Don't over think it

[Gizmo3]

Next week I'm heading to London for a three day work conference. The BIG conference day is the Thursday.
Today I received an offer of an interview, and yes, Sod's Law it's in Leeds (home) on the Thursday at 9am.
In the job advert (and interview offer email) it explicitly notes that the recruitment day is on Thursday and if you can't make it you will be withdrawn from the process.
This is a job I've wanted for years, that I've tracked/followed for a long time waiting for the opportunity...
I've been in current company 2.5 years with no sickness or absence.
Is it as simple as go to the Tuesday and Wednesday of the conference and then make an excuse not to attend on the Thursday?
If so, what's a "safe" reason?
i feel really uncomfortable being in this position.

Have you got children? They can be sick with no notice and no childcare.

Hi SwedishEdith, thanks for the reply and I forgot to say I don't have kids... can't play that card.

I think you've kind of blown it now by posting on here.

Just tell them the truth.

Why? It's not like someone will check a random forum aimed at MUMS!?

Assuming you aren't staying over, I would go with a plumbing emergency - water leak and you have to wait in for plumber.

I was planning on going to the Tuesday and Wednesday to limit the absence/impact and leave on the Wednesday night.

Really? I think not

Do you have parents that live nearby? How nosy is your employer? Would "family emergency" cover it?

I'd ring in with a stomach bug. Life is too short.

Do you want to work for such an inflexible employer?

Surely you can come up with some excuse? A migraine is usually good!

Not sure inflexible. Perhaps over-subscribed they can make such demands?
They have a panel of 5 interviewers, I imagine they can't find another day in near future where all five are available for a full day in person.

Sickness and diarrhea. NOBODY argues with the sh*ts. How long's the drive? Is it feasible that you could have made it back home that ill?

And congratulations!!

Surely no one drives from Leeds to London for a work thing - it's so quick on the relatively reliable LNER.

What’s your purpose of attending the conference, who else goes? Different if it’s an industry conference or just a company one…

Go for Tues and Wed, come home wed eve and do the interview on Thursday am.

Make your excuses, I would say family situation, or an unavoidable personal appointment, even sick if you need to be.

Can’t you just say an important personal matter has come up & you really need to take leave on Thurs?
I would not fake illness.

Can you do the interview virtually?

Can you be having medical investigations? A specialists appointment is like gold dust around here so if I was offered one, I would be moving heaven and earth to take it.

Answers below...
Drive as it's faster and more direct (takes an hour to train station and the conference centre is 50 minutes lots of trains from London Kings Cross with 3 days luggage slower and not easy summer holidays on public transport)

Agree can't have the sh*ts and do a 3 1/2 hour drive!

Purpose of conference is to be shown new medical innovations and processes... there will be over 150+ staff there.

Interview is face to face only, full day, 3 sections 9.30 - 3pm with breaks and lunch included.

Think a personal matter is best option.
Less detail makes it easier but knowing my boss less detail = less believable :-/

Funeral

I would just be upfront and say I'm currently attending a conference for my current job, but I'm very interested in this position, is it possible to do a virtual interview instead. That way you're showing your potential new employer that your honest.
Most employers understand that their potential candidates are still currently in their jobs and so the interviewing process can be quite regimented, but there's always ways around that. Good luck!

think a funeral (if you're willing to take the karmic risk ;) ) , 'family issue' (maybe you have to look after a parent/partner having a minor procedure?) or some sort of minor home emergency (plumbing etc) is probs your best bet - not too many questions, makes sense that you would leave Wednesday night (rather than if you were ill where you'd probably have to pretend to be feeling under the weather on Wednesday for it to be truly "believable").

Sounds like you're a good employee; don’t overthink it, lean into the lie you choose and don’t feel guilty - this sounds like a great opportunity, and something you should prioritise.

I agree with the above poster - a hospital appointment. Cancellation to account for last minute. Or tell them now and say it completely slipped your mind that you have a consultant appointment on that day.

I really wouldn't say funeral or illness - too many lies to make and remember and so far too easy to get caught out. I would go with a simple "family issue" that means you have to go home. No details.