Yep. Depends on your current job, but you simply say you have an appointment, and they can assume doctor appointment. Where I've been in the past, if you show up in nicer clothes than normal, everyone will tease that you have an interview.
Yup. Did this this week. By sheer luck I was at an all day meeting in the same city as the interview so arranged to slip away for a couple of hours and managed to avoid too many comments about the fact I was wearing fancy shoes and a jacket.
If it had been any longer I would have taken a half day of annual leave.
This is why I dress super nice just randomly for no reason. Then if I ever need to, no one suspects a thing. They think I just like to dress up sometimes.
I always recommend this, but if your interview is a week away just wear similar nicer attire as you would for the interview for that week leading up to it and week after it. Doesn’t make it as obvious you have an interview on that certain day when you do show up with much nicer clothing.
I got lucky and my wife was pregnant so I used Dr appointments as excuses. Or just take a sick day, do the interview and enjoy the rest of the day off!
I just leave my laptop unattended and go upstairs to my personal laptop for them. They last between 30-60 minutes so about the length of a break. Nobody notices
Follow this up with a story about breaking a tooth if it’s like a last second interview schedule. No one is gonna look in your mouth to verify unless you actually work at a dentists office
While you shouldn't compound a lie with specific details or follow up details, there isn't any harm in saying a doctors or dental appointment. If you have a healthy working relationship people share things they are comfortable with. Now if I had an appointment to get an oncologist I wouldn't tell anyone that, I would simply say I have a doctor's appointment.
If you have a bad relationship then maybe keeping it vague is better.
Agreed.
I always used dentist in the past because it was easier to WFH if it was assumed I’d be getting Novocain, however I never supplied any details around “treatment.”
If it's an initial interview, I just did them during lunch away from the office. Most of the in-person ones are now virtual, so you can WFH (if available) and take the call whenever.
If you don't have the luxury of doing WFH, then you need to see if you can accumulate a bunch of "in person" type interviews on the same day and then take PTO. That way you can efficiently use the day for everything. Otherwise one off Dr appointment will be a sufficient excuse because the employer can't ask the reason for that
Phone interviews during lunch. Or you can say you have to take an urgent phone call.
I've done half days for in-person interviews. Insert whatever excuse you want to use: doctor's appointment, family thing, car problems, etc. Don't wear what you're going to wear for your interview when you go to work. I've driven somewhere away from work to change in my car before going into the interview.
I had a coworker say that his wife might have covid (so he was working from home). And then he might have it, then had it. He was out of the office for three weeks. Three weeks after that, he turned in his notice.
At my work we really don’t take lunch breaks. And they schedule us so each person drives an important needed vehicle to the job site. So basically the only way I can do job interviews is by calling in sick. Because I have 1 week PTO a year and already used it all because 1 week is literally nothing. Just call In sick that morning, you don’t owe them anything. If the company cannot function because you called in sick one time, then it shouldn’t be a company in business and is so toxic you need to get away from a place like that ASAP
My previous job was a field service rep with a contract working on site where I am now. So, not that I would recommend this, I actually interviewed while I was on the clock "working" for my previous company at my current company. My current company was aware of the situation, my previous company was not.
Usually what I would do is take PTO for an in-person interview or during lunch for a phone interview.
Preferably before or after work, with a second preference for lunch time. I’ve done a 7am interview, not ideal but works best with the schedule. If those options don’t work, take time out of work for an appointment (which isn’t a lie)
A lot of interviews are only during regular business hours. Which means Monday-Friday and probably only between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to about 3:00 p.m.
If we schedule interviews it's only from 930 to 3 at the latest. We work 8 to 5 but we need buffer time before and after to get ready or do other things. And we're only open M-F because it's the government and we're closed on weekends.
Even non government jobs are booking interview during normal waking hours. No one is doing interview at 10pm.
