Great job advertised but I'm not available on interview date - what do I do?

[KikkiK]

I have just seen the pefect job advertised, in the field and city I want to work in and I have got the relevant experience they are looking for. But I am not available on the date they are planning to hold the interviews - it's my birthday and I've booked a long weekend away with a friend.

If it was just me going I would happily change my plans if I got an interview but my friend has already booked the hotel and we have paid, and I don't want to let her down.

Should I say something in the covering letter? Along the lines of: "I'm afraid that due to a prior commitment I am unavailable for interview on X date, but I would be happy to attend an interview at any other time that is convenient for you."

I know there are no guarantees I will even get an interview, but I don't want them to discount my application because I can't make the interview date. It is really the only day in the next few weeks I couldn't do, any other time would be fine.

Any advice?

Depends how much you want the job really. If they have plenty of good applications and the interviews involve a panel of senior people it takes a logistical miracle to get in one place at one time, they will not rearrange for you.

You could always apply, see if you get an interview first, then make the decision. You will be able to ask if another date is a possibility at all, and if not, decide whether going late to your birthday weekend or whatever is worth it.

This once happenned to me (I knew I would be on Jury Service). I noted this on the application form and said something like 'if I am fortunate enough to be shortlisted I will not be available for interview on X date' and gave them a list of possible dates.

In the event, they interviewed me a week before all the other candidates, I waited a week until the other interviews were done, then was offerred the job.

So it can work out.

My experience is that private sector organisations are v flexible and will interview when you are available, if they are keen to see you.

Public sector total opposite: if you cannot make interview date then you won't be interviewed. To the point where I had to come back from 6 months in Australia a few days early because the interviewing organisation was utterly unwilling to interview me after I was back. And after all that I didn't get the job. (this is not my only public sector inflexible experience - but it is the most extreme)

don't mention it, only do if you get an interview

My experience of public sector interviewing differs from that of Auntiestablishment, as I have known several cases of interview panels being reconvened for candidates who were unable to attend for whatever reason. A friend of mine asked for her psychometric tests to be held on a different day as her jetlag (following her return from Indonesia two days previous) might possibly affect her performance; this was arranged.

If it is a job that is hard to fill then there is much greater flexibility, whereas for one where there may have been over 100 applicants, the less chance of deviation from the established selection process/timetable.

I think you might contact HR too and ask when shortlisted candidates would be contacted if the advert doesn't specify this. This way, depending on the projected interview date you can help to make the logistics easier, in enough time. I should add that I have known job interviews set out in recruitment adverts not happen on those dates and take place later.

Good luck!

Thanks for all the replies. It's a very small arts organisation, so I'm not sure how flexible they would be. There is only a week between closing date and interviews, so the timetable may well slip, as BarkisIsWilling says.

I understand why a couple of people have said not to mention it unless I get an interview, but given that the interview date has been advertised, and the tight timescale, I think I might be better to give them as much notice as possible in the hope they can be flexible if they want to see me.

And thanks RedRosie, it's good to know these situations can work out!

I don't think there's a reason why not to mention it - if they say, sorry no, can't change our dates then OP can reconsider. However if she really is a super suitable candidate I'd be surprised if the employer wouldn't show some flexibility.

I would apply for the job then if you are offered an interview ask if it can be rescheduled.
I had to do this recently for a public sector job (NHS) and they were able to interview me on a different day.

Agree public / private divide. I ahd interview for dream job- sessional work as a researcher into disability provision and childhood poverty (OK, but that's me OK LOL).

Interview was at half term, 8.30 am, when DH was sitting a crucial exam and Mum abroad.

Dammit. massive no-go .

if I was recruiting then

-"I can't make the date because I am on jury service" >> then I would offer a different interview time.

"I can't make the date cos it's my birthday and I will late getting to the hotel " >> then I wouldn't

stubbornhubby - even if it wouldn't be massively inconvenient to reschedule?

Of course you could argue that someone who really wants the job would drop everything to go for an interview. On the other hand, if a candidate is really attractive, and if it doesn't involve too much trouble, then an employer would do good to show some flexibility

Would you want to work for somebody who says "I don't care about your birthday, or any prior commitments you have made which are for recreational reasons at all, no matter whether a cancellation would involve cost to you"?

I'd offer a phone interview. Would that help?

I think if it is a panel interview then it can be massively difficult to reconvene the panel on a different date due to other commitments. And it has to be the same panel to ensure that it is fair for all candidates.

well if you're going for the weekend, could you not just go down late on the Friday? If you call and beg I'm sure they will give you the first interview of the day?

I had an interview for a perfect job, had to go to the department to have a look around, experience ect, Lady actually said that the job was mine if I could provide a good enough reason that I wanted it at interview. Only problem was I was on holiday for the interview date , was so gutted.

WidowWadman no, people can't drop literally everything for a job interview, especially as you don't usually get much notice and I understand that and when I have been involved in interviews do accomodate people with good reasons (jury service, being on an aeroplane, a wedding, an operation etc etc)

but if I understand the OP correctly - the problem here is that she doesn't want to be too late arriving at the hotel she's booked that evening... I wouldnt be inclined to change a panel interview for that - - except of course for an exceptional candidate

stubbornhubby - as I understand the OP it is not about being late, but about cancelling the weekend completely.