What can you do if your job won't let you take time off for an interview?

Answer 1

Don't let them know that's why you're requesting the time off.

(I'm not necessarily saying you should lie - just tell them that you have an appointment.)

Employers aren't required to give you time off to go interview somewhere else. If they aren't willing to do that for you, play their game - come up with other acceptable excuses for taking the time off. Frankly, if you're using PTO that you've earned or taking the time off unpaid, its not really any of their business exactly how you're spending that time.

Answer 2

Well there are a range of strategies.

1. Call in sick, or find some important excuse (doctors appointment, your house was broken into, etc)

2. Ask the other place to schedule the interview out of hours (if they want you, then they will happily do this) or maybe for a lunch time interview.

It can be very hard sometimes looking for a new job when you currently have a job. Most companies looking for employees will be accomodating, especially for the first interview. However sometimes the secretary or administration staff member is just inflexible and won't setup a new time if you can't make the interview.

Answer 3

First, do NOT try to trick or deceive your current employer (to include calling in sick to get time off). You can't hide who you work for as even most basic background checks include not only your current employer but all employers going back five years or more. What would you do if your potential employer called your current employer? I had an interview where the interviewer called my last employer while I was sitting in front of her. They don't actually need your permission to do so. Especially if you called in sick for an interview, now you have to explain to your future employer why you deceived and lied to your current employer and convince them that you wouldn't be just as dishonest with them. Additionally, you would have to convince your current boss not to fire you for lying and taking unauthorized time off. If you are fired, the reason may cause you to be denied government benefits, such as unemployment.

What should you do? Your employer is not obligated to give you time off to interview with another company. What you could do is explain the situation and offer to take unpaid time off or use vacation / compensation time earned to get the time off. Additionally, who is the person telling you that you can't have the time off? Does this person have a superior that you could contact to get a different answer? If you work in a store like Wal-Mart and the problem is with your Department Manager then go to the Assistant Store Manager. If the ASM says no then go to the Store Manager. If that person says no then consider going to the District Manager if it's that important. Ultimately, you could quit and hope that you get this new job. After all, they wouldn't interview you if they weren't at least interested in hiring you so you'd have a pretty good change (much better than those that aren't even being interviewed).

Just remember, if you decide to be deceptive or simply not go to work then be ready for any possible consequences. Good Luck.

Answer 4

Don't tell you job that you have an interview.
Ask interviewer if you can do the interview before or after work or even at lunchtime.
Take annual leave.

Or call in sick.

Answer 5

Ask the interviewer if you can attend the interview after your work hours. Worst case scenario is to call in sick.

Answer 6

Missy never let them know that you're going for an interview.....use a sick or vacation day........good luck

Answer 7

tell the Interviewer and schedule on a day that you dont work on.

Answer 8

chuck a sicky, l wouldnt dare even tell them its for another position

Answer 9

CALL IN SICK!!! DUH!!! THATS OBVIOUS. WHO CARES ABOUT ATTENDANCE WHEN YOUR PLANNING ON LEAVING THE COMPANY YOU HAVE BEEN WORKING FOR....WHO CARES ABOUT BEING FIRED FOR THAT MATTER. 6 MONTHS AND ITS CLEARED.

Answer 10

call in sick