Advice: Full Time Job + Med School Interviews

[Member5072]

Hello everyone,

I've been interviewing for full-time jobs this past week and this week and while I don't have any offers yet, I was wondering how would I schedule interviews for medical schools if I have to work? The most recent job I interviewed for had a 90 day probationary period (or it was temporary for 90 days) and that will/may conflict.

What do you guys think? Should I just look for part-time instead? Should I ask them directly about it and say something along the lines of " I have planned to visit some medical schools in the next few months?"

Any advice is appreciated 🙂

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[darklabel]

Hello everyone,

I've been interviewing for full-time jobs this past week and this week and while I don't have any offers yet, I was wondering how would I schedule interviews for medical schools if I have to work? The most recent job I interviewed for had a 90 day probationary period (or it was temporary for 90 days) and that will/may conflict.

What do you guys think? Should I just look for part-time instead? Should I ask them directly about it and say something along the lines of " I have planned to visit some medical schools in the next few months?"

Any advice is appreciated 🙂

As one would say, I wouldn't jump the gun until you get an interview.

Some will schedule the interview but most will allow you to schedule it on your own or you can ask to reschedule.

So as they say, just wait and see.

 

[HotHamH2O]

Communication is best here. Notify your potential employer of the possibility of some scheduling issues and ask if they would be willing to be flexible here and there if they had to be. Best suggestion I can give you though is to seek a job that allows you to conveniently schedule. I work in an ER as a paramedic and work nights. This makes scheduling very easy.

 

[maybemed2013]

I just printed out my med school invite and showed it to my boss, my boss was so happy for me.

 

[Jumpstartmy5HT]

It's often more difficult to go on these interviews during your probationary period as usually vacation days are not granted by the employer until that period is over. You can always feign illness on the days you have to interview... Or if your boss is understanding, you can tell him or her the truth while taking a sick day.

As for notifying your potential employer, it is really dependent on what their understanding of your commitment is. If they know you're applying for medical school and that you may leave after less than a year of employment at that institution, then they be more understanding of your absences from work.

In any case, good luck!

ETA: I should add that I am currently employed full-time, and I also work a part-time job that dominates another 20 hours of my week. I am in addition taking two courses for funsies. It's difficult to make it work, and the traveling is exhausting. However, it can be done, and I will do it!

 

[Member5072]

Great, thanks everyone : )

I checked on the school specific threads and asked if there were Saturday interviews,which there are for some! So it would only be 1-2 schools where I'd have to potentially take a day off (most schools I'm applying to are within 0-6 hours)~ I'd hate to lie to them, so I'd probably same something along the lines of visiting medical schools with unplanned dates yet in the next few months. If they don't like it, then I'll have to look elsewhere for a job.

Any other advice or personal experience is still welcomed : )

 

[WillburCobb]

I was in your exact same position exactly a year ago. As unethical as it is, I flat out lied to them, and it worked. I'm not proud of it, but in light of my loan repayment and satisfaction with my job at the time I felt it was necessary. If you're okay with that, then that's my advice. Also, I was only dealing with one interview last year as well so I can understand where juggling multiple interview in your case may be more of an issue.

 

[phunkeyfantom]

I know you said that you're looking at full time jobs but maybe you might want to consider scoring yourself a temporary work assignment. They usually have a start and end date and it's possible to take on work assignments that last for only a couple of months. So you could theoretically work for 3 months and then schedule any interviews around the time when your temporary assignment is about to end.

 

[WhyDoWeFall]

Just a heads up, I was working full time when I got my 2 interviews. I took a day off or I "got sick" when I needed to go to the interview. My company started firing people if they got wind that someone was going to leave. Either that or they would add more work onto their work load. My advice would be to avoid telling anyone unless you plan to hand in a 2 weeks notice shortly after.

 

[Member5072]

Just a heads up, I was working full time when I got my 2 interviews. I took a day off or I "got sick" when I needed to go to the interview. My company started firing people if they got wind that someone was going to leave. Either that or they would add more work onto their work load. My advice would be to avoid telling anyone unless you plan to hand in a 2 weeks notice shortly after.

wow that's crazy. yea I'm afraid if I said "I'm sick" when I really wasn't... then bad stuff will happen. Thanks for sharing!

Guess I should just wait and see. I haven't heard back from the places I had job interviews with. This cycle has been quite frustrating 🙁

Anyone have recs for where I should look for jobs or what types of jobs to look for? Tried all local hospitals, job websites, and craigslist (so sketch, haha)

 

[Jester4321]

In the same position, looking for full time employment but already have one interview in November, at the same time need to pay the bills..

 

[jwilliams1993]

I was full time during my second app cycle. In your probationary period, you may not be able to take vacation days or use PTO, but you should still be able to switch shifts with your coworkers. I'd just ask about it! My interviews were all on Fridays, so I can see it being an issue getting weekends covered. I knew about both of my interviews over a month in advance, which was helpful. You can also schedule interviews later than the first date available to buy yourself some time to work out the schedule.

 

[cjcarter]

I currently work full-time at an optometry clinic. I have been able to get all of the days off I need for my interviews. Everyone is very supportive at my workplace and knew I was going to be applying to med school when they interviewed me. I would be up front with them so they know to expect it. Luckily, there are several other technicians at my clinic so they are able to work on days I will be gone on interviews. Good luck!

 

[zurc2014]

I was in your exact same position exactly a year ago. As unethical as it is, I flat out lied to them, and it worked. I'm not proud of it, but in light of my loan repayment and satisfaction with my job at the time I felt it was necessary. If you're okay with that, then that's my advice. Also, I was only dealing with one interview last year as well so I can understand where juggling multiple interview in your case may be more of an issue.

This. I just got a second job to pay for interviews and I have that 3 month probation period. They want someone that will be there longer Im sure but I need money and this is real life. I am gonna call in sick on those days. If your job is cool then more power to ya but from my experience, if your not doing nursing then they dont care too much about working with you. This is my personal experience from working in hospitals for 9+ years. Im gonna lie and say Im sick. Do what you have to do....period.

 

[Stompyy]

I was in a similar situation at the start of this cycle. I have a full time job and i was barely able to accrue the vacation time to attend my first two interviews. Im also at a job where i cant just tell my employer im going to an interview, they wouldnt be too happy. If you have to take the job I would try to schedule you interviews on mondays or fridays and take one sick day. Probably your best bet.

Thats definitly a tough situation!

 

[summergirl]

Does anyone have any other suggestion for an excuse to get off work besides being sick? All of my interviews will probably come in at the same time and I don't think it'll sound too convincing when I call in "sick" every other week for 2 months...

 

[samac]

Does anyone have any other suggestion for an excuse to get off work besides being sick? All of my interviews will probably come in at the same time and I don't think it'll sound too convincing when I call in "sick" every other week for 2 months...

If you're going to be taking off a day every other week for 2 months your best bet there is honesty.