Asking for Time off to Attend Interview for Another Job?

newlywed

I once asked my employer what the policy was about time off for job interviews… they said no one had ever asked!  I said well I don’t think you would give me annual leave because others are off and I need to leave an hour and a half early.  They gave me the time off with the agreement I would make the time.

Ath_Wat

The problem you have there is that if you then don't subsequently resign, not only does your employer know that you were looking to leave, they know that you couldn't get anything you wanted more.  Which puts them in a position where they are probably not going to offer you anything better within their company and you have little bargaining power as you already tried to leave and couldn't.

If you get the other job it's fine, of course, it's only if you don't you have an issue.

newlywed

I didn’t get that one, was shortlisted but the interviewer was also great friends with my immediate boss…. Got a different job very shortly after though (a lunch time interview 5 mins walk from the office).

an interview is a two way thing, I’ve been to several where I have decided that where I work isn’t so bad after all and so stayed.  I don’t have an issue with them knowing I’m looking elsewhere, most people do, it lets them know I’m not happy in my work. 

Ath_Wat

I'd say the best way to let them know you are not happy in your work is to tell them you are not happy in your work.

Although of course not being happy in your work is not the only reason to go for an interview.  You might want to see if the other job is even better, in which case you don't want to disrupt what you already have.

Doshwaster

newlywed said:

I once asked my employer what the policy was about time off for job interviews… they said no one had ever asked!  I said well I don’t think you would give me annual leave because others are off and I need to leave an hour and a half early.  They gave me the time off with the agreement I would make the time.

I would go in order of preference
1) Ask for some time off to deal with some personal matters. Don't mention an interview but say you will make the time up later in the week.
2) Take a half day holiday
3) Pull a sickie or have a fake dentist/GP appointment (risky)

easy

Firstly ask the prospective employer if they can adjust the time of the interview, suggest 2 or 3 other times/dates that would be more convenient to manage.  If they can move the interview,  no issue.
If they can't move the interview decide how your current manager is going to react.  
If you think they might be wanting you to stay (and you would consider staying),  just asking for time off for the interview might persuade them to offer you a better package/job role.
If you think they will take umbridge, then just ask for time off for personal reasons,  don't give details.

If the manager who is interviewing you is professional,  they should never mention your application to your current manager - at least until after you have taken up the new job.  If he/she isn't professional and your current manager finds out then 2 things ...
1.  You wouldn't have wanted to work for him/her anyway
2.  Ask your current manager what they would have done in your position. 

Good luck.