Instead of taking a vacation this year, I took a few weeks PTO to job search and interview.

Anonymous

May 7,2022 at 7:42PM UTC

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Instead of taking a vacation this year, I took a few weeks PTO to job search and interview. During my time away, I moved forward with a few companies in the interview process. How can I continue that momentum while being back at work?

Since I was already on PTO, I'm struggling how to ask for additional time off as I have three companies I'm currently interviewing with in different stages.

My current role is filled with day-long meetings with other departments so it's difficult to get time away. Each company is asking for different days and from half hour to a few days in a row to meet with other departments.

I asked if they could arrange group interviews and they said due to people working hybrid roles, they need to do by teams and not Teams. This is a good problem to have but I'm trying to keep my job until having a confirmed offer. I'd appreciate your help!

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AnonymousMay 7,2022 at 8:41PM UTC
I would say request partial day PTO instead of the full day on dates you have interviews if you only need up to 4hrs blocked off for it (to include transportation to the site).
*If it is possible to do your interviews in the mornings first to get it done and out the way to avoid burn out, do so.
This is so it wont look like you are taking too many consecutive days off to where your current boss will expect an explanation.
AnonymousMay 8,2022 at 1:00AM UTC
We have a crazy work schedule and start earlier and work later than other companies. Therefore, most organizations start after and end before our days finish. It's made interviewing very difficult. At other jobs, I've utilized before and after work as well as lunch. We work 9 plus hour days and only have a half hour lunch so by the time I get to the location, I'm already over my lunch break.
I'm thinking that I might need to leave my current role to fully embrace the final rounds. I know it's taking a chance but if I didn't commit to this process, I would regret that I have three potential jobs in the third or final rounds. Thank you all for your advice!
Lucy LoreMay 8,2022 at 4:22PM UTC
Best of luck...nothing ventured, nothing gained!
AnonymousMay 8,2022 at 6:06PM UTC
Don't take the risk of quiting your job when you have not secure the new one yet. You just need to be creative with your excuses.
People do suddenly become ill from bad Chinese food the night before or have extreme nausea or migraines unexpectedly.
Lucy LoreMay 7,2022 at 9:17PM UTC
Perhaps Zoom meetings?
AnonymousMay 8,2022 at 12:54AM UTC
The first few rounds they approved for Zoom but now that I'm past those, they want in-person meetings. To make matters worse, our internet at work often doesn't work. We're now working full time in the office so it's no longer an hybrid option. I've gotten this far in the process so I want to see them through but at the same time, I can't risk my job until I know I have a confirmed offer.
AnonymousMay 8,2022 at 12:06AM UTC
Suck time, doctors appointments, dentists appointments.
Get creative.
AnonymousMay 8,2022 at 12:51AM UTC
I set a doctor and dentist appointment for two of the companies and I'm debating on the third. If I didn't just take PTO, I would have more leverage. At the same time, I don't think I would have gotten this far in the process if I didn't take the time. You're right, I need to think creatively. Putting on my thinking cap...
Tomilyn RichardsMay 9,2022 at 12:07PM UTC
This is always a tough one... looking for a job is a full time job sometimes. I think you need to be realistic with the companies you are interviewing with about your job and that you are committed to them during your time. Ask for early mornings, lunch or after work hour interviews. We many times make time for these types of scenarios when people have less flexibility.
AnonymousMay 9,2022 at 11:37PM UTC
Thank you, Tomilyn. I was upfront with my interviews and one arranged a special early morning interview. Fingers crossed! The others weren't flexible and they required mid-day interviews when I was leading not only attending those meetings.