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Original poster

Getting to an interview when I am supposed to be at work!

22 replies

ThePartyArtist · 24/03/2015 18:59

I have been given just a few days' notice of an interview, which is scheduled for first thing in the morning later this week. I think it's likely I am the first person they are seeing that day. The problem is it's a really busy day at work and I am supposed to be present for coordinating something we have on that day! I am the project lead so there is no one to pass it on to. I can't tell boss about the interview, they will not be cooperative anyway and I want to keep it close to my chest for now. Only thing I can think of is either an emergency at home to keep me away until about 11.30am! Or pull a sickie. Or get interview to reschedule but there are very limited alternatives I could do without having the same dilemma! How have others got to an interview under these circumstances?

OP posts:
ChillySundays · 24/03/2015 20:20

In the past I have gone for a doctor's appointment and also booked half a day (or a day if half days not allowed) so that if I got the job it looked like the day off was for the interview not the doctors.

YonicScrewdriver · 24/03/2015 20:22

Could you possibly do the following day for the interview?

rockinrobintweet · 24/03/2015 20:30

an emergency at home is leaving it very to chance- im a bit too panicky to not have something planned.. would you cope?!

could you inform them tomorrow you have an important appointment but will b in by midday. if they ask what just explain its personal.

or as app said.. is it too late to book holiday? I wish I had some better advice. sorry!

WastingMyYoungYears · 24/03/2015 20:33

I'd explain the situation to the people who have offered you an interview. I wouldn't lie.

Original poster
ThePartyArtist · 24/03/2015 20:35

Thanks all...

I have no chance of booking holiday as this day is the final stage of a very important project I have been working on. There will be various people working on it but I am leading so definitely wouldn't be granted leave that day.

I also feel booking a GP appointment that day is not good as the obvious question is why did I book it when I knew important things were on that day!

I was thinking of asking to reschedule the interview. They have given me very little notice so hopefully will be accommodating.

Or plan B - ring in sick that day. Obviously I really do not want to do this, and will feel extra bad being off all day after a morning interview. Can anyone think of something better that would legitimately keep me away for the morning only?

OP posts:
JeanSeberg · 24/03/2015 20:36

I wouldn't lie either. I'm sure the interviewer will be flexible given they know you're working and they should respect your loyalty. Offer to go to the interview out of hours, I've done this in the past.

BlueMoonRoses · 24/03/2015 20:37

How about up all night vomiting and need to rest up to sleep. Then you feel better a few hours later and struggle in for the afternoon....

YonicScrewdriver · 24/03/2015 20:42

No, reschedule the interview. They know you are working and it's hard to find slots. Plus you'll feel better once your project is done!

Original poster
ThePartyArtist · 24/03/2015 20:44

I'm not sure how accommodating they'll be re: changing the interview. I know they want to appoint asap.

OP posts:
AlternativeTentacles · 24/03/2015 20:47

Water leak, need to mop up and sort out flood. got plumber due at 9:30-10...be in ASAP. Soz.

Timeandtune · 24/03/2015 20:48

I know someone who was disciplined for claiming to be off sick whilst attending a job interview. It is not worth the risk in my opinion
I would explain to the interviewer and hopefully they will be impressed by your honesty and loyalty.

YonicScrewdriver · 24/03/2015 20:48

If you can see them late this week or early next, fingers crossed they can accommodate.

Tanfastic · 24/03/2015 20:55

I am interviewing somebody for a job first thing Friday morning, if it's you, you can re-schedule if you like WinkGrin.

Personally, I would take half a day's leave, one of our staff phoned in sick earlier this week, then I found an email she had sent to a friend saying she had an interview that week but not specifying when, coincidence? Nothing we can do about it as she could well have been genuinely sick but the suspicions are there.

Original poster
ThePartyArtist · 24/03/2015 21:05

Thanks but there is absolutely no way I will be allowed leave that day.

OP posts:
rockinrobintweet · 24/03/2015 21:17

if you're keen on this new job and would certainly like to interview i would phone them and inform them that the day of the interview is a very important day at work. if they couldn't accommodate i would probably do the water leak suggestion.

if the could, bingo and good luck! they'll like your loyalty, honesty and commitment. if you're not 100% desperate for a new job I wouldn't risk the discipline as a PP suggested.

ChillySundays · 24/03/2015 21:22

At my doctor's you ring at 8 to get an appointment and hope there is one. if not you call the next day.

Can you not spin it about how you have tried for a week to get an appointment and isn't it lucky it is first thing so you do not need the most of the day off

PervyMuskrat · 25/03/2015 07:51

Ask to reschedule- if you explain that it's the final day of a project and you don't want to let your team down, that would certainly be a point in your favour if I was your interviewer.

Discounted · 25/03/2015 08:12

I depends what the job is and how the interviews are being done whether you'll be able to reschedule. The last 2 I've been on have been full day assessment type things with lots of team exercises, so that's not going to be rescheduled.

Where I work now, we don't have a HR function to do the interviews, it's down to the prospective line manager and he/she will usually rule out a day to get them all done. They'd only reschedule if there were very few quality candidates.

I think all you can do is ask and go sick if they won't reschedule.

PrimalLass · 25/03/2015 08:23

If they value professionalism then they should understand that you cannot let your current team down. Any interviewer being snippy about that is one you probably don't want to work for anyway.

MuttonCadet · 25/03/2015 08:26

Ask to reschedule, it sounds like you're needed on the project and your loyalty should be to the people currently paying your wages.

Hope you get the job Thanks

ilovesooty · 26/03/2015 00:10

I agree with MuttonCadet
Calling in sick when you aren't is gross misconduct and could get you in real trouble.

SilverBirch2015 · 26/03/2015 00:24

Was the interview date suggested on the original job advert? In my experience, this happens quite often to try and avoid problems like this. If it was you may need to find a way to attend on the slot they have scheduled or risk not being considered.

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