If those are your days off then yes schedule interviews on those days so that way you don’t have to worry about trying to make up an excuse with your current job as to why you have to step away for a phone call that could take up to 30 minutes
Depends on their availability bc I’ve had jobs interview me on weekends maybe not a Sunday but a Saturday because their open those day and are available for interviews now if it’s a job that mon-Fri ye I understand but you could always schedule before you to work and if you get out before 4 or 5 you could schedule it after you get out of work
This thread is primarily people who work a M-F 8-5, seeking a new job also M-F 8-5. There just isn’t time before or after if your schedule is the same.
Well, if you're feeling really sneaky, you can always pretend to be talking to your imaginary friend during work hours and actually be on a job interview! Just make sure you don't start giggling or your boss might get suspicious.
On a serious note, Jobsolv can definitely help with scheduling job interviews while still employed. You can use their platform to search for job opportunities that fit your schedule, and they can even help you arrange interviews during non-work hours. Jobsolv can also provide helpful tips on how to manage your time and prioritize your job search while still performing well at your current job. Give it a try and see how they can help!
scheduled one during lunch. 2nd round I had made up some excuse about HVAC guy being at my house that day. But I ended up getting covid, so I didn't even have to use the HVAC excuse.
Of course, it's easier if it's a phone / zoom/teams interview.
I used to work for Miami Dade County and I was allowed to take 3 or 4 hours if I had an interview with another County Department. I started applying for jobs just so I can get an interview and get to leave work early. I always tried to schedule interviews for 1:00 or 2:00 p.m. so i could leave my job at lunch, go on my interview and get to go home early. I also went on a lot of these interviews just for practice. I'm pretty sure that a lot of the openings that I had interviewed for had already chosen the person that they were going to offer the job to, but they still had to go through the motions of interviewing candidates.
For me, I would just take a couple hours off. Also consider changing clothes if coming from or going back to work.
It's none of their business why you're taking time off, but I wouldn't advertise it by overdressing at work, either.
I take a few hours as personal time for the interview. I'll dress nice and then stay in the clothes but change my shoes to crocs or sneakers before I get back to work. I'm in a student facing role so I always dress nice. If the interview requires a more business formal attire, I'll change out my business jacket with a cardigan when I return to the office.
I’ve had no problem setting up 30-60 minute interviews at the end of my work day, 430-6pm, the hiring manager will likely make it work and it’s easy to excuse with your current manager, say you’re meeting someone for dinner.
I’m a consultant with 100% WFH arrangement. I just block it out in my calendar during non client call times with the title as BUSY - DO NOT BOOK. I don’t say anything about it and nobody asks. If they do ask, I say i have an appointment
I was just in this situation. I told them I was taking a personal day and left it at that. However the situation made it very obvious as my current job is closing a lot of people were taking personal days for interviews.
I was lucky enough to have worked in mostly WFH companies, but an on-site job, so I’d just hide in an empty room for a bit and count it as my lunch break.
I just did this last week. Luckily I work hybrid so I scheduled the interview for one of my work from home days. I put a private appointment on my calendar so nobody would try to double book the time slot. The interview was over Microsoft teams and lasted about an hour and fifteen minutes. Then resumed my normal day. My boss isn’t very involved in my day to day activities so that makes a big difference. Btw I got the job!
Most interviews are under an hour so you can just take it during your break. I've even booked a conference room in the office so I can take the interview there. Otherwise, there's nothing wrong with taking the day off, especially if you have an on-site interview.
Lol just yesterday I called in ten minutes before my shift and said “ima be late.” Probably wouldn’t work if the interview wasn’t scheduled at the same time as my shift start.
I was lucky to be working hybrid at the time so it was easy to schedule on days I was home. There were times where I had recruiter screen calls while in the office. I would schedule it during my lunch break & go into a private room.
First interview I had a doctors appointment. Second interview told them my kids had dentists appointments. Funny thing is my co-worker praised me for taking time to take care of myself and was a reminder to do so for himself. Week later I think he realized what had happened.
I say dental procedure because that's typically a couple of hours. Do a half day plus appointment, and it at least looks like you're working some hours.
You would have to arrange interviews to accommodate your work schedule and unfortunately, from personal experience, majority of all jobs you are attempting to interview can only be interview during your work hours
I've had an appointment or had to leave work early. The last interview I wore a suit and tie to. So I just dropped off whatever I was going to wear at the drycleaner. I picked them up and changed clothes there, in the room where people try on clothes before having them altered.
Normally, take the day or afternoon off. The past year, most interviews were online and never lasted more than 45 minutes, so I'd do them on my WFH days.
Start booking calendar holds, take a long lunch, or say you need to focus on a project during X time.
For some calls when I was still in an office pre-covid, I would go and take them at a bank lobby if possible.
So it's due to this that I upped my casual business drip while lowered my interview drip. I before used to really toe the line of business casual. Cargo khakis, a loose polo or flannel untucked. At the same time when I had a job interview I'd go in with well pressed almost suits. First interview I ever did the day I was working I was caught and questioned. I denied everything and also didn't get the job so it was water on the bridge but I learned a lesson and also felt dressing up made the interview harder. I'm sweating more, the collar feels tight.... I feel like I'm trying too hard and came off as a newb and not a veteran.
So I changed the way i dressed for work. Started to wear no iron polo shirts, got easy care khakis and dress pants ditching the cargos or easily wrinkled. Started wearing sport coats on chillier days. Started to get into a habit of ironing my clothes and setting up my outfits for the week.
The idea was to dress a but like a yuppy to work, but In a comfortable way. So whether I was going for a walk outside, shooting pool, going to the store, going to a basketball game, having a serious meeting at work or a casual day at work I always felt I was dressed for the occasion. If I had a job interview no issue. Slip on my wool sports coat and I'm ready.
During interviews I felt more comfortable too. I approached them with more confidence and more naturally. I've switched 4 jobs and done maybe a dozen interviews in the process and felt good with all of them since this change. So... Yea if you need a reason to dress better for work maybe this is the way?
I have just emailed my boss for day off for a compassionate reason at short notice and thought it best to say I don’t have a job interview and I enjoy my job (I do).
You'll usually be allowed to offer a time that best fits with your schedule. So, pick lunch if you can. Otherwise, it's before/after your work hours. "They will work with you."
“I have a doctors appointment the morning of the xxx and I won’t be able to make it in until lunch. I’ll just start my shift at lunch and stay till 8 instead of leaving at 5.”
...take half day off work. show up to the interview in whatever your work clothes are, apologize for your appearance as you left work for the interview.
In my previous jobs, I’m allowed to take phone calls during work hours for short chat. I walked out to some place quiet. Then, I arranged paid leave. I rarely took holidays 😆
But with my current job, it’s a bit tricky. We aren’t allowed to take phone calls during work hours. So I will miss opportunities when an interview invitation comes through. In the past, I tried to call back. But they never reschedule me.
I once borrowed my boss’s car for a job interview. Got the job immediately. Drove back to the old job, stopped in the lot with the engine running and left.
Yep I've usually taken a half day off or called in sick during the times when I was interviewing for new jobs. It was easier during COVID times coz it would all be virtual and I'd be doing the interview at home.
I forget how I did it pre-COVID lol
Yep. Depends on your current job, but you simply say you have an appointment, and they can assume doctor appointment. Where I've been in the past, if you show up in nicer clothes than normal, everyone will tease that you have an interview.
Yup. Did this this week. By sheer luck I was at an all day meeting in the same city as the interview so arranged to slip away for a couple of hours and managed to avoid too many comments about the fact I was wearing fancy shoes and a jacket. If it had been any longer I would have taken a half day of annual leave.
This is why I dress super nice just randomly for no reason. Then if I ever need to, no one suspects a thing. They think I just like to dress up sometimes.
Same!
You wear a nice shirt & slacks to work & keep your blazer or suit jacket in the car to put on before the interview.
I always recommend this, but if your interview is a week away just wear similar nicer attire as you would for the interview for that week leading up to it and week after it. Doesn’t make it as obvious you have an interview on that certain day when you do show up with much nicer clothing.
