Going for a job interview while in employment?

Mrs_Egg

Where do you stand on going for an interview for another job while still employed?

Background is i've been 'head hunted' and been offered an interview at another place of work which is very appealing as the money is a lot more and the package and opportunities is better than what i already have, so obviously want to go and check out what they have to say!

Anyways this was my first job and i've been here for 4 years now and this was the first interview I had when looking so i have no experience in this what so ever. The interview is on friday, i've asked for the day off and not stated as yet why i want the day off but i am now worried someone will find out what i am up to. I'm just wondering what the 'rules' are with having interviews while still employed? I'm guessing telling the employer is a big no no?

LadyMissA

Rules? As long as you go in your own time and book a holiday and not take a sick day then there is nothing your present company can do about it. You are entitled to look for a new job just like they would be entitled to get rid of you if you weren't needed.

Never tell them where you are going and if anyone ever asks say you are going shopping.

CCFC_80

Definitely a big no no to tell your employer. You need to somehow get time off to attend The interview. Pull a sickie, family crisis, dental appointment, late holiday request for just 1 day etc.

I have found from experience it is best not to mess the interviewers about and to attend an interview at whatever time suits them. If it is for a specialist role, remember that They may have got in a panel of maybe three people and it would not be easy to rearrange.

LadyMissA

CCFC_80 wrote: »

Definitely a big no no to tell your employer. You need to somehow get time off to attend The interview. Pull a sickie, family crisis, dental appointment, late holiday request for just 1 day etc.

I have found from experience it is best not to mess the interviewers about and to attend an interview at whatever time suits them. If it is for a specialist role, remember that They may have got in a panel of maybe three people and it would not be easy to rearrange.

Are you saying pull a sickie? Yeah good if someone sees you.
The op has just said they have booked holiday

CCFC_80

LadyMissA wrote: »

Are you saying pull a sickie? Yeah good if someone sees you.
The op has just said they have booked holiday

No maybe only as a last resort.Should have maybe put that in as a final option. The OP would need to find someway of attending the interview.

Sorry didn't see the bit about booked holiday

InsideInsurance

As has been said, as long as its your own time you can do what you want. You have no requirement to tell your employer why you want the day off, simply that you do want it.

No sensible employer is going to think you are going to work for them from cradle to grave. In fact most studies will say that it is not great for the business to have too low a turnover of staff even though in the short term staff leaving is a high expense. At the same time dont say anything to your employer until you have a secured offer if not a signed contract.

Everyone does interviews, it only becomes a problem if your switching jobs every few months. Whilst as a consultant/ contractor my situation is slightly different I did once have an interview with a company and as I walked out my current "boss" was sat in reception, we said hi and next time we had beers he just casually asked if I was there for an interview.

InsideInsurance

CCFC_80 wrote: »

No maybe only as a last resort.Should have maybe put that in as a final option. The OP would need to find someway of attending the interview.

Sorry didn't see the bit about booked holiday

The problem of doing it at all is you've asked for holiday, been declined, and then phone in sick.

Never going to look good on your company record if the job interview doesnt result in a job offer. Can lead to real problems if you do it multiple times.

Lovelyjoolz

InsideInsurance wrote: »

At the same time dont say anything to your employer until you have a secured offer if not a signed contract.

Actually, before you sign anything, have you thought about what you'll do if your current boss makes you a counter offer?

It's possible that they will try and persuade you to stay with them, and it's best if you have some idea of what you would and wouldn't stay for.

LadyMissA

Lovelyjoolz wrote: »

Actually, before you sign anything, have you thought about what you'll do if your current boss makes you a counter offer?

It's possible that they will try and persuade you to stay with them, and it's best if you have some idea of what you would and wouldn't stay for.

sometimes though its not all about the £ and I guess the OP has reasons other than £ for wanting to leave

S0litaire

I was lucky with my last employer. I worked a LOT of overtime (paid and unpaid) So whenever i needed a day off they were fine just so long as they had notice.

So as long as i had a few days notice on an interview i could always arrange a half-day off work.
Wost one was an interview i had in Manchester (I live near Glasgow!) got the first flight down 5:30 for a 9am interview, caught a 1130 flight back home and into work for 1pm no one was the wiser! lol

Saying that I was knackered the whole day and the boss suggested I try to relax more on my time off instead of partying!! >_< lol

Mrs_Egg

Thank you all for your quick replies, I have put in a holiday request form and see no reason why it wouldn't be accept as they are really good with holidays/people having time off.

Reasons for looking around is that where I am i've been given a new job role which i love but im still getting paid less than other people in my department and i've been here longer and i'm suppose to be in charge! I guess they take me for granted, I would expect them to make a counter off if i left has i hold a few big account they couldn't afford to loose but lets not get ahead of myself as yet, its only an interview, putting it down to hopefully a good experience.

I appericate all your replies though... makes me nervous to think i've got an interview, feel like im 18 again haha! :rotfl: