Offered an interview the day before leaving for vacation?

Anonymous

April 23,2022 at 11:39PM UTC

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Offered an interview the day before leaving for vacation?

I've been job searching for over a year and while I have a job, I haven't found the right opportunity to move forward. I received a request to interview for a job next week for a position I would want rather than accept to leave my current position.

The only problem, they need to interview me next week and can't wait until I return from vacation as they need to fill the role. I haven't had a vacation in two years, already paid the non-refundable money and dreamed about this trip needed to get away. My concern is that I don't go on the trip in favor of the interview and then I don't get the job or miss out in the interview and always wonder. Do you have any advice?

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AnonymousApril 23,2022 at 11:49PM UTC
Video interview?
AnonymousApril 24,2022 at 12:15AM UTC
Good idea but I'm unsure of what I'm facing in terms of service. I'm traveling internationally and the first stop on the trip is in a remote location.
MaryamApril 24,2022 at 1:05PM UTC
Find out the service cost and compare that with the cost of canceling your vacation. If there’s any kind of wifi service, perhaps you can call into the interview on WhatsApp? Explain your situation to the person arranging the inter And brainstorm on options. Let them know how much you are looking forward to the opportunity.
Heather CutlerApril 24,2022 at 12:17AM UTC
Sounds to me like you have a few options ahead of you: explain to the employer that this conflicts with your already scheduled vacation and you're happy to visit over the phone or over video (as someone else has already mentioned), offer a date as soon as you return, or skip the trip and risk not getting the job.
It sounds like this employer is very eager to fill the role since it is open. To me, this is where you have the ability to negotiate. You could offer references as you complete your vacation (to show how serious you are about the position), you could offer a quick start date to cut down on the time that the position remain vacant, or you could see if they're able to make a conditional offer of employment until you're able to complete the interview process.
What I can't tell from your post is if this is the first interview or a finalist interview. If this is a first interview, I personally would offer a phone or video interview...not sure I'd be willing to cancel my vacation over something that's still in the prospecting phase. If this were a finalist interview and you knew you were the only candidate or they're already talking about an offer, I might reconsider the vacation.
Other variables to consider: how much are you itching to leave your current employer, I don't get the sense you're in an untenable situation with your current employer but rather, are looking for something different. Another consideration: would this be a really big pay increase?
Best of luck in your next steps, please keep the board posted on your decision!
Stephanie F, MSHRMApril 24,2022 at 4:29AM UTC
Just as others said, ask for a phone or video interview explaining that you are unable to cancel a previously scheduled vacation that is non-refundable. Including that is is out of the country so signal may not be good.
At least showing them you are trying to accommodate should help.
If they are truly interested they will understand and schedule first day you return.
AnonymousApril 24,2022 at 4:42AM UTC
Do what's best for you. Do a phone interview before you leave and line up in person interviews upon your return. 8f that doesn't work then there will be other jobs. Trust me they aren't going to hire on the spot next week
AnonymousApril 25,2022 at 12:31PM UTC
Go on vacation
Erin BeemerApril 25,2022 at 12:39PM UTC
I agree - go on your trip!
AnonymousApril 25,2022 at 1:19PM UTC
Most companies takes months to hire, and make candidates wait for updates. But you were transparent that you would be out of town, and they are still insisting you meet (in person?)? I agree with everyone’s suggestions to request a video interview, which you can do from your vacation.
However, I would also consider the fact that this company (before you even start) is being inflexible about waiting a few days to meet with you — they are already showing you that they may be inflexible about time off in the future. It’s something to consider.
Could you let them know that you are very interested, however have a previous out of town engagement? If they really want to consider you, I should think that they’d find a way to make it work.
Good luck! And enjoy your well-earned time off!
SamanthaApril 25,2022 at 6:29PM UTC
The title makes it sound like it's the day before vacation? In which case I would say it shouldn't be an issue. But then the description sounds like it will land during your vacation. I would just let them know that you could do a video interview as you will be on vacation, Otherwise they will have to wait till you return. If they really like you and want you, they should be understanding. If they are pressuring you for an interview and wanting you to sacrifice your vacation time, in my opinion that is a red flag for an employer I wouldn't want to work for to begin with.
Christy SchwartzApril 26,2022 at 12:10PM UTC
The timeline is a little confusing but.....take the trip.
AnonymousApril 26,2022 at 12:24PM UTC
I think employers are pretty flexible now. Tell them you will be on vacation but can do a video interview. Second interview can be in person after your vacation. Your post is a little confusing though. If it's the day before your vacation, then in person. Are you expecting them to hire you while you're on vacation?
LisaApril 26,2022 at 12:25PM UTC
Accept the interview and do it from wherever you are vacationing. Let them know ahead of time. I would not think it would be an issue. Or ask that they squeeze you in prior. You have an advantage since you are already employed there and have company knowledge.
Cindy LaceyApril 26,2022 at 12:28PM UTC
I think it is not with the company she is currently working.
AnonymousApril 26,2022 at 12:25PM UTC
This happened to me before. I didn’t end up taking the role, but there were other red flags for me besides the company seemingly inflexible about travel plans. You wrote that you haven’t had a vacation in 2 years but it’s not clear if this role is something you’re really interested in.
Whether this is a role you really want or not, I recommend requesting a video interview while you are on vacation if you can do it and will have connectivity. If they still won’t budge and prefer an in-person interview, I wouldn’t sweat it. There is more fish in the sea.
I feel you in not wanting to jump from your current company to another if it isn’t for the right role. You have a paying job right now, they’re the ones that can’t afford to wait. If they really want you and value you but also have a healthy work life balance, then they will respect your vacation and wait until you return. The fear of missing out can feel real, but I say focus on your vacation.
If they really want you, they will take a breath and wait a handful of days. Seldom are corporate emergencies true emergencies that cannot wait.
AnonymousApril 26,2022 at 12:55PM UTC
Agree!
Actually I just had an experience where they wanted to interview me right away so I took a day off from work for a series of 5 Zoom interviews, and it's been over a month and they haven't been in touch yet even though the hiring manager told me that I would definitely hear back the next week about scheduling a final round interview.. It shows a lack of respect to candidates. Even if they don't have any updates, they can send a quick note or respond to inquiries requesting a status update!
Joanne SaltfleetApril 26,2022 at 1:10PM UTC
Thing is the world doesn't revolve around them and their interviews!
Lisa MarieApril 26,2022 at 12:25PM UTC
In this age of video calls, this should not be much of a dilema. Remember Skype? I did a video interview via Skype in 2014 while visiting my friend in Germany.
Simply let them know that you had prior plans to be out of town the week of the interview, and suggest to do it via the video method that works best for the company... Teams, Zoom, Skype, WhatsApp... whatever works for them.
If they agree, be sure to take attire with you so that you will be appropriately dressed for the role you'll be interviewing for.
If they refuse to conduct interview via video call (then meet you in person when you return), this will clearly show their *inflexibility,* and you should take that into consideration when you are evaluating whether or not to join that team.
Enjoy your vacation, and best wishes for a successful interview!
AnonymousApril 26,2022 at 12:28PM UTC
Immediate red flags popped up for me. You were transparent with them. I am surprised they didn’t suggest a video interview during vacation or an in person interview following your vacation. It is very telling to me that they are inflexible.
Joanne SaltfleetApril 26,2022 at 1:09PM UTC
There was a place I was going to interview with who wouldn't change the date and I was glad they did that as I had dodged a bullet!
Places won't change for me I thought so why should I change for them?
AnonymousApril 26,2022 at 12:32PM UTC
I am a bit confused… is this in person?
Because if it's not you can do the interview from anywhere.
I'm going to add that if you can't make time during your vacation to do a video interview then you need to prioritize a little bit better.
So why is this even an issue?
Lori Laurito BetzApril 26,2022 at 12:44PM UTC
Wow jump to conclusions much?
Where did she ever say the interview was over video? And she said she’s gone two years without a vacation, nobody can predict what pops up…should we not make plans ever, just in case, so we can prioritize better?
Joanne SaltfleetApril 26,2022 at 1:07PM UTC
Thats right isn't it life is full of things you dont plan for!
My way is make plans by all means but be prepared to be flexible with them.
AnonymousApril 26,2022 at 12:36PM UTC
I’d take your trip and take the interview. You can Zoom or Skype. They know you are on vacation and should appreciate your flexibility. Life is meant to be full and no reason why you can’t do more than one thing at a time especially if this appeals to you. Good luck!
AnonymousApril 26,2022 at 12:42PM UTC
I would request the interview be done virtually to accommodate both their need and your schedule. If you go into this already sacrificing your well-being, it may become an expectation. Remember you are interviewing them as much as they are interviewing you.
AnonymousApril 26,2022 at 12:59PM UTC
I am unsure why this is an issue at all. The tagline says the day before you leave... are we taking a day off to mentally prepare to leave for a vacation? I am not sure how a couple of hours the day before you leave is problematic. The other issue here is who is not virtual at this point?
KelleyApril 26,2022 at 1:04PM UTC
I’m in agreement with this post. I’m confused as to the issue. I’d say take the interview and then go on your vacation the next day. Although they want to fill the position, with paperwork that would need to be done, you wouldn’t start work the day after the interview if offered the position. If offered the position and you want it, depending on timing, just be prepared to return from vacation and give your notice to your current job and get everything settled with the new job.
Crystal VasquezApril 26,2022 at 1:05PM UTC
I’m confused. The interview is the day before you leave for vacation? Why can’t you do it?
If it’s the day you are leaving, that makes more sense.
Stephanie ArringtonApril 26,2022 at 1:32PM UTC
Both my husband and I have done virtual interviews while on vacation. It wasn’t a big deal to anyone. If they make a big deal about it you may not want to work there ??
AnonymousApril 26,2022 at 1:47PM UTC
I applied for a job and scheduled the interview within the availability window of my and the company's schedule I was initially presented with.
HR contacted me and asked to reschedule at a time that was outside of my availability, all because they wanted to wrap up interviews early. I maintained my boundaries with them, and offered another time. They insisted I meet with them when they wanted me to. I didn't back down, and I never heard back. That gave me information about the type of organization they are running. I wanted no parts!
Here's a few recommendations:
- Ask to schedule your interview at an earlier date if that works for you
- If the interview is the day before your vacay, reassess to where you might be able to fit some time in
-Consider if you want to video interview while on your vacay
You're interviewing them, just like they're interviewing you. If they aren't willing to be flexible, consider what their expectations of you might be if you accept the role, and how they may/may not respect your boundaries. I personally don't mix work and time off anymore because of my personal boundaries. In the end, do what's best for you.
Lesley SattesApril 26,2022 at 1:50PM UTC
Maybe her subject line was typed in error? The body says interview is same time as vacation.
Moving forward…..
If they won’t accommodate a zoom or teams interview, you don’t want to work there.
AnonymousApril 26,2022 at 2:45PM UTC
If the company values work/life balance and that's something that's important to you, they'll figure it out. Explain like you just did in the above. When I'm interviewing, I encourage folks to take their vacations, even if they're planned before I hire them (and it's in one of the first weeks). Where there's a will, there's a way....
ReachingGoalsApril 26,2022 at 2:45PM UTC
I would be honest, tell them you are out of town next week but would be very happy to have a zoom interview and could they do that. It isn’t unheard of. Unless this is THE job you have been desperate for, then don’t cancel your vacation. You aren’t miserable in your current job.
AnonymousApril 26,2022 at 3:02PM UTC
I had a zoom follow up interview while on vacation. I got the job.
If they can't accommodate you, it's not a good match.
EMILY KIKUE FRANKApril 26,2022 at 3:04PM UTC
I agree, tell them you have plans to be out of town but you can be available for a Zoom interview. 4 years ago, that might have been a no-go from them, but now it shouldn't be any great difficulty.
Cynthia (Van Syoc) KendallApril 26,2022 at 3:28PM UTC
Any way they would consider an Interview via Zoom? It is supposedly hard to hire people right now and they may consider it if you explain the situation. At the end of the day, they too are human and may be longing for a much needed vacation themselves and will have empathy for your predicament. It is worth the inquiry. They may say no, ten again, they just may agree and this would allow you to continue with your vacation plans unabated. I myself completed my second interview this week via Zoom.
AnonymousApril 26,2022 at 4:12PM UTC
I would definitely do a zoom meeting that works on your schedule…you deserve a vacation after two years…the zoom meeting will tell you if this company is worth working for…good luck!
Rondinella OlsenApril 26,2022 at 4:23PM UTC
I interviewed with a company in November while having planned major vacations in December and January. I was offered the position and they willing we waited for me to start until I came back from my January vacation.
Natasha ChildressApril 26,2022 at 4:29PM UTC
GO ON THE TRIP ASAP!
You had your answers in your question and request for help if this company doesn’t value enough to understand that you had a life before they reached out for this interview then they’re not the company you want to work for. Especially since you’ve already paid for everything. If the company valued you and your skills and your potential employment with them they would say to you, have a wonderful vacation call us when you get back and we’ll reschedule the interview it’s a simple as that. I am a 25 year hospitality professional that is sick and tired of being disregarded or treated unfairly in my industry and I would hope anyone in their other industry wouldn’t put up with it either. Your self-care and your well-being physically and mentally matters most and wouldn’t a new company want you to be happy, Fresh, and ready to dive in???
I hope this was helpful-
in gratitude
natasha c.
Bernadette M MartinezApril 26,2022 at 4:54PM UTC
GO ON THE TRIP.
They can accommodate with a Zoom interview or this is an indicator that you don't actually want to work with this company. If they can talk someone out of a paid-for trip before you've even started, what do you think they're going to do after you're hired?
Life-work balance is important (and yes, life should ALWAYS come first) and if they're being that absurd, they don't understand that.
Meagan MosherApril 26,2022 at 5:09PM UTC
GO ON THE TRIP. Period.
AnonymousApril 26,2022 at 5:21PM UTC
Poster, a few diagnostic questions.
Are you stressed about your current employment situation?
Do you wish you had more control/influence over the situation?
Does your career weigh heavily on your personal life? Sometimes influencing your choices to meet with friends/family, etc?
Does your current role i
pact your overall quality of life?
If you answered yes to any of these questions then I would say you’re at a state of maximum capacity and I’d recommend you take actions to prioritize your job search. Help yourself and take this interview.
None of us here can categorically say to prioritize a vacay over an interview. We don’t know your mental/financial state, etc.
What I can say is——When I was at my lowest, I realized that I had to prioritize finding a new job because it was impacting my life in bigger and bigger ways. I set a goal to find a new job in 3 months. I said no to social events so that I could adequately prepare for big interviews. I had an offer in 4 months and started the new job. Now I am able to be more present for myself, my family & my friends.
Valentina Huang, MBA, SHRM-CPApril 26,2022 at 5:49PM UTC
Go on your much deserved vacation! If they can't wait and you think the job opportunity may be good, can you take the interview remotely via Zoom?
Maegan, Nike Sales Rep & Career CoachApril 26,2022 at 5:50PM UTC
Do both! I think you can still take your vacation you deserve and interview for the job
Janet ParkhurstApril 26,2022 at 5:57PM UTC
I agree with the rest. Take your vacation. If they want you badly enough, they'll wait for you. Otherwise, they're just looking for a body.
Doris AppelbaumApril 26,2022 at 6:42PM UTC
I disagree with this: " If they want you badly enough, they'll wait for you. "
Katrina B.April 26,2022 at 6:13PM UTC
Could you accommodate a Zoom interview while on vacation?
Doris AppelbaumApril 26,2022 at 6:40PM UTC
Discuss and negotiate with the company.
AnonymousApril 26,2022 at 7:39PM UTC
You have posed this question as if it is an inconvenience to take an interview with this company and there is some big red flag with taking an interview while you are on vacation. And… those are exactly the responses that you are getting. I’d like to bring an alternate perspective.
