Can't get time off for interview

ac1536

I have gotten to the final few selected for interview out of hundreds of applicants, but I am unable to get the time off to go due to staff holidays, staff shortages - I wouldn't be granted the leave if I asked as it would leave my current employer with no cover at all on that day.

I am only temping at the moment and have yet to be offered a permanent contract, if ever. The position I have been offered the interview for is permanent and perfect hours for me. Is it worth explaining the situation to the Interviewer and hoping they reschedule? The earliest I could realistically make an interview would be early next week. I don't want to take a sicky as it would leave my current employer totally in the lurch, and it wouldn't take much for them to put 2 and 2 together if asked for references. I don't want to miss out on the interview either though, as I was one of the few to be offered one.

I'm not sure the interview can be rescheduled as the interviewer stated on the phone she wants to get the interviews done quickly. Just looking for opinions - do you think I am just gonna have to forget about this one?

nimbo

Don't forget about it, be open and honest try to get it rescheduled, and then talk to your boss.

Say it's permanent, and great hours - at the end of the day you have to do what is best for you.

good luck sweetie.

xxxx

torbrex

As said try to get it rescheduled and have a word with your current employer, tell them just what you have told us and see if you can get an extended lunch break or something like that.

This could be your job but you wont know if you don't go for it.

sweetilemon

Torbrex has a good idea. I've done that before ( for the job im in now! ) I was given a few hours off rather than the full day. My employer understood as they had reduced my hours. It meant they weren't stuck for the whole day! If your current employer is not willing to co-operate I would contact the new company and explain reasons...it will show you are loyal and not someone who takes sick leave any time they need time off!

ac1536

Thanks everyone.

I think I am going to contact the company and explain that it is not possible for me to get the time off and take it from there. It may even somehow go in my favour that I was unwilling to leave my current employer stuck in order to go to an interview.

Fingers crossed they reschedule. If not then it wasn't meant to be. I don't want to rock the boat where I am, there are no guarantees I would get the new job.

pinkshoes

Take a two day sickie to make it look realistic - some graphic descriptions of vomitting and diahrea should work

PlutoinCapricorn

I have known many cases where people in your position were able to get an appointment before or after normal working hours - or during lunch time.

I agree with Sweetilemon: being honest and explaining that you don't want to cause more problems for a short-staffed employer makes you look good as a potential employee.

getmore4less

Start with the (potential) new employer, early, late, even weekends.

We would do late interviews if someone needed to work and sometimes weekend at a push, I could always find some other work to make it worth while going in.

The problem is that as an idivudual you don't get to see the workplace as it would be as an employee.

denla

ac1536 wrote: »

Thanks everyone.

I think I am going to contact the company and explain that it is not possible for me to get the time off and take it from there. It may even somehow go in my favour that I was unwilling to leave my current employer stuck in order to go to an interview.

Fingers crossed they reschedule. If not then it wasn't meant to be. I don't want to rock the boat where I am, there are no guarantees I would get the new job.

You might lose the job opportunity if you do that. Shows you're not wanting the new job that badly.

Also don't tell your current employer. Whatever reason you give, s/he will refuse you time off for interview. Your employer doesn't care if you get the hours you want, better pay or whatever nonsense you give.

Fake a sick day off work. Your employer won't like it but it's the only real way to get your dream job. That's what everyone does.

Being honest doesn't work in reality. If you tell employer you're off for an interview, and don't get the job, your relationship with the employer will change. It's like telling your wife you're going to a singles bar to test women.

Only be a man of integrity if you have unique skills and in your industry you're highly sought after by a number of employers. If you're the average Joe, haha if you're honest and can't get time off work.

qetu1357

pinkshoes wrote: »

Take a two day sickie to make it look realistic - some graphic descriptions of vomitting and diahrea should work

I agree, throw a sickie.

There is no such thing as loyalty nowadays and you have to look after your best interests.

Aryndeneth

ac1536 wrote: »

I have gotten to the final few selected for interview out of hundreds of applicants...

...the interviewer stated on the phone she wants to get the interviews done quickly. Just looking for opinions - do you think I am just gonna have to forget about this one?

If you've been picked out of hundreds, you've clearly impressed them. As an employer, I would also absolutely be impressed by you wanting to not leave your current employer in the lurch. I would try to be as flexible as possible in order to let you attend the interview. Your interviewer may have said she wants to interview as soon as possible but that doesn't mean she has no flexibility what-so-ever. Phone her, be honest and then, when you know the situation, talk to your current manager if the interview really can't be moved.

As advised, offer to come in early, work late, take a long lunch. Show that them you've tried to do everything possible to help them out.