How to attend an interview without telling current job?

[Thirtyrock39]

I have just heard I've got an interview in three weeks for a job I'd really like
My current job is very stressful and I don't really enjoy it but I've only been there 8 months so I don't want to tell them I'm looking for other things
My interview is on a work day but early . My job is not one you can work from home and frequently things are added to my diary very last minute so I can't rely on being able to attend (interview is online) as it's likely I'll be in an appointment
I'm trying to think what to do -
I don't want to ring in sick as if I do get the job it will be really obvious I've skived off which could be mentioned in a reference
I am considering a car related issue so I could go in late
I could try and swap my day off though it would raise a few eyebrows and not sure what reason I would give (also cause problems with childcare for the swapped day)
Or could say I have a private appointment but I always think that sounds so obvious
Any ideas? What do other people do in this situation? I really don't want to tell current boss at this stage .

Dentist appointment. Imply a complicated ongoing issue in case you have further interviews.

Have you enough notice for a half day annual leave?

Book annual leave.

Medical appointment.

I don't do dental appointments as I don't have issues with my teeth but I end up having random doctors appointments and blood tests.

Holiday would be my first choice.

I used private appointments when I had a work diary others could see, it was usually for the GP or dentists but it was also used for going to the hairdresser. Certainly OK for a job interview too.

Annual leave, if you can take it. Otherwise you'll have to make something up. I've always taken annual leave in this scenario.

Agreed. Book annual leave. Any lie could backfire.

I think I'll have to see if I can take a half days annual leave 'for an appointment' as we are so busy at work I'm worried they'll turn down a request for it without a good reason and then I'll be stuck. Or I could possibly split my day off so have the morning off and then work extra hours on my day off. Thanks

If you are worried about them declining a leave request I would say it's medical, as I believe they have to allow this. My company has never asked for proof of appointments however I have always been forthcoming with a reason unless private, in which case I've just said I'm having a few problems that I need to discuss with me GP and left it at that. But my Boss has never batted an eyelid. As soon as medical is mentioned it's ok'd.

Good luck with your interview

Hospital appointment. And if they ask any more, tell them it's a private gynae issue, that should stop any further questions.

Early morning starting before start time I've sometimes been taking my car in re the brakes /clutch sticking they said it'd be an hour or so, so I will be slightly late and can work a shorter lunch or later to make up