Landing an interview can elicit mixed feelings. On one hand, it’s a gratifying feeling to be acknowledged and exciting to think you might be that bit closer to your dream job. But once the initial excitement passes, it’s natural to feel a surge of anxiety.
Writing a standout resume is one thing but preparing for the interview itself requires a whole new set of considerations. Yes, you need to make sure you’re familiar with the company and be able to sell yourself, but the practical elements of scheduling in a job interview are just as important.
Looking for a new 9 to 5? Head to our Careers page for new listings daily.
In my experience, most employers will expect you to find time during your workday. When you think about it, it makes sense – hiring managers aren’t typically paid extra to stay back or schedule interviews out of hours, which means you need to find time during your nine-to-five.
The question is, how? Do you call in sick? Should you take leave or pretend you have a doctor’s appointment? Whichever way you go, it seems like most options require a level of secrecy. Considering it’s a dilemma most people will experience, I decided to ask careers coach, Lara Nercessian, for some advice.
What to consider when scheduling a job interview
If you’re lucky enough to be selected for a job interview, then it’s easy to feel as though you need to drop everything and accommodate the employer, regardless of what works for you. Though you do need to be somewhat flexible and show you’re committed, there are also a few factors you should keep in mind before locking in a date and time.
First, Lara suggests taking stock of your personal schedule. Look over your calendar and consider what would be the least disruptive time of the day for you.”It’s important to consider what time would work best with your existing priorities, plans and meetings to avoid feeling rushed or stressed,” Lara says. For example, if Tuesday afternoons are notoriously busy and will cause you stress, try suggesting an alternative.
Next, think of travel time. If it’s a Zoom interview, then you only need to allow an extra minute or so to make sure the link works before logging on. But if it’s in person, you’ll also need to factor in distance, traffic and possible public transport delays. It’s always better to arrive early and be killing time, than to turn up late.
Then there’s time of day. If you’re anything like me, then you’re at your prime from 11 to midday, with an added surge of energy around 3pm. Other people’s peak energy window might be first thing in the morning, or right on lunchtime. “Consider when you’re most likely to feel energised, communicate effectively and present as your best self,” Lara notes.
When it comes down to it, hiring managers know you’re juggling different commitments and they should take that into account. With that in mind, Lara’s suggestion is to provide two to three options that work best for you. That way, you’re not putting yourself in a difficult position, but you’re still showing that you’re willing to be flexible.
Is it wrong to schedule a job interview during work hours?
While it can feel a little sneaky to interview elsewhere at a time you’re expected to be working, remember it works both ways. “It’s important to remember that your current employer is most likely interviewing external candidates for roles during regular business hours, too,” Lara says. From your friends to work colleagues, most people have landed their current roles by finding time for a job interview during their work hours.
That doesn’t mean skipping out on work, though. Even though you may have a foot out the door, Lara notes you should still make sure all the deadlines of your existing role are being met. “Whether this means staying back a little longer or coming in earlier, it means you can attend the job interview while still meeting your current role requirements.”
You don’t technically have to tell your boss
If you have a good relationship with your boss, you might feel a little guilty for applying for a new position without them knowing. Whether you should tell them directly or not largely depends on the context.
“In the case of redundancy or when the company is undergoing a restructure, it may be perfectly acceptable to disclose to your boss that you plan on attending job interviews and they may provide you with additional flexibility to do so,” Lara says.
“However, if you’re wanting to secure a new role before advising your current employer, that’s also considered perfectly acceptable. It’s important to use your discernment and act in a way that feels aligned and true to you.”
How to make time for a job interview
So, should you take a sick day? Book in leave? Lara says there are a few different ways you can make time for a job interview without being too shady about it.
“While calling in sick could be an option, it’s important to consider the professional integrity and relationship you wish to maintain with your employer beyond your time with the company,” she says. The last thing you want is to be caught out when you’re meant to be in bed, unwell.
“One approach could be to request a full or half day of leave,” she tells me. “Or alternatively, you could let your employer know that you’re coming in late or leaving early due to a personal appointment.” If your workplace is in close proximity to the interview, then it might be worth using up your lunch break to make time for it.
It’s important to keep in mind that balancing job interviews with the demands of your current role is standard practice for many people. More often than not, it’s the next stepping stone in your career and something you have every right to be excited about.
For tips on preparing for a job interview, try this.
This article How to sneak out of work for a job interview, according to a career coach appeared first on Fashion Journal.
2025-06-11 11:02:00
#sneak #work #job #interview #career #coach
Source link
