Job interviews & taking time off work

benw123

benw123

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Hi everyone, need some advice quickly and thought ASN would help! I'm in the process of changing jobs in IT and have three interviews lined up this week - one on Monday (tomorrow!) and two on Wednesday, with several more leads being pursued.

The problem is that where I currently work, we're involved in a big, time-critical project where taking time off on random days isn't going to go down well. It could even be refused at short notice.

My line manager at work knows about them and is totally cool about it. Tomorrow I've already agreed with him that I will take an emergency days' holiday (claiming to look after my son) but this isn't ideal, particularly as I've got to probably repeat a similar performance on Wednesday - and then there's the possibility of more interviews to come.

Anyone got any experience in this? Would it be better for me to speak to our project manager - who knows I'm not totally motivated at work right now - and come clean about the job search? Or is there a better way? And if the finger is pointed, what rights do I have in terms of taking time off?

Any comments welcomed!
 
i dont think you have rights for taking time of for interviews,

sadly what people do to go to a interview, is take holiday, sickey or just make up a excuse

if you know you are going to leave the company, maybe your best bet is book a 2 week holiday or somthing,

sorry am no help, but good luck finding a new job :)
 
rickparmar said:
i dont think you have rights for taking time of for interviews,

sadly what people do to go to a interview, is take holiday, sickey or just make up a excuse

if you know you are going to leave the company, maybe your best bet is book a 2 week holiday or somthing,

sorry am no help, but good luck finding a new job :)
Click to expand...

With my professional hat on. I'm an HR director, I would take a dim view if I found out an employee was not being honest. Taking time off for non genuine reasons is effectively stealing and could result in disciplinary action being taken . Bit hard but that's life. :icon_thumright:
 
lol

thats why i said take a holiday, and i said other people make up excuses not for him to make a excuse :)
 
That norrovirus that's going around could be the perfect excuse. Especially if, ahem, your son has it and you have to look after him a little more.
 
It's tricky for sure...
I've never felt comfortable telling lies about taking time off to attend an interview...if the industry is small, you may get found out.
It just doesn't sit comfortably with me.

Sadly, it's not ideal telling your employer you aren't happy and are looking for work...and asking for time off!

I think I'd be taking holidays if I could...no mention of interviews...just take the time legitimately, then you can do what you want with your days off.

Doesn't sound like this is practical in your case though..
 
RGBArgee said:
With my professional hat on. I'm an HR director, I would take a dim view if I found out an employee was not being honest. Taking time off for non genuine reasons is effectively stealing and could result in disciplinary action being taken . Bit hard but that's life. :icon_thumright:
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What's this? a serious post not anti BMW, not about Black TT's and not about Private plates also! Welldone!! :applaus: :moa:

Back to the question, the Idea is to hide the truth from a person in your position, he clearly stated he's not happy/motivated in his current job and wants to do something about it. Most people would just pull a sicky for a few days, it's normal practice, but we wouldn't really talk about it for fear of people above you finding out, self preservation really.
 
jojo said:
What's this? a serious post not anti BMW, not about Black TT's and not about Private plates also! Welldone!! :applaus: :moa:

Back to the question, the Idea is to hide the truth from a person in your position, he clearly stated he's not happy/motivated in his current job and wants to do something about it. Most people would just pull a sicky for a few days, it's normal practice, but we wouldn't really talk about it for fear of people above you finding out, self preservation really.
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Yeh but its ****** all to do with cars.. I hate BMW's and PP's ... thnks for reminding me!

TT
 
Well with the vomiting / diarrhea bug going around and everyone been advised if have it to stay of work due to it been contangious. - I think you can see where I'm going !! You can decide if you or your son has it !
Richard
 
To be honest, I'd phone all you new prospective employees and tell them that whilst your interested in a role you've got a critical project to sort out and you need to rearrange a new time to suit all. This could be seen as a conscientious strait that you could bring to the company and could also be an ice breaker when you eventually attend the interview.