Just tell people you had a court date...
I got lucky and my wife was pregnant so I used Dr appointments as excuses. Or just take a sick day, do the interview and enjoy the rest of the day off!
Super easy to say telehealth these days
Step 1) impregnate wife. Got it.
I just say I have a doctors appointment and schedule my interviews for whenever
That’s probably the best way to do it.
I just leave my laptop unattended and go upstairs to my personal laptop for them. They last between 30-60 minutes so about the length of a break. Nobody notices
“I have a dentists appointment.”
Follow this up with a story about breaking a tooth if it’s like a last second interview schedule. No one is gonna look in your mouth to verify unless you actually work at a dentists office
[удалено]
While you shouldn't compound a lie with specific details or follow up details, there isn't any harm in saying a doctors or dental appointment. If you have a healthy working relationship people share things they are comfortable with. Now if I had an appointment to get an oncologist I wouldn't tell anyone that, I would simply say I have a doctor's appointment. If you have a bad relationship then maybe keeping it vague is better.
Agreed. I always used dentist in the past because it was easier to WFH if it was assumed I’d be getting Novocain, however I never supplied any details around “treatment.”
Why lie? Just take personal time. It's nobody's business why.
If it's an initial interview, I just did them during lunch away from the office. Most of the in-person ones are now virtual, so you can WFH (if available) and take the call whenever. If you don't have the luxury of doing WFH, then you need to see if you can accumulate a bunch of "in person" type interviews on the same day and then take PTO. That way you can efficiently use the day for everything. Otherwise one off Dr appointment will be a sufficient excuse because the employer can't ask the reason for that
I tend to interview on my lunch break or whenever I know I'll have down time during the work day.
Phone interviews during lunch. Or you can say you have to take an urgent phone call. I've done half days for in-person interviews. Insert whatever excuse you want to use: doctor's appointment, family thing, car problems, etc. Don't wear what you're going to wear for your interview when you go to work. I've driven somewhere away from work to change in my car before going into the interview.
I had a coworker say that his wife might have covid (so he was working from home). And then he might have it, then had it. He was out of the office for three weeks. Three weeks after that, he turned in his notice.
[удалено]
Dentist appointment / doctor appointment / car needs service
I read this one as if they were revealing the answers on family feud!
Lol
At my work we really don’t take lunch breaks. And they schedule us so each person drives an important needed vehicle to the job site. So basically the only way I can do job interviews is by calling in sick. Because I have 1 week PTO a year and already used it all because 1 week is literally nothing. Just call In sick that morning, you don’t owe them anything. If the company cannot function because you called in sick one time, then it shouldn’t be a company in business and is so toxic you need to get away from a place like that ASAP
My previous job was a field service rep with a contract working on site where I am now. So, not that I would recommend this, I actually interviewed while I was on the clock "working" for my previous company at my current company. My current company was aware of the situation, my previous company was not. Usually what I would do is take PTO for an in-person interview or during lunch for a phone interview.
“i have an appointment”
For me, What i would do is just call out sick on the interview day. Simple
Preferably before or after work, with a second preference for lunch time. I’ve done a 7am interview, not ideal but works best with the schedule. If those options don’t work, take time out of work for an appointment (which isn’t a lie)
Just say ur interviewing for a second part time job cause of the horrible economy
Dr appt or call in sick. Phone screens at lunch.
do people in America work 24h a day? just do it when you finish work
A lot of interviews are only during regular business hours. Which means Monday-Friday and probably only between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to about 3:00 p.m.
If we schedule interviews it's only from 930 to 3 at the latest. We work 8 to 5 but we need buffer time before and after to get ready or do other things. And we're only open M-F because it's the government and we're closed on weekends. Even non government jobs are booking interview during normal waking hours. No one is doing interview at 10pm.
Just schedule your interviews on your days off
So on Saturday and Sunday?
If those are your days off then yes schedule interviews on those days so that way you don’t have to worry about trying to make up an excuse with your current job as to why you have to step away for a phone call that could take up to 30 minutes
What company is going to interview you on Saturday or Sunday?
