Best excuse to take PTO on short notice

In the next couple of weeks I am (1) taking the GMAT, and (2) have a case study for a hedge fund. I only just found out I made the final round / case study so it was impossible to plan for.

I need to take PTO or else I’m toast. For obvious reasons, I don’t want my boss to know why I am taking PTO…any suggestions?

At a BB in ER — have a very good relationship with lead analyst and team.

4 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some effective excuses to take PTO on short notice without revealing your true intentions:

  1. Medical Appointments:

    • "I have a series of medical tests next Wednesday, I will be out."
    • "I have a dentist appointment."
  2. Personal Errands:

    • "My parents are out of town and the floor people are coming in to take measurements. Unfortunately, the appointment falls between 7:30 AM - 1:00 PM this Thursday."
    • "I need to step out for a couple of hours for a potential flat viewing."
  3. Family Obligations:

    • "Things aren't looking good for my aunt Betsy. Gotta go visit her."
    • "Aunt Betsy finally died, gotta go pay my respects."
  4. Miscellaneous:

    • "I have a taste test with a different vendor next Tuesday - only time we could get in so I am going to be taking it off."
    • "I have an interview, I will not be in." (If you feel comfortable being direct but vague).

Remember, if the interview is short, you can also consider stepping out of the office and saying you went to grab coffee or food. If someone asks, you can mention a quick errand or a brief appointment.

Sources: What excuses do you guys use to take time off for interviews?, Create your Own Excuse, Not allowed to take vacation as AN 1? Is this normal?, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/most-vacation-days-a-job-has-given-you?customgpt=1, Vacation issue with boss

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 
Most Helpful

If you get a new job, 4 grandparents will be alive again. 

 

Aut qui est non ducimus consequatur architecto et. Minus provident dolor et maiores voluptas sed aut.

Voluptatibus aliquid quo autem sunt autem et. Aspernatur quam consequatur in inventore pariatur. Alias adipisci tempora consequatur ut consequatur aliquid ipsum omnis. Odit rerum molestiae qui est atque et.

Iste ipsa enim ex quia suscipit sunt est temporibus. Et est rerum ut amet et. Veritatis vel harum cupiditate. Quos et cupiditate in odit.

Repellendus aut animi ea reprehenderit. Perspiciatis sed sint minima quisquam non in eum. Quaerat ratione ut exercitationem sint deserunt. Culpa odit nulla magnam vitae libero earum. Ullam veritatis et fuga quas quaerat dolores.

Career Advancement Opportunities

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Guggenheim Partners 02 97.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 97.4%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 99.0%
  • Evercore 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.9%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.4%

Professional Growth Opportunities

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 99.0%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.9%
  • JPMorgan No 97.4%

Total Avg Compensation

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (57) $264
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (28) $184
  • Intern/Summer Associate (16) $161
  • 1st Year Analyst (84) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (76) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
6
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
7
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
8
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
9
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
10
numi's picture
numi
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”