Taking time off for out-of-state interviews

[Dalteparin]

I'm looking for jobs in another state, and the jobs I'm applying for are far enough away f that I'd need at least a full day off to get there, interview, and get home. What's the best way to tell my employer I need the time off? Is it OK to just tell the truth? I hardly ever get sick, and I worry that if I start calling in frequently, my coworkers will get suspicious and I may get in trouble with the boss.

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[njac]

How is the shift trading environment at your work?

Are any of these sites willing to do phone/skype interviews initially?

 

[njac]

My experience has been that prospective employers are usually pretty respectful of your existing position, and will recognize your attempt to not mar your experience at your current position.

 

[fauxden]

just call it a personal day, what business is it of theirs? Or call in sick, aka, "sick of work".

 

[njac]

Also, if all of these are in a similar metro area, could you just take a week do vacation to block off interviews/find a place to live?

I suffer from wanderlust, and I had a mentor tell me you should interview for at least one job per year to keep your skills up.

 

[pharmdarling]

How is the shift trading environment at your work?

Are any of these sites willing to do phone/skype interviews initially?

I was in a situation where my employer knew that I was looking and expected that I would eventually interview and take a job elsewhere, so I told the truth when I needed a day off for interviews. That being said, all of the places I looked at were out of state, and early in the process I would inquire about phone or Skype interview options. I found it more efficient to start with a phone interview initially, and if they were still interested, then I'd be more willing to make the trip for an on-site interview.

 

[Dalteparin]

How is the shift trading environment at your work?

Are any of these sites willing to do phone/skype interviews initially?

My coworkers are usually pretty flexible and I don't mind asking for trades; it's just been difficult to find people to trade with since we're understaffed. (We have some open positions that upper management won't allow us to fill.)

Yes - so far every place that's wanted to interview me has done a phone interview first. However, I'm really uncomfortable with the idea of taking a job offer from a place that I haven't seen in person.

Also, if all of these are in a similar metro area, could you just take a week do vacation to block off interviews/find a place to live?

I would love to do that, but due to the aforementioned staff shortage, it'll be a long time before I get that much time off.

 

[Dalteparin]

I was in a situation where my employer knew that I was looking and expected that I would eventually interview and take a job elsewhere, so I told the truth when I needed a day off for interviews.

I have a decent relationship with my boss… maybe I will just tell him I'm looking to move on.

 

[KARM12]

Just use a personal day/vacation day...none of their business what you do during that time. Sick time can be harder to use depening on your employer's rules.

 

[Dred Pirate]

Just depends on your relationship with yours boss. I will be in this situation in a year or so, and I will just be honest. I will probably block off a couple of long weekends ahead of time and work my interviews into those times so I don't have to tell the boss unless I have to.