Asking for time off--for a job interview?
 

Any advice on how to approach asking for time off, when the purpose is to go to a job interview at a different company? Kind of a delicate situation.

I'm technically supposed to ask for time off 2 weeks in advance, and provide a reason, i.e. doctor's appt etc. but I have someone who wants to meet with me ASAP this week.

I am considering just telling my manager exactly what the deal is. I have, after all, been telling them I need more money. Maybe this will help get the point across.

Of course, they could say no. But the alternative is trying to make up something up and take the time off under false pretenses, and I don't really want to do that.

What would you do/have you done in these circumstances?

Well, consider this: If you tell them you're interviewing for another job, they may say fine. And then set you free, to do all the interviewing you want.

*Cough Cough BLUE FLUE Cough Cough*

Is it possible to do the interview during a lunch hour, or after-hours?

No way would I tell them the truth. But I've never had a problem lying, so maybe that's just me.

I'm with zip--no need to concoct some elaborate story. Just call in sick. The interview shouldn't last all day anyway, so you'll have time to check email and stuff from home.

Don't tell them, you'll be history faster than you know it, no matter how "indispensible" you are. Sickness is the way to go. Delhi Belly, and if they whine, give graphic details.

infectious Diarrheal condition - You are not allowed to work for 24 hours - offer the beginning of some nasty details then trail off your voice - OMG gotta GO!!!! then hang up quickly.

Keep in mind that your future employer is probably going to notice the way you are handling yourself at your current company - a fib now could be recalled later when you are really sick. Can you ask for a long lunch and return to make up the hours, if the nature of your job will allow that sort of flexibility?
Good Luck, Flint! I hope it works out for you.

And how is the future employer going to know?

Or just I need a Personal day .
No explanation , no lie , I just need a day off

When I was employed and at an interview for another job, I was asked if I had cleared it with my current employer - maybe they no longer do such things or would not care, and maybe I would not have had to answer, but I was asked. [I think I lied to them anyway]

I've been on all sides of this equation Flint. I really respect your desire to do the honorable thing, BUT if you do it in this case you have a very high probability of taking it in the shorts. Quite a few HR departments I've worked with in the past would send you packing immediately under the real or not so real idea of protecting the company from theft/sabotage/morale damaging attitudes.

Call in sick. Considering that you are apparently a very good employee they shouldn't give you too much grief over that.

In the current environment I would say "no I haven't cleared this interview with my current employer as that would leave me in an untenable situation if we aren't able to reach an agreement here". If they know your current employer knows about the interview they'll assume your decision to leave has already been made and they might not offer you the same package as they would if they felt they had to entice you over.

Just tell your boss that you're having "female problems" and they won't ask for the details.

At my last job I told my boss every time I sent out a resume or had an interview.

If you tell them you're sick, there's a chance someone will see you in your interview clothes. The you'll have some explaining to do.

That and Personal Day option just go to show how long it's been since I've had to do this sort of thing. :blush: