In my experience, interviews are scheduled just 2-3 days in advance. This is extremely short notice to take a half day or so off work (depending on anticipated interview time, and location). I'm sure a lot of you work long hours, in a somewhat fast-paced professional environment, how do you take time off to interview?
Asking...for a friend...
" Hi X, I've been feeling pretty under the weather and was able to get in short notice at the walk in clinic. Is it alright on your end if I take the morning off to go get checked out? I'll be available by email if anything urgent comes up"
Boss - apologies, I just became sick.
Done. Easy.
I would strongly urge you to check your firm's policy on whether you have to proof that you actually went to the doctor. My firm will only allow a sick day/to come in late when you are sick, if you provide them with proof that you actually saw a doctor
that sounds awful.
if I had to worry about this, here's my excuses:
Shouldn't you meet the hooker before confession?
lol i'd heard of farmersonly but didnt think it was real... just looked it up, amazing, just amazing
Let me guess, you also have to clear every single PTO day you take and they check to make sure you aren't taking too many?
Spot on. I am not too fond of that. There are sometimes people in the office who are coughing and sneezing their eyes out...
'Proof' meaning a note detailing your ailment? That's a blatant violation of HIPAA, sue the pants off them if you're terminated for not forking over your private medical info upon calling out sick.
On top of that, as was mentioned, who goes to the doctor for diarrhea? Your firm treats its employees like children cutting class...
That said, I've never heard of this outside blue collar jobs and if a bank/fund ever did try to do this his to me, I'd immediately find a new job. Seriously, that's a shitty employer.
I mean his name is KingHongKong so could it be different there?
" I woke up puking everywhere, gonna go get it checked out". I joke, but not entirely. My favorite excuse when it comes to giving short notice on taking a day of is a stomach bug/food poisoning. That's because they're completely unpredictable, normally only take a day to get over and honestly most people just take your word for it since they dont want the details of why you cant come to work b/c you're spewing liquids out of both ends.
"My best friend's sister's boyfriend's brother's girlfriend heard from this guy who knows this kid who's going with the girl who saw OP pass out at 31 Flavors last night. I guess it's pretty serious." - theofficeguy's Day Off
Just tell your boss you are going for an interview, that way you can use your boss as a reference when needed. If you lie, you'll probably lose their trust and miss out on having someone with credibility who can vouch for you
If your story fits: maybe a potential flat viewing. This might only buy a couple of hours, but can be on somewhat of a consistent basis for a short period
This is an excellent idea, but I unfortunately moved into a new apartment, and the team already knows this. But I will keep this idea in my back pocket movign forward!
Food poisoning has worked the best for me. You don't really need a doctors note for that and usually you're better the next day. lol usually I just text/email my boss at 4:00am and say something like "I have had terrible food poisoning all night and was wondering if I can take the day off"
Depends on how much time you have to create an excuse and what you have going on in your life. -I have a series of medical tests next Wednesday, I will be out. -So we are going to do a taste test with a different vendor next Tuesday - only time we could get in so I am going to be taking it off. -My parents are out of town in Pittsburg and the floor people are coming in to take measurements. Unfortunately, the appointment falls between 730-1300 this Thursday. -I have an interview, I will not be in.
Assuming you need coverage be sure to purchase that person a case of beer.
Getting sick is an easy one but if you are in it for the long haul, i.e. you know that there will be multiple interviews coming up within the next few months, blame your utilities. "My pipes broke last night so my entire apartment is flooded" is one I use quite often since it actually takes a couple of months to fix something like that so you can always use it as a follow-up excuse for your next interview.
I have used that one before. Works like a charm!
I had six grandmas pass away during recruiting season.
A lot of good ones on here
I gotta go meet a guy for a coffee always seemed to work for me.
1st round phone interview: Gotta go to the doctors, I'm taking an early lunch break ... 1 hour later: I'm so angry, the appointment is NEXT tuesday not today. Next Tuesday: Second round phone interview.
