How to do an in person interview when working full time

All,

I have been in a FT process and have made it to the final round. Very exciting but the issue is the final round is in person and the firm wants me to come in mid week. I have no clue how to take time off with a weeks notice without raising red flags at my current firm. For add'l context we have a PTO freeze right now as my firm is super busy. I'm thinking of asking to move the final round to Friday where I would have the best chance of getting PTO approved but otherwise I'm stumped on how to approach. Also, any ideas on what excuse to come up with to get a day off?

2 Comments
 

ask for the friday move first - firms recruiting people who already have jobs hear this constantly and it won't hurt you. just say you have commitments at your current job you can't move mid-week. it reads as professionalism, not disinterest.

if they can't move it, the standard play is a partial day rather than a full one - 'i have a personal appointment, i'll be in after lunch' raises way fewer flags than a mysterious full day off during a freeze. doctor or dentist is the classic because nobody follows up on it. one sentence, don't over-explain.

and take the interview even if the logistics are ugly. final rounds are rare enough that a slightly awkward absence beats a withdrawn application.

Past IB & PE interview questions - ledgershelf.com
 

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