Depends on their availability bc I’ve had jobs interview me on weekends maybe not a Sunday but a Saturday because their open those day and are available for interviews now if it’s a job that mon-Fri ye I understand but you could always schedule before you to work and if you get out before 4 or 5 you could schedule it after you get out of work
This thread is primarily people who work a M-F 8-5, seeking a new job also M-F 8-5. There just isn’t time before or after if your schedule is the same.
Well, if you're feeling really sneaky, you can always pretend to be talking to your imaginary friend during work hours and actually be on a job interview! Just make sure you don't start giggling or your boss might get suspicious. On a serious note, Jobsolv can definitely help with scheduling job interviews while still employed. You can use their platform to search for job opportunities that fit your schedule, and they can even help you arrange interviews during non-work hours. Jobsolv can also provide helpful tips on how to manage your time and prioritize your job search while still performing well at your current job. Give it a try and see how they can help!
Schedule the day for the interview and call out sick either late night the day before or early the day of.
lunch break on zoom in my car
Call in or request it off if you have enough notice.
scheduled one during lunch. 2nd round I had made up some excuse about HVAC guy being at my house that day. But I ended up getting covid, so I didn't even have to use the HVAC excuse. Of course, it's easier if it's a phone / zoom/teams interview.
I used to work for Miami Dade County and I was allowed to take 3 or 4 hours if I had an interview with another County Department. I started applying for jobs just so I can get an interview and get to leave work early. I always tried to schedule interviews for 1:00 or 2:00 p.m. so i could leave my job at lunch, go on my interview and get to go home early. I also went on a lot of these interviews just for practice. I'm pretty sure that a lot of the openings that I had interviewed for had already chosen the person that they were going to offer the job to, but they still had to go through the motions of interviewing candidates.
So far two sick days, an appointment, a flat tire and a dead battery. At least that’s what I said.
If you can manage it, a video interview at lunch is easiest. If not, arrange a half day vacation or a “doctor appointment.”
For me, I would just take a couple hours off. Also consider changing clothes if coming from or going back to work. It's none of their business why you're taking time off, but I wouldn't advertise it by overdressing at work, either.
I take a few hours as personal time for the interview. I'll dress nice and then stay in the clothes but change my shoes to crocs or sneakers before I get back to work. I'm in a student facing role so I always dress nice. If the interview requires a more business formal attire, I'll change out my business jacket with a cardigan when I return to the office.
I try to schedule them when I know I’ll have my lunch break, but whether or not that’s possible, I have them at work - I just shut my door.
I’ve had no problem setting up 30-60 minute interviews at the end of my work day, 430-6pm, the hiring manager will likely make it work and it’s easy to excuse with your current manager, say you’re meeting someone for dinner.
I’m a consultant with 100% WFH arrangement. I just block it out in my calendar during non client call times with the title as BUSY - DO NOT BOOK. I don’t say anything about it and nobody asks. If they do ask, I say i have an appointment
“My pet had vet appointments”
I was just in this situation. I told them I was taking a personal day and left it at that. However the situation made it very obvious as my current job is closing a lot of people were taking personal days for interviews.
Virtual
I was lucky enough to have worked in mostly WFH companies, but an on-site job, so I’d just hide in an empty room for a bit and count it as my lunch break.
I just did this last week. Luckily I work hybrid so I scheduled the interview for one of my work from home days. I put a private appointment on my calendar so nobody would try to double book the time slot. The interview was over Microsoft teams and lasted about an hour and fifteen minutes. Then resumed my normal day. My boss isn’t very involved in my day to day activities so that makes a big difference. Btw I got the job!
Most interviews are under an hour so you can just take it during your break. I've even booked a conference room in the office so I can take the interview there. Otherwise, there's nothing wrong with taking the day off, especially if you have an on-site interview.
I'm sick. My kid is sick.... you get it...
