stuff - at mine we wouldn’t need to take annual leave or anything, you’d just be expected to work a bit later or work through lunch to make up the time. If yours would actually require you to take AL, that’s a bit trickier I suppose.

Tell your employer that your child has an emergency medical appointment and, as a one off, you will need to take a half days leave!

Don't go sick as that could annoy them (and you don't want that if you don't get the new job)!

Or tell the potential employer that you are really interested but can't do that time due to work commitments. Suggest times you can do.

Yes, it's likely the Tuesday (not Sunday)

Food poisoning by Coronation Quiche? Paper cut from bunting? Chest pains due to exuberant flag waving? Puppy in the points at Penge? (Reggie Perrins excuse? )