We all know that it’s easiest to find a job when you’re already employed. For starters, it makes you appear more desirable to a prospective employer. Plus, you’re in a better position to negotiate a higher salary, among other terms.
However, looking for a new role is like having a full-time job in itself. It takes up a lot of your time and you need to be active during business hours to speak to prospective employers. As if furtively slipping in and out of the office for a business call wasn’t stressful enough, you’re going to have to attend interviews too.
Let’s be honest. It’s highly unlikely your current employer will grant you the morning off because you’re going to a job interview. So, we’ve come up with some useful ways that you can duck out of the office and attend a job interview, without your current employer noticing.
Book the Day Off
The best way to avoid rousing suspicion is to use your vacation days for interviews. Legally, you don’t have to disclose what you’re doing on your days off. Also, it’s fairer on your current employer, because you’re giving them warning that you’ll be absent.
Moreover, if your colleagues ask what you’re getting up to on your day off (which is perfectly normal) you’ll have time to come up with an iron-clad alibi. Taking the whole day off also ensures you have enough time to prepare and not be in a rush for your interview.
Don’t Make Up Ridiculous Excuses
While taking a personal day or calling in sick might be necessary, don’t come up with an alibi which will cause you problems further down the line. For example, if you say that you or a relative is seriously ill, you’ll cause your co-workers genuine concern. And you’ll have to keep up the façade for weeks to come!
If your absence is causing a lot of questions in the office, the best way to calm the rumour mill is by saying you’ve got a routine eye test or dental check-up. These kinds of appointments can take a long time, without causing serious worry. Just remember to stick to your story!
Be Flexible
If taking a full day off isn’t an option for whatever reason, there are other ways around this. Perhaps you’re swamped in the office and your team really needs you. Simply let the interviewer know your concerns. Hopefully, they’ll appreciate that you’re a team-player.
As long as you make it clear that you’re generally flexible, they shouldn’t have a problem with accommodating your preferences. For example, it’s easier to attend a job interview without your boss noticing if you arrive to the office late, or leave early, rather than taking a long lunch.
Don’t Overbook Yourself
Quality over quantity is key. Dipping in and out of the office a couple of times shouldn’t set off alarm bells. However, seriously devoting some time to interviews could end up requiring a lot of your time and focus.
Therefore, be selective about what interviews you decide to dedicate yourself to. Be absolutely sure that you would accept the job before even considering attending an interview.
As the interview process can be time-consuming, go for the top opportunities only. Your time is important and should be spent looking for a job which you really care about.
Be Subtle
You might be excited about hearing that you’ve secured an interview for a new, higher-paid job. Naturally, you’ll want to share the good news with your colleagues. However, try and resist this urge. It might decrease morale in the office and isn’t fair on others.
Even if you have co-workers who you consider close friends, don’t put them in an awkward position by stating that you’re considering leaving. Your job search is something which you should keep to yourself until you absolutely have to tell somebody.
After all, you don’t want to risk somebody running their mouth and telling your boss before you get a chance to. Especially if you want a good reference from them!
As A Last Resort…Call In Sick
You should only ever call in sick if you’ve used up all your annual leave. Otherwise, it’s not really fair on your current employer, as you’re neglecting your team and your job.
What’s more, you’ll run the risk of being caught out and about while supposedly ‘sick’, especially if you work locally. Be mindful of fellow colleagues who may also have the day off!
Plus, you’ll only cause yourself extra stress on the morning of an interview if you have to call in sick and speak to your boss.
Will Your Employer Notice You’ve Gone To An Interview?
If you follow our super-stealthy guide, then hopefully not. So long as the quality of your work and dedication to the job at hand doesn’t change, your employer has no reason to be suspicious.
However, it’s always best to have a back-up plan in case you can’t attend a job interview without your current employer noticing. If this is the case, it’s best to have an honest and frank discussion with your boss about why you’re job-hunting.
It might be awkward at first, but it’s important to put your happiness first. Hopefully you’ll secure a new job which you absolutely love!
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