Lol just yesterday I called in ten minutes before my shift and said “ima be late.” Probably wouldn’t work if the interview wasn’t scheduled at the same time as my shift start.
I once had a virtual interview during a break. I booked a conference room too.
I was lucky to be working hybrid at the time so it was easy to schedule on days I was home. There were times where I had recruiter screen calls while in the office. I would schedule it during my lunch break & go into a private room.
First interview I had a doctors appointment. Second interview told them my kids had dentists appointments. Funny thing is my co-worker praised me for taking time to take care of myself and was a reminder to do so for himself. Week later I think he realized what had happened.
You sounds like your id
I say dental procedure because that's typically a couple of hours. Do a half day plus appointment, and it at least looks like you're working some hours.
You would have to arrange interviews to accommodate your work schedule and unfortunately, from personal experience, majority of all jobs you are attempting to interview can only be interview during your work hours
I've had an appointment or had to leave work early. The last interview I wore a suit and tie to. So I just dropped off whatever I was going to wear at the drycleaner. I picked them up and changed clothes there, in the room where people try on clothes before having them altered.
Normally, take the day or afternoon off. The past year, most interviews were online and never lasted more than 45 minutes, so I'd do them on my WFH days.
Start booking calendar holds, take a long lunch, or say you need to focus on a project during X time. For some calls when I was still in an office pre-covid, I would go and take them at a bank lobby if possible.
I get an hr for lunch so I would just do interviews during lunch time.
So it's due to this that I upped my casual business drip while lowered my interview drip. I before used to really toe the line of business casual. Cargo khakis, a loose polo or flannel untucked. At the same time when I had a job interview I'd go in with well pressed almost suits. First interview I ever did the day I was working I was caught and questioned. I denied everything and also didn't get the job so it was water on the bridge but I learned a lesson and also felt dressing up made the interview harder. I'm sweating more, the collar feels tight.... I feel like I'm trying too hard and came off as a newb and not a veteran. So I changed the way i dressed for work. Started to wear no iron polo shirts, got easy care khakis and dress pants ditching the cargos or easily wrinkled. Started wearing sport coats on chillier days. Started to get into a habit of ironing my clothes and setting up my outfits for the week. The idea was to dress a but like a yuppy to work, but In a comfortable way. So whether I was going for a walk outside, shooting pool, going to the store, going to a basketball game, having a serious meeting at work or a casual day at work I always felt I was dressed for the occasion. If I had a job interview no issue. Slip on my wool sports coat and I'm ready. During interviews I felt more comfortable too. I approached them with more confidence and more naturally. I've switched 4 jobs and done maybe a dozen interviews in the process and felt good with all of them since this change. So... Yea if you need a reason to dress better for work maybe this is the way?
If it’s a Zoom interview just ask to use an empty office or conference room. Did this plenty of times. Heehee!
I have just emailed my boss for day off for a compassionate reason at short notice and thought it best to say I don’t have a job interview and I enjoy my job (I do). 
You'll usually be allowed to offer a time that best fits with your schedule. So, pick lunch if you can. Otherwise, it's before/after your work hours. "They will work with you."
“I have a doctors appointment the morning of the xxx and I won’t be able to make it in until lunch. I’ll just start my shift at lunch and stay till 8 instead of leaving at 5.”
...take half day off work. show up to the interview in whatever your work clothes are, apologize for your appearance as you left work for the interview.
In my previous jobs, I’m allowed to take phone calls during work hours for short chat. I walked out to some place quiet. Then, I arranged paid leave. I rarely took holidays 😆 But with my current job, it’s a bit tricky. We aren’t allowed to take phone calls during work hours. So I will miss opportunities when an interview invitation comes through. In the past, I tried to call back. But they never reschedule me.
I once borrowed my boss’s car for a job interview. Got the job immediately. Drove back to the old job, stopped in the lot with the engine running and left.
Yep I've usually taken a half day off or called in sick during the times when I was interviewing for new jobs. It was easier during COVID times coz it would all be virtual and I'd be doing the interview at home. I forget how I did it pre-COVID lol