I have been offered a job interview next Tuesday. DP and I have booked a holiday 2.5 hours away from home Sunday - Thursday to spend some quality time together with DS.

I would like the job, but I have also asked if the interview can be moved to a different day so I don't have to travel all the way back to Brisbane and waste a day I could be spending with my family. Am yet to hear back.

I have 2 options:

1. Travel from the coast to the job interview on the day. 2.5 hours each way, plus time at the interview. There goes the day at the coast with my family. I also don't think DS would be up for such a long trip in the car.

2. Not attend the interview.

WDYT? What would you do?


Just to add - I currently already have a full time job. This is a higher level job, but not permanent or anything.

I would go to the interview and do Mon-Thurs holiday instead.

I would not ask for an interview to be moved unless in dire circumstances, if I wanted the job.

If you want the job, go to the interview, if you don't then don't.

It is really about whether you want the job or not.

I would just go to your holiday and enjoy yourself and not go to the interview.

I think it is ok to ask to move it. They have to be a little flexible. When you apply for a job you are not always certain when they will call or if. Saying that though I have done heaps of interviews for work lately and we are a pretty lenient workplace.

I once tried to rearrange an interview for someone about 4 times before I got peeved at her. However, she is now employed with us and wonderful and it was bad circumstances for her that she didn't feel like sharing at the time.

Although I think it depends how important the job is to you, if I really wanted it or desperate I would go at the time allocated.

I work in HR and do a lot of interviews and I often have to schedule around when someone is on holiday. It can be inconvenient, but it's not a deal breaker. If they're going to be away for a long time, we'll often organise a phone interview with them and, if that goes well, schedule a face-to-face one when they return.

Of course, this all depends on the nature of the industry you're working in. I am in an environment where there is a tremendous shortage of the type of professionals we hire, so we tend to give candidates more leeway.

I also recruit for a living - my advice would be to

a) ask if the interview can possibly be on another date (you have a longstanding commitment that week)
b) ask for telephone interview (not ideal - if you really want the job - you may undersell yourself)
c) drive up & back by yourself & leave DS & DH to have quality time without you for a day - try and negotiate for an interview time that would suit you, eg get up early, drive to interview, & be back by lunchtime etc??

HTH & Good luck!!

Amanda

DS 17/03/99
DD 08/03/01