Please or to access all these features

Add post

Watch this thread

Save thread

Start a new thread

Flip thread

Hide thread

My feed

Active Unanswered threads

Getting started FAQ's

Unanswered threads Acronyms Talk guidelines

Hide shortcut buttons

Talk

Work

Chat with other users about all things related to working life on our Work forum.

Flip

1 2 3

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:

GorkyMcPorky · 02/11/2019 10:05

Wouldn't they ask to see proof of the appointment? Not being deliberately awkward, honestly!

topcat2014 · 02/11/2019 10:18

Interviews are the one part of working life you have to lie about. Honesty is not the best policy. So, needs to be appointment is sick day

AuntImmortelle · 02/11/2019 10:21

DH doing interviews at the moment. He usually has a 'medical appointment' and goes back to work after.

MadameLeFunky · 02/11/2019 10:21

sickie

LionelRitchieStoleMyNotebook · 02/11/2019 10:24

My workplace must be an anomaly, everyone just says when they have an interview. I've even coached some of my more inexperienced staff, sometimes they stay even if offered other things. Positive and supportive workplace culture is so important

ELM8 · 02/11/2019 10:26

Sicky 100%.. in no company I have ever worked in would someone say they were going for an interview.

PuppyMonkey · 02/11/2019 10:29

Lionel, I think that’s a rare kind of office. Most places I work would have looked very at you announcing you’re off to an interview at another company. Possibly a rival etc.

katewhinesalot · 02/11/2019 10:29

Medical appointment.

WindFlower92 · 02/11/2019 10:30

In my job you have to give proof of any hospital appointments, is this not the same everywhere?

Wizzbangpop · 02/11/2019 10:30

Throw a sickie

And make sure you start looking peaky/ say you feel you're coming down with something n the day before. Groundwork is everything

Good luck for the interview

ReturnofSaturn · 02/11/2019 10:33

Throw a sickie.

seven201 · 02/11/2019 10:34

There's no way I would throw a sickie! I'd be far too nervous about being found out. What if the interviewer happens to know your boss and mentions it? Is it a whole day thing? Could you go after work? It's really shit that time off for interviews isn't protected! I don't know what you should do, sorry.

Scarydinosaurs · 02/11/2019 10:35

Is it a whole day interview?

Loopytiles · 02/11/2019 10:35

Why do you think your current employer would decline a request for a half day or day off, 7 days in advance?

GoodGriefSunshine · 02/11/2019 10:42

Dental or medical appointment. That way if you are spotted out, there is no suspicion. If you day you are ill with D&V and are spotted out, it will look odd.

Mollpop · 02/11/2019 10:46

In my workplace, people just say they need the time for a job interview and nobody has a problem with that. I'd tell the truth, but only you know how they'd react. Do you think they'd say no, or don't you want them to know about the interview? Be honest if you can.

Yoollyball · 02/11/2019 10:46

Medical appt - if they ask say woman's issues - that normal does it!

LionelRitchieStoleMyNotebook · 02/11/2019 10:53

@PuppyMonkey I'm public sector in an industry that's a lot about supporting people to achieve things (as well as the public protection stuff), so I guess it would feel very strange to treat staff differently and we don't have competition as such. I'd expect as much notice as they had themselves and for the staff member to get their work covered where possible, but I'm always pleased to see my staff do well. It's not unheard of for people to leave and come back later at a more senior level after some outside experience too.

Crazyladee · 02/11/2019 10:54

In my place of work you had to show proof of medical appointment. If yours doesn't, do you think it would be a bit suspicious to go for that option given that the fake appointment is going to be such short notice? Also, if you do go for that option, I would think carefully as to what type of appointment you make up. Hospital appointment letters tend to be sent weeks in advance. If you say an emergency dentist appointment, that will only give you an hour or so as won't they expect you to return to work straight after?

I would go with sickie seeing as you have a clean sickness record and then you have the full day to prepare and concentrate on your interview. Obviously be mindful of being seen if you are in danger of bumping into anyone from work. And don't tell a single person!

PuppyMonkey · 02/11/2019 11:13

Sounds like a nice place to work Lionel - got any jobs going?

I’ve worked mainly in journalism and PR - the thought of telling one of my previous bosses I’m off for an interview with xx company which is run by someone they can’t stand/nicked one of their clients... yikes!!

FungusTheToegyman · 02/11/2019 11:20

but I think if you tell them it's an interview they might have to let you go?

Nope they 100% do not have to let you go (unless you are being made redundant)

rookiemere · 02/11/2019 11:38

Had this scenario once. Threw a sickie. Had to be done. Good luck for the interview.

Iliketeaagain · 02/11/2019 11:46

I think it depends on your manager.
I'm very much of the support staff to develop and if it means they go for an interview somewhere else, then so be it and I'd probably even help them out with a bit of prep. I'd expect them to take annual leave, but if it was doable, I'd suggest a half day or a release them for a few hours to attend.

My thinking is that part of my job is to support development and if I support someone to get effectively a promotion (even somewhere else) then it can only be a good thing long term. Keeping someone on-side, IYSWIM, means that links can be made in other places and the the member of staff who is leaving will say nice things about where they came from rather than putting other potential candidates off!

Also, there is a good chance of people coming back with extra skills / if a promotion comes up if you treat them well in the first place. That, and there is no one less productive than an employee who doesn't actually want to be where they are, teams are happier if everybody is satisfied with their work on the whole.

Firstimer703 · 02/11/2019 11:49

You have to go to that interview so do whatever you have to do!

Original poster

Belgianbuns · 02/11/2019 22:51

Thank you so much everyone! My mind is made up, once I have confirmation of time I will throw a sickie, either a full day or half if I can get away with it. But will certainly make the time up that goes without saying. Although to be fair I don’t get sick pay anyway as that is just part of my current employers terms 😩

OP posts:

Flip

1 2 3