Failing that just tell them you can't get the time off.. If they don't understand then 'crap employer' should be running through your head..
 
My line manager at work knows about them and is totally cool about it.
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With respect - you've told your line manager. It's up to him / her to manage the situation. I can understand you feel compelled to further inform your superiors due to the busy schedule. I have been in similar situations, where in fact I had a closer relationship (strictly professional) with the Head of Dept, rather than my line manager at the time - making me feel further apprehensive to my actions. Given your timescale of the first interview it looks like you will have to go along with your current plan. I had to do that once, and felt awful for pulling a sicky (especially after some real misfortune with health - the whole team were worried about me, and I felt dreadful :sorry: It's the only one I have ever done). To be fair it was also down to the unprofessional dealings with the other company as to how the interviews were all setup and rushed with awful timing, otherwise I would have been more professional.

For the interviews on Wednesday, I would say come clean and just tell them. I don't know if your current employer can 'stop' you from going though it will make you feel better with yourself. I would suggest you only say about one interview (all day if need be), as going for two interviews will make you look desperate to leave. In this day and age there should be nobody allowed to stop you from progressing in your career - maybe not always the case though. At the end of the day, you realise how much you're needed, but you can't rearrange the other companies with their interview schedules. Your current employer will survive without you.

I have been in an awkward position of moving depts internally. Working in a very specialised area, I was concerned of the 'powers above' preventing me from moving due to the time of getting a replacement, completing my current tasks and the general 'doing well in my current post'. I told those that needed to be told (even though our HR dept are a complete joke with data protection :scared2:). Keeping it quiet amongst co-workers, and the rest of the organisation, I was already under enough pressure for the application.

If you get one of the jobs, then you would have to admit to lying at some point - you may be fine with this. If you don't get the job then it's put your hands up and say “ah well - life moves on”. At least you know that you've tried!

Best of luck!
Rob
 
Thanks for all the posts guys - much appreciated.

recomdos said:
For the interviews on Wednesday, I would say come clean and just tell them. I don't know if your current employer can 'stop' you from going though it will make you feel better with yourself.
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Excellent comment, Rob. I keep coming back to this and think it might be the best way forward. I told my line manager about wanting to leave because of our all-important project. Call it "professional courtesy" if you like, but ideally I don't want to drop everyone in it since we're up against the clock as it is, so informing the project manager would probably be a good idea. Plus as you say, I won't feel like I've got to creep around or dream up excuses.

I'll update this thread over the coming week! :icon_thumright:
 
LottieA3 said:
I have been through that sort of thing recently and if you cant take days off as holiday then I would throw a sickie. At the end of the day you can bluff it and they cant do anything about it accept give you a written warning I think.
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It is not that simple Lottie. Legally or HR Policies may be somewhat difficult!! Rich32's post above is my preferred option!

TT:hubbahubba:
 
rich32uk said:
To be honest, I'd phone all you new prospective employees and tell them that whilst your interested in a role you've got a critical project to sort out and you need to rearrange a new time to suit all. This could be seen as a conscientious strait that you could bring to the company and could also be an ice breaker when you eventually attend the interview.

Failing that just tell them you can't get the time off.. If they don't understand then 'crap employer' should be running through your head..
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^^^Agree! This is what I would do. Honesty's the best policy and all that!
 
Hotscar said:
^^^Agree! This is what I would do. Honesty's the best policy and all that!
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Agree on this 100% and unmolested Audis, especially nice ones! Ming Blue is almost black! Had a diversion to Moro Blue on a Cab (Great) but went back to black!!

TT
R:icon_thumright:
 
audi upgrades
benw123 said:
Thanks for all the posts guys - much appreciated.



Excellent comment, Rob. I keep coming back to this and think it might be the best way forward. I told my line manager about wanting to leave because of our all-important project. Call it "professional courtesy" if you like, but ideally I don't want to drop everyone in it since we're up against the clock as it is, so informing the project manager would probably be a good idea. Plus as you say, I won't feel like I've got to creep around or dream up excuses.