I’d suggest it isn’t an either/or proposition. It isn’t a matter of whether or not the company is willing to wait for your vacation.
Taking an interview benefits YOU. If your current role is in a stalemate or “maximum capacity” as was mentioned by another poster below, then you are helping YOURSELF fix a problem area of your life.
By taking an interview—any time—we are making an investment in advancing our own outcomes & goals.
AnonymousApril 26,2022 at 8:21PM UTC
I'm in the states. Prior to covid I did an interview while on vacation in Jamaica. Got the job too! I didn't even pack any business attire. Don't stress yourself just be open and honest.
Joanna PoeApril 26,2022 at 9:10PM UTC
Tell them you have to be out of state/country and would be happy to interview virtually. If they can't accommodate a simple request like that, it probably isn't the kind of place you want to work in the first place.
Susan Heidi WolmanApril 26,2022 at 9:57PM UTC
Tell them that you will be out of town and either they see you this week or when you return. The truth always works.
ANNA SENApril 26,2022 at 10:12PM UTC
Imagine if you didn’t go on the trip, did the interview, and either there were red flags so you didn’t want it, or they didn’t want to hire you.
You would always regret not taking the trip. Take the trip. Probably be good for your well-being too.
AnonymousApril 27,2022 at 3:05AM UTC
Go on your vacation. Your life and the memories you make will last longer than any job.
Liz MilneApril 27,2022 at 3:14AM UTC
Do you really want to work for people who are inflexible with you before they've even met you?
If it was me, that would be a red flag...
Madam anon663April 27,2022 at 6:51AM UTC
I find that so unreasonable, it takes time to onboard someone and my gut tells me they don't care at all about work life balance. What is the emergency? Is there really no one there who is filling in while they search for a new person? Red flag to me.
AnonymousApril 27,2022 at 1:32PM UTC
Thank you everyone. The company wasn't willing to be flexible so I decided to walk away from the interview. I'm currently employed so I don't want to turn an Ok situation into a potential red flag scenario.
Joanne SaltfleetApril 27,2022 at 6:25PM UTC
Good for you!
Bernadette M MartinezApril 27,2022 at 7:48PM UTC
Good for you! That's a bullet dodged for sure. Any company that doesn't understand people have lives and plans and expect them to jump when told is not a place that retains top talent.
Joanne SaltfleetApril 28,2022 at 6:07PM UTC
Thing is when a place won't change for me then I won't be fair back and change for them!
I think to myself they won't change for me so why should I change back?
AnonymousApril 29,2022 at 2:23PM UTC
Thank you everyone for your advice. I was asked to have an interview while I was on vacation. To clarify, I received the request the day before I left and needed to make a decision.
I told the company that I would be on vacation at the time but offered a few options including Zoom ( worked with my international tour leader where I could have service) a date for when I returned or a phone call in more remote areas later in the trip when I wasn't sure about service.
They wouldn't accommodate any of those options and didn't suggest any of their own. They wanted me in person so I needed to decline the interview. I appreciated everyone's advice.
AnonymousApril 29,2022 at 2:24PM UTC
I know you posted this a week ago and already updated. I'm glad you stood firm. While I appreciate the the desire to move at a quick pace to fill a position, one week really isn't going to be a make or break. Things happen. A prospective can't really expect a candidate to change plans to accommodate them, especially not in the current climate.
AnonymousApril 29,2022 at 8:49PM UTC
While in general I agree with you... years ago I was out of a full time job and working temp in the meantime. For 10 stinking months. I got a call for an interview but it HAD to be on a specific day that week. And no, they couldn't accommodate me. That was a bad day not to be at my temp job, but I took the interview anyway because I needed permanent work. Best decision I made, got the job, awesome boss, even though he is now retired we still keep in touch.
Why interviews only on a specific day? He was scheduled for surgery and wanted to get the interviews over and hiring proccess started so that he would have an assistant ASAP. Sometimes there IS a reason to do interviews quick fast and in a hurry.