Best way to pursue job oppurtunity while still employed

[anyanka2]

I've been actively looking for a new job while I've been working at the grocery store for various reasons - better pay, hours, opportunity for advancement. I got a call back from a place in Chicago that is interested in me to set up an interview date. It's a position in my area of training that pays better among other things.

The problem is that my workplace is kind of short staffed right now - one person quit via a phone call today and the higher ups are scrambling find someone to cover her shifts for the next week. Another cashier quit, giving a full two weeks notice, and her hours were redistributed among the remaining cashiers. I have a feeling that I'm going to be scheduled almost full time the next few weeks because of this. I want to be honest with my manager about my intentions, but I do not think he will be in a very good mood because of how cashier #1 quit, so I don't want to irritate him more.

My options are to tell him the truth - that I need time off for a job interview, which I have done in the past when we were fully staffed and I got the time off or to simply ask for the day off giving a more general reason why I need it off.

I would really appreciate some advice about what to do without jeopardizing my current job in case the Chicago job doesn't work out.

[Gurndigarn]

I want to be honest with my manager about my intentions, but I do not think he will be in a very good mood because of how cashier #1 quit, so I don't want to irritate him more.

I wouldn't. You have a part-time job, which means that they know you are looking for other work, or could be at any time. I never counted on having any of my employees stick around for precisely that reason. But, if you tell them you're looking, then they may cut your hours, just so it won't hurt their schedule much if you leave unexpectedly.

My options are to tell him the truth - that I need time off for a job interview, which I have done in the past when we were fully staffed and I got the time off or to simply ask for the day off giving a more general reason why I need it off.

Or option three: try to get interviews scheduled during the times you're not working. That's the one advantage of part time employement. Many places will work (within reason) around your schedule for interviews, because they know how work schedules go. The ones that won't— well, you're probably not losing out by not interviewing, if they're that rigid in their policies.

If you're expecting to work most weekdays during business hours, try to get one weekday off per week, ideally the same day. Tuesday or Wednesday are probably best for setting up interviews.

[Nashida]

Or option three: try to get interviews scheduled during the times you're not working. That's the one advantage of part time employement. Many places will work (within reason) around your schedule for interviews, because they know how work schedules go. The ones that won't— well, you're probably not losing out by not interviewing, if they're that rigid in their policies.


I second this motion. Most employers will be lenient if they want to have you as a staff, especially if you have some skill or ability that puts you above the rest. If they don't, well....not worth the blood, sweat, and tears, I say.

My interview next week is at 2 in the afternoon on a Tuesday, as that was the only time open in my school/work schedule. Thankfully, it worked out for the both of us as far as time goes.

[tropicsgoddess]

I understand that it's a hectic time for you and your bosses because of the short staffing, but I think the best thing to do is not to let them know outright that you're looking for another job until you give them your two weeks notice. Let them down easy. Aside from requesting time off to schedule interviews and such, try interviewing during the days you're not working. But I do suggest that if you do request time off, my suggestion is to NOT tell them the real reason why you're requesting time off (unless of course there's a layoff, downsizing and the like). Say that you're requesting time off for personal reason, or something of that nature.