Send all your tips on interviewing while working 100% onsite.

13 Comments

1. Christina ConnollyJanuary 29,2025 at 3:01PM UTC

   I found in my most recent search that many employers were conducting first and often second round interviews virtually and only hosting on-site interviews for the final round (which was great). If you have a private space in or near your office where you could be focused on a virtual interview, that would be ideal. My former boss was a micromanager to the Nth degree about time, so if I needed to be out for an interview, I tried to schedule first thing in the morning (so I could go to work after) or late in the afternoon, so I could leave from the office; either scenario meaning I only needed to take a few hours of PTO to make it work. I just told my boss I had a medical appointment (I had major surgery a couple of years ago, so this was not implausible for me). It can suck feeling like you wasted your PTO for an opportunity you might not land, but we have to roll the dice when it feels promising. Good luck.

2. AnonymousJanuary 29,2025 at 3:26PM UTC

   Thank you for taking time to share your experience. How did you handle early morning interviews that ran longer than expected?

3. AnonymousJanuary 30,2025 at 2:24PM UTC

   By allowing enough time for that. You can't time things exactly nor can you live in constant fear. Really if you're going to build a career, you need to be very committed, not avoiding opportunities because you're not in control of every little detail.

   Remember, this is your career and not just a series of jobs that mean nothing. It takes dedication and confidence. Again, you should live in a state of paralysis because things might not work out.

4. Christina ConnollyJanuary 30,2025 at 7:14PM UTC

   I told my boss my appointment was running longer than expected (haven’t we all been to doctor appointments that are not timely?) I paused a conversation to send an update to my boss, but also gave an update on my estimated office arrival when I was on my way.

5. AnonymousJanuary 29,2025 at 3:28PM UTC

   This scenario isn't new. I've used PTO for all interviews, or my lunch hour in the car for phone interviews. Best is to make your exit plan, and with that, plan the scenarios, of "how will this work". As another poster wrote, request first thing in the morning or later in the afternoon interviews so you can use limited PTO. Don't feel guilty of using your excuse. You don't need to tell your boss why you are off. Worse case, if you must, say, I have some personal matters to attend to. Don't expand, it's none of their business, and when we are hired to do a job in exchange we receive a salary and benefits. Benefits including time off. Every interview is worth our time, because it gets you closer to getting out of a bad work situation, so hang in there and let us know how it works out!

6. AnonymousJanuary 29,2025 at 3:49PM UTC

   Do not feel any guilt about it. What you do with your PTO is none of their business.

7. AnonymousJanuary 29,2025 at 6:24PM UTC

   Advice is get over it! When you have made the conscious decision to leave your current employer you owe it to yourself to take the time to properly vet the next one. This does mean using PTO and using sick days and any other time off you can to assure you get the information that you need to decide, do I stay or do I go. Don't feel guilty for taking care of yourself first. You matter in this decision more than your current employer does. Good luck in your search.

8. AnonymousJanuary 29,2025 at 7:59PM UTC

   I have absolutely zero guilt in taking time to invest in my future. I don't see it as a waste of time even if I am not offered anything. It's part of my effort to improve myself, invest in me and a job doesn't own me so I make my decisions based on what I need. I would make the same decisions whether or not I was being paid with PTO, sick leave erc.

   i never view time exploring opportunities as a waste of time. Regardless of the outcome.

9. AnonymousJanuary 30,2025 at 2:25PM UTC

   Build your confidence and stop waiting for things to happen.

10. KatJanuary 30,2025 at 4:50PM UTC

    Stop feeling guilty because your boss is a selfish jerk. Him not liking you requesting time off (regardless of reason) is not your problem. You don't owe anyone an explanation why you're taking time off. I agree with the other suggestions to schedule interviews early/late in the day to minimize how much time off you need to take. Schedule interviews around lunch (11-1) if there's somewhere private in your area to take a call. Even if you don't get the job, every interview is good practice for the next one. Time away from a bad boss is never wasted.

11. AnonymousJanuary 31,2025 at 4:23AM UTC

    The occasional funeral is a good excuse to get a day off, but save it for a special interview. I've found that helpful working in a casual environment. It's not like I can show up dressy without an excuse. Also, just ask if you can interview super early or right after work. I don't usually have a problem getting interviews at those times.

12. GirlBossanova934974January 31,2025 at 2:05PM UTC

    You have answered your own question with great elegance and certainty. As a small business owner myself as opposed to some self appointed make believe business owner aka your boss, I always keep a solid line between what time is on the clock and the employee's personal time AKA PTO which is the employee's time to do with as THEY SEE FIT. None of my darn business! Your boss clearly wants to play petty dictator. So be it. I hope his boss doesn't feel too bad when a good chunk of the staff walks out. Interview, interview, and interview some more!

13. Erica NicholasJanuary 31,2025 at 2:36PM UTC

    I try try try to schedule interviews on my lunch or first thing in the morning when I will "oversleep,, hit traffic, etc." If that's not possible then yes, an hour or two of PTO has to happen. Boss doesn't need to know why. People need to see the Dr or dentist, kids teacher- all sorts of things that only happen during work hours.