Job Hunting on the Sly

Question

I'm looking for a new job and actively interviewing, but unfortunately, I work in an office where I am chained to my desk most of the day and when you leave outside of lunchtime, people gossip and ask questions.  This morning my boss approached me and asked why I've had to be out of the office a few times this week.  What do I say??????

Ciara · Answer

I think that whatever you choose to do during your allotted time away from the office is a personal matter. Folks should not feel entitled to your whereabouts and you should not encourage them to behave that poorly. I’m sure that out of respect you aren’t asking them the Sam. It helps to take lunch daily so that if you need to run errands it’s not suddenly odd behavior. But if you change your routine that’s entirely up to you.

Amy Canavan, CLC · Answer

If you are taking the time as vacation time, you are not required to answer how you spend your time.  If you are taking time during your lunch break, be sure that you are not on company time (unpaid vs paid lunch) to attend to ANY personal business.

Cara Houser · Answer

I found it was oddly helpful for my former boss to think I was occasionally interviewing, though I never formally confirmed why I was dressed up a notch and gone for a slightly longer lunch. He occasionally interviewed candidates even though there were no current openings at the company. Nothing should be taken for granted and there's nothing wrong with exploring options on both sides from time to time.

Anonymous · Answer

Most companies are sensitive to this, why can't they interview you before or after hours?
If your boss asks, say you had a personal appointment. It has the added bonus of being true :-)

Flossy · Answer

I’m taking advantage of the nice weather and getting fresh air and Vit D.  Studies show people are more productive when they get mental breaks from the office at lunch.

Carrie Topolski · Answer

If it's not during lunch time. Tell her it's personal and you rather not discuss the details of it.

Carrie Topolski · Answer

Just to be clear. She's asking why you've been out of the office during lunch time?

Annetta Moses · Answer

Do what you can to schedule interviews on Mon morning and Fri afternoon.  The next best time is the morning.  Depending on the company that you are interviewing with they may schedule you for a 7:30a.m. time. If asked say you had a personal appointment. 
If someone ask if you are interviewing I suggest you avoid a direct response and say I am concentrating on doing a great job at this company. 
Good luck with your job search.

Melanie · Answer

If you are leaving “outside of lunchtime” and not taking vacation/personal time, then your boss can ask about you time as you are interviewing during hours you are suppose to be working. Ask the interviewer to schedule you at “normal” lunchtime to be more discreet or first the morning or late in the day.  However, if you are interviewing during your lunch and sometimes that may be outside of the normal lunchtime, I agree with other posts that it is none of their business.  I would say I am enjoying the fresh air and nice weather.   Keep a book or magazine handy and take it when you leave. Good luck!

Anonymous · Answer

I am doing the same thing. I made an excuse that I have a doctor's appointment. Not sure what I will say if I get the job. But I guess to each his own. Right? You gotta do what you gotta do and what is right for you.

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