3rd round in person: Things aren't looking good for my aunt Betsy. Gotta go visit her.
Final round interview: Aunt Betsy finally died, gotta go pay my respects.
Get the job offer, Wait a week for all background checks to clear.
One week later. Take your one week vacation to Turks and Caicos.
The next Monday: "Boss, I've accepted an offer at Goldman Stanley."
Stomach virus. /thread
Not sure what kinds of places are making you commit to superdays with only 2 day notice, but assuming you're not dealing with ridiculous clowns...
Just take a vacation day. No reasons needed, no hassle. If the interview is an hour or less, then just step out of the office. If someone asks say you went to grab coffee or food, or even dentist appointment. This isn't complicated folks
I'm an idealist and don't like making excuses or telling lies
Absolute worst case if you have to ditch work due to last minute notice for the interview, then just email the morning of and say you're not feeling well, will try to work from home, blah blah blah. This is technically not lying...you're not feeling well due to your job, and you're trying to get better by finding a new one
Well, to address your intial assumption: this is not a "superday" at a BB, believe it or not there are a lot of reputable firms out there that are regional or local, and do not have a "Superday" scheduled weeks in advanced. I wouldn't call these firms "clowns".
And it can be complicated, folks. Let's say you apply for a job, you get an email for an initial phone screening. That's great, step out of the office and take the call. At the end of the call you inquire about timing/next steps, and they say "I will have to review your information with the VP of Acquisitions, then we will contact you to schedule a time for you to come in an interview next week". Ok, great, but what does that mean? When next week? I can't request next Thursday off and HOPE they propose an interview on that thursday. No, in the real world, you have wait to see IF they want to bring you in, and see what times they propose. At that point, it can very well be 2-3 days from the correspondence.
When you throw in travel time, getting there 15 minutes ealy, etc. Interviews are seldom under 1 hour. So you need an excuse.
I don't believe it. In the real world, reputable firms aren't regional or local. Satellite offices yes (in which case they often take their cues from headquarters), entire firms not quite
Dentist Apartment issues Family in town
Matched on Bumble with a perfect ten and wants to meet up for "lunch". If this is actually true, you are the real winner imo
Bad mustache day Burglar alarm in my house goes off
Depends on how many shits you give about your current job. I once told that I need a day off because my father is in town and have not seen him for a while, got called on that one by my manager, but since I have zero shit about my job I didn't care.
I typically request early AM (like really early) interviews, and I've even pushed for Saturday interviews, they need to know that you're busy and maybe don't have the ability to get out. If they only want people that are free all the time, enjoy hiring the unemployed.
I cancelled an interview with the same shop on twice. First time I had to fly for a meeting, called the recruiter the day before, everyone was understanding. Second time I called about an hour before the meeting, had to push it off because we got a load of analysis dumped on us, the recruiter freaked out, asked if I was taking this seriously, etc... I told him to calm down, if the shop didn't want to interview me because I was busy, then I didn't want to work there. Arranged a new interview a week later, got the offer eventually.
I stopped making up excuses a while ago. It's no one's business why you are using a personal day.
I recommend: 1) seeing if you can interview on the weekend 2) Just saying 'I need to take a personal day'. I would prefer not to discuss 3) if your employer puts up a fight just say something really important has come up. it's personal related to you or your family and you can't discuss. end of story
I was in a 24/7 on call job for a while and decided to take a week off straight (my first and only vacation) to study GMAT. I said I have an incredibly important personal commitment this week. I will be out of pocket and unreachable, and that's that. I appreciate your understanding. My team was incredibly supportive. They moved mountains to make it happen and never even asked why.
Coming from a very small firm/team, I find this hard to put into practice. Everyone knows everyone's schedule, since we work so closely with one another, and taking off with short notice might look suspicious or worry the team (hoping everything is alright). I guess you have to reach a point where you stop overthinking and just be firm about needing the time off. Have you experienced this kind of challenge?
