When to bring up taking time off (Going for first interview..)

[GizMo567]

I have been looking into new positions as I recently found out that my company is consolidating my department. Although it sounds like I wont be let go, I wanted to keep my options open as I don't know what is going to come of it. I just recently saw a job that pays a lot better then the position I am in now and was emailed asking to interview.

 

I have a 2 week trip planned in October. Do I bring it up in this interview at the very end when they ask if I have any questions or do you wait until the job offer? I know most people say to bring it up in a second interview but I don't know if there is one. It is a pretty large company but don't want to run the risk of losing out. Unfortunately, trip is paid in full and non-refundable!

 

When is the best time to ask?? I know 2 weeks is a bit much but at my current job, I had to set up my vacation time months in advance.

 

Help!?

[annony]

I would wait for the job offer. Good luck, and have fun on your trip!

[katycloud]

Personally, I'd bring it up in the interview. I'd rather be honest with them, than appear deceiving! It's only two weeks, if you mention it at the interview they'll probably respect that you're being upfront with them. Good luck!

[ApocalypseDreams]

I've got a friend who is always booking little vacations and she is constantly getting new jobs. She's started jobs and 2 weeks later gone on a holiday after telling them that she has booked a holiday at the interview. It has never really seemed to be an issue for her as much as I thought it would.

[WockaWocka]

At the interview you might just ask them about their upcoming project schedule. Unless they tell you about a mission-critical project that is due in October or early November, I think it's perfectly acceptable to wait until you negotiate an offer to mention this vacation time.

In your negotiations you might even be able to schedule this as unpaid leave (if you can afford it) that way you don't start out with a negative vacation balance - I hate being in the hole for vacation days!

 

Good luck at the interview.

[iBroken]

Wait until you get the job before you start asking for time off.

[mhowe]

Second that --- the interview cycle can take months. No need for you to bring up your scheduled vaca until and unless you get the job offer. Has no place in the interview stage.

[GizMo567]

Thank you very much for the advice! I will just wait until the offer is made and attempt to negotiate it. Even if its non-paid - I dont mind as I will be making more money then my previous job.

 

Just have to hope they dont mind me being off for that amount of time..

[Ariel85]

Personally, in this job market and economy, I'd scrap the vacation entirely. Even after the offer is made, they can easily rescind an offer when you annouce your two week vacation. With so many applicants per job these days, I wouldn't want to run the risk you lose out because of a vacation.

[renaissancewoman101]

Personally, in this job market and economy, I'd scrap the vacation entirely. Even after the offer is made, they can easily rescind an offer when you annouce your two week vacation. With so many applicants per job these days, I wouldn't want to run the risk you lose out because of a vacation.

 

I think this is a bit drastic.

 

If he does get the job, it means the employer liked him the best out of all the applicants. Most jobs are understanding, if it is a prepaid, non-refundable trip.

 

OP, if you get the job offer, then bring it up. No need to jump the gun before even getting the offer.

[flashzip]

wait till you have the job offer

 

"I accept, but......"

[Ariel85]

I think this is a bit drastic.

 

If he does get the job, it means the employer liked him the best out of all the applicants. Most jobs are understanding, if it is a prepaid, non-refundable trip.

 

OP, if you get the job offer, then bring it up. No need to jump the gun before even getting the offer.

 

Not necessarily. They are hiring him to perform a job - not go out on vacation for two weeks immediately after being hired.

 

He does run the risk of them rescinding the offer, as they have every right to expect a new hire to be working, not leaving on vacation.

[GizMo567]

Not necessarily. They are hiring him to perform a job - not go out on vacation for two weeks immediately after being hired.

 

He does run the risk of them rescinding the offer, as they have every right to expect a new hire to be working, not leaving on vacation.

 

While that is very very true Ariel, Unfortunately, this trip was planned with my family and as such, I will not cancel it just to get this job.

 

While I may want the job really really bad, I understand that the time I spend with my family on this trip cannot be replaced. A job is a job, not my life.

 

Thanks for the replies and well wishes from everyone!

[MissIndigo]

Might be a stretch but...provided they do make you an offer, could you consider asking for the official start date to begin after the vacation (without saying you are going on the trip though)? Did you indicate when your availability would be, or did they ask, or is this consolidation going to be complete sooner than later and they gave you an approximate date?

[GizMo567]

Might be a stretch but...provided they do make you an offer, could you consider asking for the official start date to begin after the vacation (without saying you are going on the trip though)? Did you indicate when your availability would be, or did they ask, or is this consolidation going to be complete sooner than later and they gave you an approximate date?

 

Unfortunately, I think if I were to get offered the job and I accepted that they would want me as soon as possible. What horrible timing. lol.

 

For my old job, consolidation is starting but wont be completed for another year or so when they kick it into high gear. I at least have 1 year (or so I am told) before it is complete.