I have been applying for jobs for months. I finally got a few interviews.

20 Comments

1. AnonymousDecember 10,2024 at 4:35PM UTC

   Hmm...this one is a bit different. Nothing something that would be covered under FMLA (if you did qualify for it) or most company defined leave programs. Now that said, I would treat this like a pre-planned vacation (not that it's going to be a vacation), but work out with your soon to be manager "hey, I have this pre-arranged thing that I need to attend to (can I assume hearing hasn't been scheduled yet), giving you a heads up in advance that I will need to take some time away to handle." I mean, most employers at least that I've come across, are very understanding of pre-made arrangements at the time of hire.

2. Barb HansenDecember 10,2024 at 4:39PM UTC

   This is what I would do:

   When I received the job offer, I would talk to the hiring manager and explain that due to a family matter, I need 5 to 10 days off between X and Y date. I would not go into details on the "family matter" just that a family member needs assistance. I would say that I understand my time off may be too early to be compenstated and that I'll take the time off with no pay. If the company can't accomadate your time off, you can cross that bridge when it happens.

   This happens all the time - people get a new job and have previously scheduled vacations or other things they need to attend too.

3. GirlBossanova934974December 11,2024 at 1:26PM UTC

   EXCELLENT RECOMMENDATION! (no need to say anything beyond a "family matter").

4. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistDecember 11,2024 at 3:52AM UTC

   This happens all the time. I hired someone this year that had three vacations planned.

   If they want to make you an offer, just tell the recruiter when you accept that you want to give them a heads up that you have a trip already planned for (give tentative dates incase something with the case changes) - if they ask why the dates aren't firm, just say you're going with someone else and you're coordinating the exact dates.

   This is typically not a big deal. I have never had a hiring manager say they wouldn't hire someone because they already had a trip planned. Tell the recruiter and the recruiter can let the hiring manager know. Then your first week, just remind the hiring manager that you had shared that info with the recruiter.

   I find that the sooner this is brought up, the less of a big deal it is. Personally, under no circumstances would I share exactly the reason for the trip - that's no one's business.

5. AnonymousDecember 11,2024 at 1:36PM UTC

   Do not bring up any needs of any sort until after the offer, and at the end of negotiations. Then you might say:

   "By the way, i need date-date off for (personal, prepaid vacay, destination wedding, surgery, etc.), I wouldn't expect to be paid for the time as a new employee however, I do need the time."

   You will get the time, paid. DO NOT EVER GIVE A REASON TO NOT CONSIDER YOUR CANDIDACY!

   Learn how to play the game. Interview processes are typically long now, with each step, get them to like you more & more. You'll know you're liked when an offer is extended. It is only now they are ripe to hear your needs. Bringing things up too early might give a reason to rule you out! Good luck!

6. Janice MasonDecember 11,2024 at 3:02PM UTC

   I had an offer, and once I had the offer I told them I needed two weeks off for a very much needed planned surgery. I explained I did not tell them during the interview bc I did not want that fact to be a deciding factor on any offer if I had one. They still hired me, understood the reason and I worked there for 4.5 years before moving.

7. AnonymousDecember 11,2024 at 5:49PM UTC

   Once you have a formal job offer in hand, it's simply part of the negotiation. As others have pointed out, DO NOT SHARE DETAILS. You have a planned family matter during x-x time.

8. AnonymousDecember 11,2024 at 6:07PM UTC

   Agree with others. Never ever bring up challenges, time off or personal dilemmas during interviews. Once you receive an offer and accept it, then mention your need for time away. Let them know you have a pre-planned matter with your son and need to be out. DO NOT share any details. When people are getting to know you, it’s best not to share personal business. It’s very common plans are made prior to offers and most companies agree to them.

9. AnonymousDecember 11,2024 at 9:03PM UTC

   Yes ^^^^ follow this advice to a T. !!

10. AnonymousDecember 11,2024 at 9:02PM UTC

    I would absolutely not mention the situation with your son until you have an actual offer in writing an inhand... Once that occurs, You can certainly explain that you have a personal issue coming off and you will need time off without pay to address that... It is completely understandable but should not be brought up until you have a firm written job offer.

11. AnonymousDecember 12,2024 at 5:50PM UTC

    After you sign your offer letter. Wait for that especially since one thing has nothing to do with another. Good luck in your job search!

12. AnonymousDecember 13,2024 at 1:35PM UTC

    After you sign your employment contract/job offer letter. When you start, wait about a week and then speak to HR. But I would strongly suggest speaking to your line manager before you notify HR. Its important to build a relationship with your line manager so telling her or him is a good way to start before running off to HR. Don't give too much information about the case, just say that your son was a victim of crime and he has to testify and he has asked you to go with him for morale support.

13. AnonymousDecember 13,2024 at 2:33PM UTC

    I would suggest trying to have your start date after that trip. An employer is not likely going to be willing to give you that much time off in the beginning of your time with them - unless perhaps it is unpaid.

14. Jos WallerDecember 13,2024 at 3:19PM UTC

    All good advice here. Just say that you have a personal emergency to deal with. Get your offer in writing, and ideally have a start date after you are needed. Keep it to as little personal information as possible. Good luck to you and your son, and hope for better outcomes.

15. Cynthia Armistead NewmanDecember 14,2024 at 1:49PM UTC

    Don't say that it's an emergency. We don't plan emergencies weeks or months ahead of time (different from planning FOR possible emergencies).

16. Kim RaperDecember 13,2024 at 4:52PM UTC

    Keep the details to a minimum but inform them you have an a personal matter at such and such time and will be needing a week or so to handle it... I would not reveal any details at all - you certainly do not have to and that particular situation could cause undue judgement for sure. If pressed, there is nothing wrong with saying I will be testifying in a court case but I would leave it at that and if pushed (consider what that means about the new company in general) but state I am under court orders to not discuss the case.

17. AnonymousDecember 13,2024 at 6:02PM UTC

    They usually ask you if you have anything planned. If they don't, volunteer that after you know if it is 5 or 10 days. Don't volunteer any details.

    Tell them that you know it will be unpaid time off, but it has been a commitment in your schedule you can't change. It should be fine.

18. AnonymousDecember 13,2024 at 10:55PM UTC

    Many candidates let us know that they have a previous engagement during the offer negotiation. We let them know upfront that it may be without pay.

19. Cynthia Armistead NewmanDecember 14,2024 at 1:54PM UTC

    After receiving a firm offer, tell them you have a trip planned for such and so dates. Let them know that you're coordinating with someone else, so the dates may slip. Don't say it's a family matter, a personal emergency (it's not an emergency), etc. Don't give them any reason to think you or the family are subject to crises or problems. (Everyone and every family IS to some extent, but employers still discriminate on such grounds.) Good luck!

20. AnonymousDecember 15,2024 at 5:49AM UTC

    Bring it up after you have the offer with minimal details or after you have started. You can ask if unpaid time off is allowed for emergencies, if you have exhausted your paid time off.