Yes. Feel free to PM me if you'd like more personalized advice.
I need to go take a dump and will be right back!
An 8 hour one???
SB for the funny ending. Tell your "friend" best of luck.
Last time i said i wanted to "leave early" When i got casually asked what's the deal. I just answered "Going for an interview haha". Obviously no-one believed me... They even wished me good luck with a wink.
Hahaha nice. That's how you do it, no excuses
just tell them you call girl died from an overdose and you are waiting for the coroner. easy.
Excuse for Job Interview during deal (Originally Posted: 01/25/2018)
Hi all,
Was wondering how people have handled taking on-site interviews during deals. I'm currently staffed on a deal and am pretty busy with it, but am going to need to travel for an on-site final round at a PE firm.
I was planning on just saying that I need a personal day for a family event. Luckily, I'm flying into an airport that close to my hometown so it will appear as though I'm actually going home.
Anyone have thoughts/experience with this?
Your team should understand this. It's fairly routine.
Interviewing During Internship (Originally Posted: 03/11/2013)
Monkeys, long time lurker, now seeking advice. Currently doing an off-cycle internship at a top tier BB in Europe.
Recently I got contacted by a recruiter, who offered FT interviews at a lower tier BB and even though things are going fine at where I am now, I am willing to go for it given the current situation and the scarcity of FT opportunities.
Although finding an appropriate time for interviewing during the internship is difficult enough, I am more concerned about telling the interviewer where I currently am. On the one hand it can be a good leverage given the brand name of the firm but on the other I am a bit scared that my current team might find out and think bad about me. After all the regional IBD universe is small and people might know each other across different banks.
So do you think the risk is worth it? Would my team understand my move given the current situation, in case they find out?
Thanks
I'm not sure what the office culture is in EU but at my bank/group, if I was ever in your situation, my group would encourage me to interview.
From a US perspective, I would be honest and direct and tell your boss you love working where you are now and would 100% sign an offer to work there but given the turmoil in the industry, you would like to take a day to interview with another bank. After all, an offer in the industry is better than no offer at all.
What are the odds of you getting an FT offer at your current bank?
I wouldn't keep it public and be discreet. Last thing you want is them finding out and not giving you a potential offer because you were away for too long or weren't intent on signing
Thanks for the responses so far. The odds of getting a FT? Well, I think its more yes than no atm cuz I'm quite good with one of the MDs but far away from any certainty.
Personally, I like the approach of being honest even if it's risky. But isn't it an issue if I end up not getting an offer at the other BB, with my team knowing about the interviews? They might think if these guys are not giving him an offer why should we then?
Taking time off for interviewing (Originally Posted: 06/03/2014)
Hi monkeys, currently working in IB but I am looking at transferring. How should I go about in attending interviews without pissing off colleagues? Whats the best way to proceed with the situation?
Say you have MERS.
sick days, vacation days, the obvious
Interviews - Best excuse? (Originally Posted: 05/27/2007)
Ok, lets hear it. Whos got the best excuse for going for an interview (once youre full time in the i-bank). Doctors appointment, plumber, visiting family. Spill the beans.
"living the dream 24/7 on http://theallnighter.blogspot.com"
Testicular exam.
Returning video tapes.
Taking time off for interview? (Originally Posted: 05/27/2015)
I just want to know how do students with a full time internship or co-op take time off for interviews. One may receive several BB+MM interviews plus a few subsequent final rounds/superdays. How do they take time off from job without being f**ked by their boss?
"Second round dentist appointment."
Job Interview- I need a good excuse to tell my current boss I need the day off. (Originally Posted: 01/11/2018)
I have an important job interview, and although I could usually just tell my boss I'm not feeling well, I have taken a couple of days off here recently for other interviews, and so I'm in need of some creative excuses to get the day off. Anyone got anything just out of the box that works.
car broke down
wife/girlfriend has some medical emergency
anniversary with bae
I used to just tell them I was going to a networking event
If you don't need a whole day, Dr. Appointment works well.
