If you were going on a job interview and had to take time off your present job, would you tell your present employer the reason you needed off?

Well in all reality honesty is the best, but you have a good point. you might just tell him that you have to go to the drs. or dentist.That way he don’t treat you any differant.I know alot of boss that would frown on the idea and might get the wrong impression. Hope it works out for you.:)

Don’t lie, but don’t tell him you’re looking for a new job unless you don’t mind the possibility of being terminated that day slim, but not none. Request a personal day for personal reasons. That should be more than enough information. “It’s a personal reason. ” Repeat ad nauseum.

No, there’s no need to tell your boss. What you do with your vacation day is none of your boss’ business. So you need not explain beyond saying you’ve got some other things to do.

When you’re ready to move on, be sure to provide sufficient lead time for them to find/train a replacement. Two weeks is typical.

Sometimes it depends on the type of job you already have. Many employers expect that their workforce is temporary and will support you in making a better life for yourself. It really depends on your employer and your industry and the upward mobility your current job affords.
Congratulations on taking the civil service test. We need good hearted civil servants. I hope you will be one of the good guys :-)

NO WAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

No- not unless your boss is your mentor or someone you’ve been open with in the past about your job search.

What you do in your personal time is your business, and if your boss knows that you’re looking for another job, the dynamic in your working relationship will change very quickly.

It depends on how cool your boss is. I had this exact problem with my old boss, but decided to talk to her about it because I wanted to use her as a reference. In the end I talk candidly about how a recent change in my school and commuting situation had left me struggling financially (knowing the situation at that job that she couldn’t possibly afford to meet the amount of money and hours my new job would provide), and how this new job was much more in my ultimate career path.

In the end she was really understanding, and happy for me when I got the job. Most people can understand being broke.

I would tell my boss I was taking a personal day. He has no right to inquire past that and expect a real answer. (He might ask the day before, “Any big plans for your day off?” but I’d generally answer, “Not really…”)

in response to Dynamicduo, I am a civil servant already and union member, so i definitely i won’t be terminated for taking time off.

Oh, well then. It probably won’t matter. Civil servants must be taking the next tests all the time. Your boss would understand.

Having said that, it’s your choice to tell your boss. As everyone has said, you don’t have to offer any explanation for needing a personal day. It shouldn’t cause you any problems, and it could also put your boss on notice that you might need a reference, or he should think about filling your spot, should it become vacant. I always like to know when my employees are planning to leave. It makes planning so much easier.

Your time off is your business. Shut your trap, take the test. :)

Normally I would say, “Not on your life!!”

But when I was a boss, I encouraged my folks to be honest with me and most were. It always worked out fine. I just asked for sufficient notice.

So I’m a hypocrite.

For sure you should lie. Don’t take the risk, good guys finish last.

What if you tell the boss about the interview, but you don’t get the job and don’t get another job for a long while? The boss and your colleagues can possibly resent you, you will be the LAST one the firm worries about (“You don’t take care of the ones that are leaving…you take care of the ones that stay”), and you’ll be scheduled to work every bad shift open.

If your intent is to “scare” them because they consider you very valuable, just taking the occasional odd day off will start them thinking you might be looking for another job and if they’re gonna do anything to keep you, they will.

And why risk your boss and/or colleagues tipping off others to apply for the job YOU’RE looking for???

good luck on furthering your career. Every test and interview help your confidence. Oh yea as far as coworkers and or bosses keep your business your busniness. All they need to know is you won’t be at work there’s no need to lie about your personal life outside of work. If pressured for more info politely answer it’s a private matter thank you for your concern. Now go out and test well.

thanks to you all for the advice and the good wishes. i decided to keep it to myself and not tell him. i’m telling him i have something else to do.

good answers to you all.