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Rank: Newbie
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Joined: 4/22/2009
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I was just offered an on-campus interview at an academic library. It is a job that I really want. It is on the other side of the country. They offered me a set day and time, that amounts to only 2 days in which to ask for time off from my current employer. The library is paying travel expenses.
I feel it is unfair to expect someone to fly (will take the whole day each day to fly as the library is in a remote area) with such short notice. It will mean at least 2 days off and I think my current employer deserves more notice for time off. I asked the library's HR person to see if there are any other dates available while expressing my high interest in the position. How else can this be navigated? I feel like someone who is desperate and has no current commitments might be favored over me, who wants to go through the right channels at my job and needs time to reschedule. If the library doesn't budge on this, should I write them off as unreasonable? Or should I give in because I want the job? Thanks for the advice!
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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Job Hunting Tips - Moderator
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Joined: 1/4/2008
Posts: 103
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Location: Cairo, Egypt
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Congratulations on the interview!
I wouldn't make this about what is or isn't fair. Do you need more advance notice? Or not? If so, just tell them, "I'm sorry I'm unable to schedule the interview with such short notice. Is the following week possible?" (Though it sounds like you already did that.)
Be positive and confident with your current and potential employer.
But, are you sure you have to ask so far ahead for time off? You can tell your employer you need three days off for personal reasons this week. They might be fine with it. If you really want this job, get to that interview!
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Rank: Advanced Member
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Location: Cleveland, Ohio
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I think there is a difference between "asking if there are other days available" and telling them that you "need more notice for your current employer to ask for the days off". First one comes off as a request of convenience and the second comes off as a request of need. In the future if you feel awkward, it is best to say something like "I will call you back in a few hours as I need to verify with my current employer that I can get off on such a short notice". I think Joan's questions about your situation are relevant - do you know how your employer will respond. I would think in this economy if they are willing to fly you in that they consider you a very strong candidate, and i would make the sacrifices needs to accept that dates they offered. They may be under a very tight deadline, such as trying to get the person hired on this budget year so the money is protected on the next budget cycle or everyone is taking chunks of the summer off.
Brian C. Gray Head of Reference & Engineering Librarian Kelvin Smith Library Case Western Reserve University http://blog.case.edu/bcg8bcg8@case.edu
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Rank: Newbie
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Thank you for the quick replies.
I think the moral here is definitely having the confidence to stand up for what you want and not hesitating to say "I'll get back to you". As for my current employer, I have been on the job less than 2 weeks and that is why I wasn't sure how my boss would react.
I was able to arrange a date for next week and get time off from my employer, so it worked out in the end. I think next time I won't panic as much.
Thanks again for your reassurance. Wish me luck in the interview!
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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Job Hunting Tips - Moderator
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Joined: 1/4/2008
Posts: 103
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Location: Cairo, Egypt
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Good luck!
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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Management - Moderator
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Location: Cleveland, Ohio
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Good luck! Do not go into the interview assuming it is the dream job. Go in with questions and hopefully you will leave knowing if it is really your dream job.
Brian C. Gray Head of Reference & Engineering Librarian Kelvin Smith Library Case Western Reserve University http://blog.case.edu/bcg8bcg8@case.edu
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Rank: Newbie
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I just wanted to thank you for your advice. I have just been offered this position (I'm thinking about it). Now I'm contemplating relocating...
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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Job Hunting Tips - Moderator
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Joined: 1/4/2008
Posts: 103
Points: 309
Location: Cairo, Egypt
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Congratulations again!
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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Member
, Resumes - Moderator
Joined: 1/3/2008
Posts: 46
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Location: http://talkingbookslibrarian.blogspot.com
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olivialoaf wrote:
I just wanted to thank you for your advice. I have just been offered this position (I'm thinking about it). Now I'm contemplating relocating...
Let us know what you decide! :)
Check out the Talking Books Librarian blog at http://talkingbookslibrarian.blogspot.com
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