Furniture delivery; flood at the apartment; repairs at the apartment. You get the point. It's a good one to throw into the mix with all the doctor appointments. I like to schedule them during lunch so I can just say I'm out for a long lunch.
Dr appointment always or if you can schedule during lunch and just take an extended one.
I wouldn’t use networking event because than your boss might ask acting interested. No one will ever ask about a doctor appointment because it’s personal.
This. I made the mistake of using networking event a long while back and it did not end well.
Help: Running out of Excuses (Originally Posted: 02/07/2018)
Friends, I really need your help:
I REALLY need your help coming up with excuses for when going to interviews.
I've been actively recruiting and missing a LOT of time at work over last couple months.
I'm talking about a couple hours on Monday, then taking the morning off on Friday, then taking a day off the next week etc.
Recruiting is obviously frowned upon. What are some new excuses I can use? (Im serious, please)
I've already used the following:
Leg injury Women health issues (I'm a girl, so no men questioned me on this, but there is only so many times I can use this) Non-profit volunteer event Fever
dentist appointment
Talked to a guy at Lazard and every time the year was coming to an end, he would conveniently have a ton of dentist appointments. First was a check up, then it turns out he had a cavity, and then had to come back for more serious work. By the time reviews came around, he went in with 2-3 offers from other firms to leverage his bonus. Hope this helps
Thanks, but already used (not the cavity approach though)
Didn’t your grandmother die last year?
Get yourself a dentist that cleans only one tooth per appointment. It is just the darnedest thing!
Placeat totam sed error aliquam soluta numquam. Eligendi quibusdam quaerat minima temporibus odit nisi quam. Quod vel non dolorem expedita nulla.
Possimus maxime aperiam praesentium. Dignissimos officiis sit corporis dolorem voluptas possimus voluptatibus eum.
Sequi consequuntur voluptatum omnis molestiae incidunt repudiandae. Qui ipsum excepturi consequatur alias dolores architecto. Quos omnis officia ut quia. Consequatur illo qui esse praesentium illum est et commodi. Vel similique ad dolorum explicabo temporibus officia. Officiis doloremque cum aut dolore molestias illum. Veniam optio nihil quo rerum sint rerum.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...
Et doloribus eveniet error exercitationem ducimus debitis earum id. Maiores odio deserunt quos est sit tenetur. Eius commodi ea dolorum nulla.
Neque et non et eveniet dolorem tempora aut. Iure beatae rerum earum iusto et ratione dolorem a. Ducimus et minus est. Sint nihil enim soluta.
Doloribus voluptatem distinctio voluptatem provident fugit. Et molestiae impedit eligendi vel. Placeat porro voluptatem totam dolorem pariatur sint impedit. Voluptatem sunt est earum. Molestiae dolor est quia hic libero. Veniam omnis consequatur et.
Qui saepe molestiae saepe ad itaque enim temporibus est. Omnis consequatur tenetur enim ut nihil voluptatibus. Quia ducimus aperiam temporibus. Mollitia commodi distinctio ex incidunt laborum eum aperiam. Ipsam nihil facilis eligendi delectus at. Velit iste suscipit perspiciatis sit sunt.
Voluptas expedita natus quia tempora est. Aperiam hic repellendus velit eveniet repellat. Officiis eos et nam atque labore. Delectus eaque vitae tempore.
Delectus fuga reprehenderit vero eos. Et vel ipsa excepturi voluptas dolorem omnis ut dolorum.
Sed ea nesciunt neque molestiae et modi. Eos repudiandae voluptates in quo. Deserunt vero iure velit provident est sunt. Voluptatem reprehenderit in consequatur ullam laboriosam quia.
Cum laborum incidunt autem aliquam labore ea. Aliquam ut eius non placeat. Iste ut sit nesciunt incidunt reprehenderit. Dolor ut est optio aut omnis. Saepe id iste officia quia molestiae.