I'll update this thread over the coming week! :icon_thumright:
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No worries. I work in an organisation where everyone keeps it personal (which is fair enough as I am likewise), though I don't make excuses up for any time off. I often have to make out of work appointments and always keep all paper work to back it up (different circumstances to job interviews). Anyway I just like to do so as many others in my workforce pull a fast one. Recent times, HR are asking for proof of all excursions - so I'm pleased I have kept up with it. Another work colleague on the other hand has made it so obvious that they are looking for a new job it's almost astonishing. Not agreeing with how the workplace is for themselves they are being proactive to get out. Everyone knows. They have been for interviews and 'failed' yet returned with the ambition to continue moving on. It takes a confident person to do so mind. The funny thing is the person is VERY work shy, so it would be in the company's favour for them to go...a mistake made almost 5 years ago through appointment :think:

To be honest, I'd phone all you new prospective employees and tell them that whilst your interested in a role you've got a critical project to sort out and you need to rearrange a new time to suit all. This could be seen as a conscientious strait that you could bring to the company and could also be an ice breaker when you eventually attend the interview.
Click to expand...

A fair point, and I think a decent idea that many people would agree with (show's commitment and consideration etc).

Failing that just tell them you can't get the time off.. If they don't understand then 'crap employer' should be running through your head..
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I don't fully agree with this. The costs of appointing people can be high - not purely fiscal. It takes time, planning and money. Think of the advertisement(s), then gathering a panel of people (often), including head of dept, line manager, and HR rep. If the job is specialist, then perhaps there is a need to fulfill an examination of some kind. Perhaps some of the panel work off site and have arranged to be there for the specific interview dates?

What I'm saying is: at the end of the day there has to be some 'give', though it rarely works where the current employer can afford to let you go and the potential employer can reschedule to suit. It's either or (usually). If an interview panel are unsure about the ideal candidate they could hold a second interview - not uncommon. So what if everyone else can make it, except yourself?

Perhaps state the situation as Rich says, though don't be deterred by their incapability to house a suitable time for interview. See what they say, and weigh up the commitment versus opportunity. After the interview you may think: "man, I don't like the look of working there!" and look for the next one.

All pro's and cons. It's good that you have so many invites to interview though - that must surely boost your confidence (not saying you're lacking of course), as you're clearly making it through the initial stage(s).

:)
 
Any chance you could negotiate with the people you are having the interview with? When I last changed jobs I had interviews at 6:00 and 6:30pm. So I just left existing work a little early that day and made my way to the interview. Employer was none the wiser.

If the new firm really want you they will acknowledge that it might be difficult for you to attend during normal working hours and will try to accommodate.

Good luck.
 
jcs356 said:
Any chance you could negotiate with the people you are having the interview with? When I last changed jobs I had interviews at 6:00 and 6:30pm. So I just left existing work a little early that day and made my way to the interview. Employer was none the wiser.

If the new firm really want you they will acknowledge that it might be difficult for you to attend during normal working hours and will try to accommodate.

Good luck.
Click to expand...

Spot on jcs!
 
audi upgrades
jcs356 said:
If the new firm really want you they will acknowledge that it might be difficult for you to attend during normal working hours and will try to accommodate.

Good luck.
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I suppose I meant this rather than the 'Crap Employer' comment that I made earlier, honest!!..... :hubbahubba:
 
What's the minimum amount of time you can give for holiday. I'm going through a lot of interviews at the moment, most of them ask, what notice do I need to give for a interview, and usually are happy to wait a couple of week, understanding the situation themselves. Bear in mind they'll expect their employees when they leave to do the same thing, so telling the new employee about the project, and having to make the interview further way, could work in your favour in the long run.

Good luck with your interviews
 
jcs356 said:
Any chance you could negotiate with the people you are having the interview with? When I last changed jobs I had interviews at 6:00 and 6:30pm. So I just left existing work a little early that day and made my way to the interview. Employer was none the wiser.

