New job and taking vacation?

Question

I am going for my final interview for an administration position at my local council next week. I am quite confident that I will get the position because there are a number of positions available. However, the starting date is in Mid January, and I have been told that I will need to go through their training programme for the first 4 weeks.

The problem I have is that I have already booked a 3 week holiday from the last week of February to the first 2 weeks of March next year. So when I go for my final stage interview next week, which of the following would you recommend that I do:

1. Do not mention anything about my holiday until perhaps the beginning of February.
2. Do not mention my holiday, and if I do get the job, then cancel my holiday since it seems to be too close to the end of my training period, and go on holiday some time later next year.
3. Mention my holiday at the interview and perhaps face the risk of being rejected, since it is too close to my start date.

Answer 1

Option 3 only.
Most employers understand as you booked your holiday well before you had your interview.
you should be OK (I HOPE)

Answer 2

Option 3 - the sooner you tell them the better.

I have worked for a local authority, so I know from first hand experience.

What ever you decide do NOT cancel your holiday, you will get none of the money back.

Answer 3

Tell them at interview stage you have booked your hol. As an employer they are legally bound to give you your hols - they dont have to pay you for your time off, but they have to let you take it.

Answer 4

If they like you, they will hire you regardless.

I strongly suggest you mention your days off because that way they can give you days off without pay. Unless those vacations are not important, then cancel it without mentioning it.