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Original poster

I have an interview but can’t get day off WWYD

66 replies

Belgianbuns · 02/11/2019 08:17

I have been shortlisted for an amazing job I applied for - it is one that I would desperately love! I have been trying for over a year to get myself a position with this company as not only is it the industry i currently work in but they are great to work for with fantastic benefits. To even be shortlisted for an interview means I can get a small foot in the door. However I am pretty sure if I apply for the day off for 1 weeks time it would be declined. So do I make up an good excuse as to why I need this day off and risk being declined or throw a sickie? I have never had 1 day off sick in the 2 years I have been there and it is not something that I approve of or would encourage. But I need to go to this interview! WWYD

OP posts:
milienhaus · 02/11/2019 08:19

Maybe this makes me a band person but 100% throw a sickie / make up an urgent dental appointment.

AccioCoffee · 02/11/2019 08:20

I would use the dental issue also and get yourself a few hours free so you can go back to work after guilt free

SpinMill · 02/11/2019 08:20

Can't you just be honest and say it's for an interview? I wouldn't lie about being ill, what if you were found out.

Cordial11 · 02/11/2019 08:21

Sick 100 percent if theres a chance they might say no.

Stressedoutaboutinlaws · 02/11/2019 08:22

I've done this before. Job hunting and really didnt want my current employer to know.

So phoned the office the morning of my interview with a D&V bug that had kept me up all night...

Dollywilde · 02/11/2019 08:23

I have thrown two sickies in my life, both for interviews when working in an environment where I absolutely wouldn’t get the day off at short notice. Hated it but you do what you have to - when it comes to your career you have to put yourself first. Do it. (Hope you get the job!)

milliefiori · 02/11/2019 08:23

Can you say you have an appointment that can't be changed? Let people assume it's medical.

EbayAddiction · 02/11/2019 08:23

This is really hard. Many companies won't take kindly to someone going for an interview but I think if you tell them it's an interview they might have to let you go? However you then shoot yourself in the foot if you don't get it...throwing a sickie is also really risky. What if it gets back to your employer? And then the potential employer? Doesn't look professional and would not be acceptable in the area I work in.

Unless you are being bullied in your current job, I would be honest but tell them it's a promotion so it seems more of a valid reason to interview if you see what I mean!

Dollywilde · 02/11/2019 08:24

Really wouldn’t tell them it’s for an interview. Even the nicest workplaces can turn on you if they hear your loyalty to them might be wavering.

Itsreallymehonest · 02/11/2019 08:25

Invent a medical appointment but make up the time, just to be fair.

Dollywilde · 02/11/2019 08:26

How would it get back to them though? Unless the interview is on the same street as your workplace the odds of being seen are very slim, especially if it’s in the middle of the day not at lunch (which I assume it’s not as then you could nip out and do the interview in your lunch break).

Stay home the night before (as you should for an interview anyway), only leave house to go to interview, go home and stay put until next day.

MrsJoshNavidi · 02/11/2019 08:26

Phone the interviewing company and explain the problem. They might be able to offer you an evening interview, and they'd then know you're an ethical employee.

May84 · 02/11/2019 09:15

That's easy, pull a sickie! D&V bug so phone up the night before.
Everyone does it, you can't miss out on the opportunity and you say you never go off sick

PristineCondition · 02/11/2019 09:17

Sickie! Wouldn't even think twice about it

YorkshirePud1 · 02/11/2019 09:20

I would also make up an appointment and go in before/after it rather than taking a full sick day. Good luck with the interview Smile

Olliephaunt4eyes · 02/11/2019 09:21

Sickie. Or a dentist appointment. Company's never take it well when you say you're looking for something else and the interviewers won't want to assemble an interview panel at some weird evening hour. They'll just say "no".

peachypetite · 02/11/2019 09:23

Just call in sick.

Original poster
Belgianbuns · 02/11/2019 09:25

Ok so it seems most are in favour of a sickie. That is what I think I will have to do. I definitely can’t ask for a day off for an interview - not the best if I don’t get the job! I am getting more nervous about the sick day than the interview itself 🤮

OP posts:
peachypetite · 02/11/2019 09:47

Don’t be ridiculous! People do it all the time. You can’t ask for the day off if you think it will be turned down, and then call in sick, then it will be obvious. Just safer to ring in sick. Don’t over think it.

GorkyMcPorky · 02/11/2019 09:51

But surely your employer will know what you've done if they're asked for a reference, and could tell your potential future employer. I think you just have to be honest.

7Worfs · 02/11/2019 09:56

Reference these days includes confirmation of dates of employment and possibly a job title. Nothing else.

20viona · 02/11/2019 09:56

Hospital apt for sure.

peachypetite · 02/11/2019 10:00

Definitely do not tell them you have an interview. Worst idea ever.

StinkyWizleteets · 02/11/2019 10:00

Emergency dentist appointment. No need for pretending you’re ill and can go back to work afterwards

MajesticWhine · 02/11/2019 10:02

Invent a medical appointment but make up the time, just to be fair.

^ This is what I would do.

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