If the new firm really want you they will acknowledge that it might be difficult for you to attend during normal working hours and will try to accommodate.

Good luck.
Click to expand...
Good advice! I'm trying to squeeze in a third interview for Wednesday at around 8am (although I have the day off), but it's now putting pressure on my 10am appointment. Speaking to some more agencies this afternoon, there is definitely scope for out-of-hours interviews - in some cases, it's actually to their benefit as even interviewers have things to do during the day!

Today's interview went quite well. The technical test was tough but I'm glad I spent all of last weekend swotting up - that preparation really paid off and I left only one question unanswered. Afterwards, the IT Development Manager came in for a chat and the techie chat continued but hopefully I did enough to impress - it looks like a decent position.

Thanks again for all the comments and advice folks. Keep it coming too!
 
LottieA3 said:
Everythings simple in the world of Lottie RGBArgee. :hubbahubba:
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You need to watch it when talking employment law Lottie.. even us west country bumpkin..s

TT:hubbahubba:
 
Just to update my thread, today I accepted an offer for a really exciting job in West London. Thanks to everyone who posted here - in the end, I only needed two days off which were quietly arranged as holiday and didn't draw too much attention. Out-of-hours interviews are one of the best approaches I think!
 
Well done mate. Good for you. :icon_thumright:
 
benw123 said:
Just to update my thread, today I accepted an offer for a really exciting job in West London. Thanks to everyone who posted here - in the end, I only needed two days off which were quietly arranged as holiday and didn't draw too much attention. Out-of-hours interviews are one of the best approaches I think!
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Congratulations Ben!

J..
 
Well done to you, its nice when things like this go smoothly! I've just started hunting myself and took yesterday morning off for two interviews, fingers crossed it goes smoothly for me too!
 
Congratulations Ben! Hope you enjoy lots od success in your new job!

I'm in a similar boat too - I've got an interview VERY soon and organising the time in the busy schedule at work wasn't straightforward, but there's always a way around it!

Take care fella,

Rob
 
Thanks again everyone - some nice comments! Handed my notice in this morning which also went very smoothly, so while it's been manic this week it has ended successfully.

Good luck Nicky and Rob too! Let us know how you got on.
 
congrats :icon_thumright: ...so NEW car then?

surely you negotiated this as part of your deal :eyebrows:
 
No, a car isn't part of the deal, although as Head Website Developer, I won't really need one! I'd go for the allowance if there was one anyway. Although the company are in West London, I do have the choice of driving or the tube to get there though.
 
Thanks guys,

I had the interview a couple of hours after I posted. I think it went pretty well, the assessments weren't too bad. Fingers crossed!

Regards,

Rob
 
I had 2nd interview last night for 1 of my options, went well but looks like their HR department have pulled the reigns in on the interviewing manager with regards to the pay deal so a little dissapointed but still not put off the job. I'd get a raise subject to me passing 1 more of my accountancy exams in May that would bring me up to my desired salary, would just have to wait for it! I've another 2nd interview on Friday morning with another company so will see what they say before making my mind up, they're also looking to make an offer so we'll see if they're more willing to meet my expectations! Its all good news essentially as either way i'll be getting a new job that pays a chunky amount more and is higher up the chain :)
 
Well done mate!

Glad to hear you're having success! Hope the next interview goes well too!

Regards,

Rob
 
Nickynibbles said:
Its all good news essentially as either way i'll be getting a new job that pays a chunky amount more and is higher up the chain :)
Click to expand...
Same here - it's a great feeling. I haven't been this excited about starting a new job since I finished Uni.
 
RGBArgee said:
With my professional hat on. I'm an HR director, I would take a dim view if I found out an employee was not being honest. Taking time off for non genuine reasons is effectively stealing and could result in disciplinary action being taken . Bit hard but that's life. :icon_thumright:
Click to expand...

Boy... I'm glad I dont work for you... :no: :)
 
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