How do you go to job interviews when the only time they'll interview you is the time you have to work??

Question

Ok, here's the thing -- I'm 22, I work in this stockroom office, full time, making $12/hr. The office is open Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm. I've been working there for 2 months.

These are the typical business hours which, correct me if I'm wrong, employers usually conduct job interviews. So naturally, of course, I have to look for a job that pays more than $12 an hour if I'm gonna survive (I live in NYC, by the way), so I'm working there and looking for another job in the meantime (without them knowing about it, of course). Don't get me wrong, I like where I am and what I do there, but like and love aren't going to pay the rent and bills.

So what do you do when the only time an employer can interview you is during the hours you work? Imagine you put your resume on Monster and you get, for instance, 1 interview a week. What am I gonna do? Make up an excuse for why I can't come to my present job each week? I already had to do that once last week, so far that is. I told them I had to take my mother, who has alzheimers, for her physical check up since she obviously can't go by herself, that worked but I can't keep trying to make something up every week.

Heck, I can't even tell them the truth "Oh I got a job interview so I can't come to work today because the only time they can see me is during regular business hours which is the same time you require me to work".

It's stupid, I know, but it's also cruel. Because the employer will look at me as a traitor or something when I'm just trying to survive in the world. Traitor, ha, easy for them to say, they make WAYYYY MORRRE than $12/hr.

Well... I'm sure many of you out there work the same hours as me, probably make more than me tho I bet, but what would you do if you had to go to a job interview in this situation?

Oh one more thing I thought might be worth mentioning...

The place where I went on Friday for the interview... They asked how long I've been at this job, I told them the truth 2 months, they looked at me funny and asked why I want to leave. I was afraid to tell her why (the reason I've already explained to you guys, the bills, money, etc), so I had to make some crap up about "Oh well I love what I do at my current place of employment but I just don't feel that I fit in that particular industry".

God, I hate having to lie and b.s. my way through the career world. In the end, its all about friggin money. Yeah, I know, get something you like to do, easy to say, but you won't get it "right away", so in the meantime I have to lie.

Answer 1

Breathe! Everything will work out ok. When you're at work tell your employer that you have a dentist appointment on the day that you set up your interview. It is better than saying you have a doctor's appointment because then an employer wants to see a doctor's note. If you are really daring and your employer is a guy, tell them that you have a gynecologist appointment..no questions asked! =) At your job interview when they ask why you want to leave your job don't lie to them. Tell them something like this "I like my job, but the pay is low and with my skills I think I could be earning more." I hope that this helps you and remember you have to fight for what you want. Good luck =)

Answer 2

First of all, wanting to make more money is a perfectly acceptable reason to look for work - so just tell the truth.

The truth is also a good option to use with your prospective employers. Tell them you work 9 - 5, M- F. Many employers have recruiters who can conduct phone interviews after hours. Retail establishments and the like are open on nights/weekends and management often work rotating shifts to cover those hours. I've conducted many interviews during someone's lunch hour, or after hours over the telephone. Your prospective employer will appreciate the loyalty you are showing to your current employer.

Good luck!

Answer 3

I hear your frustration. I live and work right near you for a big organization in the banking industry. There are opportunities in NY and NJ. If you are interested in a job, message me back and we can talk. I could submit your resume to our HR dept and see what is available. It's always helpful getting it submitted from a current employee. It will pay more than $12/hour, that's for sure.

Answer 4

As an exec with 20 years in the medical business, I say it is the most compelling thing I have ever heard. Most resumes are full of BS. This is real and, in the broad scheme of things, who doesn't want an employee who can amuse the hell out of everyone?