What to Tell the Boss When You Have an Interview

At one point or another, just about everyone finds themselves in the uncomfortable position of trying to find a new job while still having an old job. Rare are the instances where it would be acceptable to tell your current employer of your plans. The only time I have felt comfortable doing this was when I was a temp.

So you'll have to work around this. Unfortunately for you, most interviews happen during the workday. Luckily there are some classic ways of finding a way to interview while not raising suspicion.

1. Call in sick

This is the all-time favorite because bosses really don't want to pry about your health. However, if you are friendly with your boss, that may not be seen as prying. To prepare for these situations your pseudo-sickness should definitely have no visual effects. Headache works well. Any sort of menstrual issue is a conversation-stopper for a male boss. 24-hr flu is a little less believable. Don't go with a cold since you're showing no symptoms.

1b. Kid is sick

Similar to calling in sick, except you shouldn't be expected to exhibit any symptoms. (At least not immediately) Your excuse in this case is more believable because kids get sick all the time and co-workers would probably be more credulous when you play the kid-card. They'll probably even feel bad for you because they think you have to deal with sick kids all day.

2. Family Issues

Personally I think this is the best option. 'Family issues' or 'family emergency' is something almost no one would dare ask about. That's a hornets' nest and can be a highly personal issue (if it were a real issue). Take a personal/vacation day and you're home free with 'family' issues

3. Home emergency

Take your pick here. Kitchen is flooded and you're waiting for a plumber. Power lines are down and you're waiting for the electric company. Basically think of someone who would take forever to show up at your house if you called them right now (Comcast isn't important enough to miss work for), and then think of a situation where you would need them to show up. Once your interview is done (the repairman leaves), head into the office.

4. Car problems

This works best if your boss already makes fun of your junky car. Not only do you get off work, but your boss gets more material for when he makes fun of your car. Win-win!

5. Power outage

It's probably not a good idea to try this one if you have a 3:00 pm interview. Or if you are chronically late. But if you're rarely late and you have a morning interview, the boss would probably give you the benefit of the doubt. Just blame it on a power outage and as soon as you get out of your interview, be sure to frantically call the office letting them know when you'll be in.

6. Jail

Probably a bad idea to try this one, but if you say "I was in jail, I don't want to talk about it", I don't think anyone will want to talk about it.

So there you go. This list is NOT for general slacking purposes, but for situations where you suddenly have the need to take a day off for interviewing purposes. This list is not to be abused!

Good luck on your job hunt.

-BPG

(originally posted February 23, 2010)