I'm in the process of interviewing for a job, and I have a major interview scheduled for next week, which I have been really excited about. It is spread out over two days, and involves talking with a lot of different people, all of whom have obviously taken time out of their schedules to meet with me.
Now, here's the problem. One of my parents is dying, and it appears that the end is very near. We have been told by the medical people that it could happen at any time. Obviously, if it should happen, I cannot just go merrily off to an interview - I have to support the other parent.
So, should I let the search firm know this now? I hate to bring negatives to the table, especially since there is a chance that it won't interfere at all, yet I also don't want to find myself having to call the day of the interview to cancel, wasting all of these people's time. How should I handle it?
2007-10-16 02:19:49 · 8 answers · asked by neniaf 7 in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment ➔ Other - Careers & Employment
Thanks, everyone. I notified the search firm this morning and got a call back a little while ago. It turns out the search consultant is going through exactly the same thing! She assured me that assuming I could bounce back by a couple of weeks later, they would talk to me then if it came to that.
2007-10-16 07:26:58 · update #1
You may want to think this trough,having been there myself. The grieving process is not a 1,2,3 week affair it can last a long time as most people know. Being hired for a new position may not give you the time you need to grieve. I am not trying to sound cold hearted but I went trough the same thing and believe me you are not your best for a long time, employers know this some are sympathetic some are not, mine was not. i am not saying what you should do just to let you know what could happen
2007-10-16 02:37:20 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
I would call to confirm the interview, and if it does seem like something might happen this week, then you may want to mention that you have a potential major family issue and would like to move the interview up if at all possible to as soon as possible. Try to get it in, before the time you were scheduled for. If the firm is doing ok on time, then maybe you could push it back a week or two, but by asking to move it up, you are showing that you are genuinely intererested. You dont have to go into specifics, but you could mention that your parent is not doing well at all and that the doctors are not very optimistic. But reassure them that this will not effect your ability to do the job.
And i wish you the best of luck with both the job and your parent.
2007-10-16 09:34:34 · answer #2 · answered by Toledo Engineer 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Life happens. When something dramatic happens such as a family member being on their death bed, you have every right to put off interviews. This will not deter your chances whatsoever. Imagine the firms found out that your parent was dying and you decided to go to an interview instead of being with them? That my friend, would look bad. You have every right and reason in the book to cancel. Tell the truth. You have nothing to worry about. I'm sorry to hear about this btw - good luck to you and I hope you will make the right decision. Go with your intuition.
2007-10-16 11:43:37 · answer #3 · answered by Richelle 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Immediately call your recruiter, tell them that you just found out it was this dire (or you would not have started the process) apologize.
Tell the recruiter that you plan on going to the interview, but you can't know how long they will hang in there.
Your biggest problem is recruiters are little sh*ts and may not tell the company at all. But you have no choice except to risk this.
Sorry to hear about your parent, losing a parent is tough.
Good luck to you with both.
2007-10-16 09:38:59 · answer #4 · answered by Gem 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes, you should tell the search company. They, and your possible future employer, have been through similar situations and know what can happen. It would be so much better than not showing up or the guilt feelings at not being with your family.
2007-10-16 09:29:51 · answer #5 · answered by jack of all trades 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Definately let them know the situation now. Potential employers will understand more if they are given a heads up rather than last minute. Not that they wouldn't understand last minute but telling them ahead of time shows that you are concerned for their time and have respect for them as a potential employer. I think it will put you at the top of the list. That all said, I'm sorry for your impending loss.
2007-10-16 09:33:42 · answer #6 · answered by mrsdeli 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Go do the interview then go counsel ur parent. life goes on as does business.
separate the two.
2007-10-16 09:33:22 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
yes i really feel that you do really need to .....
2007-10-16 09:28:52 · answer #8 · answered by Dani-YELL 2 · 3⤊ 1⤋