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A question now from Philip from London:
I have a job. It’s maternity cover, but I might be offered a permanent position even if the formerly-pregnant woman comes back. I don’t know for sure, so I’ve been looking into other jobs. If I get an interview for a job, how can I take the day off work, without anyone finding out it’s for an interview?
Tell them you’ve got a doctor’s appointment? That you’re going to a funeral (also explaining away your uncharacteristically smart attire)?
I’m not well-placed to answer this since it’s been many, many years since I had a job where anyone would have noticed my absence. So readers, step in and tell Phil in the comments how to dodge office scrutiny in this matter.
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Answer Me This! Podcast 
November 11, 2010 at 1:53 pm |
a few years ago I stressed myself out over my dishonesty so much about taking time off for a job interview I actually had a diabetes blood test in the morning. the following day when I went into work my boss had also had a blood test that day and we were able to compare pin prick bruises and plasters and he never had an inkling that I had been on an interview. Alas I did not get the job I was interviewed, this was perhaps from feeling woozy due to the lack of blood in my system
November 11, 2010 at 12:38 pm |
I agree, it might be hard but honesty is probably the best policy, just make it really clear that they’re your first option (even if you would take the other job over a permanent position there). I was in the sticky situation once of being phoned up for a great job literally the same day as I’d just accepted a temp position. It was awkward having to ask for time off for an interview on my first day, but I got the other job and saw out my temp contract, so it was worth it!
November 10, 2010 at 2:19 pm |
I agree with Sam – lay the situation out for them. Say, “I very much enjoy working here/love the ethos of your organisation/have so much respect for what you do” (whatever applies) “and I’d love to continue here, but because I don’t have anything in hand after my fixed term, I also need to do what’s best for me and my family, so I’ll need to schedule some interviews elsewhere toward the end of my term here. Of course, if you have any news regarding a permanent position for me here, let me know as soon as you can.” They can’t ask for fairer than that.
November 10, 2010 at 11:33 am |
Book a day’s holiday?
Even better, just be honest – if you’re there on a fixed contract and they’ve not yet offered you anything after that, you can hardly be blamed for seeking employment after that point. And knowing you’re getting interviews elsewhere might just give them a boot up the arse to offer you something themselves.
November 9, 2010 at 6:33 pm |
In the past I have generally told my office (if I’m not taking the whole day off) that I have to go see my family’s solicitor. Generally explains smart attire etc.
Alternatively bring a suit in your bag and change somewhere off site.
Best excuse I ever heard was that the person couldn’t come into work due to a “horrible case of flatulence” 🙂