Interview, should I mention a holiday that is booked and paid for?

Question

I have a job interview next week, and my boyfriend had booked and paid for a surprise break for my b'day, its from the 15th -19th Feb, I dont even know where we're going! This job is really important, should I mention it?

Answer 1

Yes you should. Its best to be up front as they may get funny if they give you the job and then you take leave. If they know about it they have the choice to employ you and honor the holiday or not offer you the job. When my husband interviews new staff he always asks the question anyway and he honors the holiday.

Answer 2

It's worth mentioning it - some interviewers ask. Unfortunately, I got turned down for a job on the basis of having a short holiday booked within about 6 weeks of starting!

Answer 3

Not at interview stage no. You should never ask about holidays etc at interview, it looks like all you're interested in is having time off. Only mention it once you get to offer stage. Before you accept tell them that you have a holiday booked that you need honouring. Usually this isn't a problem, employers accept it as a common issue.

Answer 4

of course you should, you will have holiday entitlement to use anyway, most people use theres in the summer so he should be happy that yours are in the winter months, most companys honour holidays and other comitments booked prior to joining the company anyway, if its not mentioned in the interview, bring it up after the job has been offered to you before you leave the room, it seems you are concerned this will be the make or break as to if you get the job or not, consentrate on getting through the interview dont worry about the holiday untill youve got the job

Answer 5

I'd wait and see whether you get a job offer rather than bringing it up at the interview. But if you get an offer, definitely tell them about it before you accept the offer, and ask if you can take the time off at no pay since it's already planned and paid for. With a little luck they'll say OK.

Answer 6

You must mention it as it shows openness. As an employer if a booked holiday is declared at interview and the candidate is appointed the holiday is always honoured as long as it is within the company policy. By that I mean if they have or will have the required amount of holiday available in that leave year.

Answer 7

In a first interview I would only mentioned this if specifically asked. If you get a second interview then I would definitely mention it then. If no second interview then when verbally offered a position you should mention the holiday. Any decent company will not have a problem with it.

Answer 8

Probably not in a first interview, if they come to offer you the job they will probably ask you if you have any holidays or anything booked. If they ask you them obviously tell them but if not then i wouldn't bother because you might look like you are presuming your getting the job and expect these days off.

Answer 9

I would wait until the job offer. Use it as a negotiating ploy when they start talking about pay and benefits. Plus if the job is very important to you and it's a deal breaker for them at that time you may have to make a decision.

Answer 10

I would mention towards the end of the interview process. Perhaps when they ask if you have any further questions, ask about it like an afterthought. If they dont honour then you dont want to work for them anyway as they wont treat you well. It's common practice by reputable companies to honour. Good luck.