How do I make time to interview????
I currently work from 9AM-6PM with a one hour commute each way (so 8AM-7PM). My route could be an ideal time, but I live in a rural area, and the reception on my route is terrible. I am in a customer facing role, and we are extremely short staffed, so I never have time to get away. I have a lunch break, but it is never consistent. My supervisor wouldn’t go for me coming in late or leaving early. I don’t know what to do!! I’m being heavily recruited by another company, and they seem to be rushing the process (maybe they are short staffed too?). Ive had an informal conversation with one of the recruiters after playing phone tag, but I’m finding it hard to collaborate with them on a time to interview.
Melissa Nobile
Handbell Choir Director
1.56k
09/01/21 at 1:14PM UTC
Set up a time, tell your supervisor you have an appointment, go. Don’t ask. Tell.
CALLIE WILSONIdentifying opportunities to accelerate growth.
168
08/31/21 at 9:07PM UTC
It's unfortunate you have to jump through hoops just to take some personal time; you are entitled to time off.
Do you receive PTO (Paid Time Off)? There are many personal reasons you can give to either arrive to work late or leave early: Dr. appt, dental appt, take your car to the shop, having a home repair or taking your pet to the vet, etc.
If you are near a local library, you can reserve a study room for free and conduct your interview from there. Just make sure to check with the library to see if you need to reserve the room in advance.
Best of luck!
Anonymous
08/31/21 at 4:43PM UTC
On more than one occasion I have told the company or recruiter that I would have to interview after hours due to the fact that I was currently working. I never had an issue. I would ask if you could interview after 6 and then find a place to go right after work, instead of going home. Also, I have had times where the person interviewing me set up a late time, in the evening. I assume they were busy at work and that was the best time to fit me in. It doesn't hurt to at least ask.
Meriah Osterhout
37
08/31/21 at 2:21PM UTC
I hear you here. I had a job that worked me way too hard. When you get to the point that you are working, eating, sleeping and nothing else - it’s overwhelmingly stressful. I had the same situation where a recruiter said you’d be perfect for this job, hurry hurry!! I’m glad I quit my last job, but this one could still be better. I’m going to continue looking until I find one I can stay with for the next few years... some people are genuinely okay and stable working like a dog. That’s really great for them, but they also don’t realize that the job they are in may be a a really good fit- the job you are in is not a good fit and everything is telling you to continue looking because they are better opportunities out there for you. You just have to courageous enough to go after them. One thing I had to remind myself - you aren’t a failure, you aren’t giving up... you know deep down there is more out there waiting for you.
Anonymous
08/31/21 at 4:14PM UTC
Yes, this sounds just like my predicament. Everyone around me is okay with being worked like like animals for very little pay and even less appreciation. I don’t want that life for myself. I don’t wish it for you either; I wish you the best in your continued job search!
Healthcare worker
725
08/31/21 at 1:02PM UTC
You can call off, your supervisor doesn’t own you or your time. The fact that you can’t take an hour on an occasional occurrence to tend to anything of a personal nature pretty much says it all about your current environment. Understand this and enforce it in your career going forward, nobody owns your time and you cannot be made to do anything. Set clearer expectations up front in your next position. Often, this type of no you can’t go for a break or take any time off attitude By the employer was fostered and encouraged by an over eager new employee trying to prove their value through self sacrifice. Prove your value with your knowledge and your work product, not your willingness to sacrifice your life and time at the almighty corporate alter.
Anonymous
09/16/24 at 1:39PM UTC
Thank you again for your advice! All these years later, I quoted your last sentence in a recent blog post: https://bkthecreative.com/2024/09/16/a-practical-guide-to-navigating-boundaries-in-the-workplace-and-avoiding-burnout-part-one/
Anonymous
08/31/21 at 4:10PM UTC
Thank you for this! I really appreciate the reminder. You would be surprised that I am actually one of the only employees who attempts to advocate for myself and my time and am met with hostility. I have even been told to go somewhere else if I don’t like how they do things (Trust me, I’ve tried!). So these days, I try not to ask for much. I’m just trying to hang on until I find that next thing!
Bobbie Lloyd
163
08/31/21 at 12:40PM UTC
Perhaps you can schedule for 8 am and leave home early so you can interview from the car or library quiet room with better reception leaving enough time to arrive to work by 9 a.m. Best wishes!
Anonymous
08/31/21 at 4:01PM UTC
Thank you!
Anonymous
08/31/21 at 12:38PM UTC
Please excuse me if I am being obtuse, but is it possible for you to leave the house an hour earlier at 7 am? That way you can arrive near your office in a nearby lot or store lot near where you work, have the interview start at 8 am or 8:15 and still get to work on time by 9. Good luck to you!
Anonymous
08/31/21 at 4:01PM UTC
No, I posted here for ideas that I might not have thought of myself. So, thank you. Previously, the interview slots I were given were only for the afternoon, but I will definitely ask about that specific time frame.
Anonymous
09/01/21 at 3:16AM UTC
Seems so sad to jeopardize your future to stay put because you can't find a way to interview.
Anonymous
08/31/21 at 12:29PM UTC
The only thing I can suggest is give the recruiter specific time frames when you can talk maybe on your lunch hour from your car which isnt ideal, but it’s an option.
If a company is moving along quickly it’s a good sign,
everything I Work on usually takes between 5 to 8 weeks to hire.
I myself found it so difficult to interview when I was working that I finally gave notice, is it ideal no! but my interviewing ability and availability became improved I found I was so nervous about interviewing while I was working,
I wasn’t doing well especially on zoom or Skype.
Anonymous
08/31/21 at 3:56PM UTC
That’s exactly how I feel right now. I suffer from anxiety in general, so I like to be able to get into a good head space beforehand. Going straight from work to rush through an interview over break without time to prep or just relax is nerve-wracking. And mine is a video interview also. I don’t think a phone conversation would be as terrible.
Danielle
491
08/31/21 at 3:53AM UTC
Schedule the interview and call in sick that day. Or tell your supervisor you need a personal day.
E.S.
184
08/30/21 at 10:37PM UTC
Have you asked the new company if they can accommodate you outside of 8-7?
Anonymous
08/31/21 at 3:49PM UTC
Good idea. I had not. I did today however, and they said no. I am working on a better option. I don’t want to seem too difficult or uninterested. At the same time, I want to be considerate of my current commitment when scheduling the interview, as we extremely short staffed in general, but particularly with people out due to vacation and Covid right now. Sigh.
E.S.
184
09/01/21 at 3:01AM UTC
Tough. You deserve the time and I hope it works out. Good luck!
