Way off topic - explaining absence for interviews!?

[StiffUpperLip]

Hi.

I get on really well with my co-workers and am part of a quite closely knit team. I'm presently applying for jobs with other companies and intend to relocate so interviewing involved taking at least a full day's leave...

I will need to mention to colleagues that I won't be in/available on X day, typically 'tomorrow' or 'on Monday' as it's typically expected practice and there's always light convo around whether you 'had a good day off' etc.

I'm probably (definitely) over thinking this but what do I say? I'm very open, straightforward and honest with my co-workers generally so really don't want to lie and prevarication would be noticeable too...

Anyone else feel this way? Anyone come up with a credible, and not dishonest, way of maintaining office conventions/modes without revealing that I'm looking elsewhere?

I don't want to jeopardise my present working relations before u know for sure where/if I'm leaving the team...

[cerat0n1a]

I'm probably (definitely) over thinking this but what do I say? I'm very open, straightforward and honest with my co-workers generally so really don't want to lie and prevarication would be noticeable too...

Doesn't seem like you have many options? Either you tell them the truth, you hope the question doesn't come up/avoid talking about it, or you lie?

"Having some work done at home", "waiting in for a delivery" or "using up holidays before the end of the year" were reasons given to me over a period of a few months by someone I manage who was clearly having interviews.

[2Cent]

Instead of lying you can also simply not give an answer by saying you had some personal things to do.

[Linea_Norway]

I did interviews extra early in the morning of late in the afternoon. Then you can just come a bit later that day. I don't need to give an explanation as long as I am at work at nine.

On any other weekday, you could just mention you have something private to do.

On a Friday afternoon, can't you just say that you feel like starting the weekend? It is totally normal to leave early on a Friday. Or say that you wanted to avoid car queues.

[cerat0n1a]

It is totally normal to leave early on a Friday.

Maybe in Norway :-)

[Playing with Fire UK]

Can you tell a partial truth? "I was visiting City", "I have family there". "Just took some me-time, it was great thanks".

[pbkmaine]

Can you tell a partial truth? "I was visiting City", "I have family there". "Just took some me-time, it was great thanks".

This is the way I’d frame it.

[StiffUpperLip]

Thanks all for the great suggestions.

Can you tell a partial truth? "I was visiting City", "I have family there". "Just took some me-time, it was great thanks".

@Playing with Fire UK Thank you, I think this is what I'll aim for, just honest enough not to stumble over and also not feel weird about.

@Linda_Norway - I'll be interviewing approx a 3hr drive from where I work presently so don't think your tactic would work for me - I wish I didn't have to take at least a full day's leave to interview but it's necessary to feel fresh and prepared for the interview...

[Playing with Fire UK]

You are welcome @StiffUpperLip !

[dragoncar]

Show up in a suit and leave early “for a funeral”

[Playing with Fire UK]

Show up in a suit and leave early “for a funeral”

That is dark.

[PhilB]

Just stretch the truth as far as necessary.  Think of it as practice for the interviews...

[skip207]

Not sure if serious?

SOP in my old industry is dentist, 10am apt dentist says to take it easy in the afternoon..  Got to have a root canal... maybe 2...., lots of sharp intake of breath no one will mention it again. 

Funerals not a good idea, IMHO.  People will ask who, where, when, how....

As for telling the truth, you are already out.  Just make your move quick and clean.  Don't fuss or drag it out, if its a small industry you may find the jungle drums kick off within a week.

In my old industry it was SOP to only start the process of jumping ship if you were 100% sure you wanted to go as it was usual to get a tap on the shoulder within 48 hours... if you are really close with your DLM then perhaps a quiet chat but I would only do that if they were solid and perhaps on the same page.  Any bonus / perf related pay then stay well, well clear till you put your notice in.  When I last jumped about half a dozen of us went, incl my DLM.  We all knew and we all kind of went together to new company.  The regional manager went ape!

Good luck.