How to Explain Work History Gaps in the Interview

How to Explain Work History Gaps in the InterviewHow to Explain Work History Gaps in the InterviewHow to Explain Work History Gaps in the InterviewNobody follows a seamless, unbroken career path. Just doesnt happen. Logically, it follows that everyone will eventually have an employment gap to explain at a job interview. And theres a simple, three-step method to explain this to your potential employer acknowledge, reassure, and redirect.Heres how it worksACKNOWLEDGE Describe the situation very briefly and factually, and acknowledge that it is a valid concern. Keep your emotions out of it. Dont be detailed, defensive, or apologetic. Just stick to the facts.ExampleBetween 1999 and 2003, I was _____. I can understand that the situation might concern you, Mr. Smith. REASSURE Explain what steps you took to resolve the dicke bretter bohren mssen that caused the gap. The employers main concern is that you will turn out to be a bad hire, so reassure them that there is no risk of similar probl ems in the future.ExampleDuring that time, I am proud to say that I ____. In retrospect, it was an extraordinary experience that taught me many positive lessons. And now, with that chapter closed, Im ready to take on my next challenge.REDIRECT Finish your explanation with a question about the job, or a statement about your more recent accomplishments to steer the conversation back to your positive qualifications for the job at hand.ExampleMy ____ experience seems like excellent preparation for the challenges of this position. What are the most important goals youd like the person who fills this role to accomplish in the first three to six months?This method is useful whether your issue is a voluntary or involuntary employment gap, a past medical crisis, a criminal record, or anything in between. Basically, any sort of potentially negative news can be addressed in this manner. And remember, youre not alone. No matter what caused that gap in your resume, lots of other people have been in the same situation and gone back to gainful employment. You will, too.

Video Anbal L Taboas 2013 Dixie Lee Ray Award

Video Anbal L Taboas 2013 Dixie Lee Ray Award Video Anbal L Taboas 2013 Dixie Lee Ray Award Video Anbal L. Taboas, 2013 Dixie Lee Ray AwardAnbal L. Taboas is an internationally-recognized leader in regulatory engineering and environmental management. His work ranges from research and development at the University of Chicago and Argonne National Laboratory to a career at the U.S. Department of Energy, followed by consulting on strategic leadership, risk management and the defense fuel cycle.Taboas focuses on delivering desired outcomes in connection with radioactive airborne emissions from Three Mile Island, multimedia emissions trading, nuclear waste policy and accident investigations. His major projects also include work on advanced energy systems, nuclear weapon disassembly and remediation of the Brookhaven Superfund Site.In plus-rechnen to voluntary technical activities, Taboas is committed to improving opportunities for members of underserved population. He is president and CEO o f ASPIRA Inc. of Illinois, headquartered in Chicago, which promotes leadership, development and education in Hispanic communities. ASPIRA operates a charter school network, which Taboas is aligning toward data-driven, student-centered decision making.To read more about other ASME honorees, click here. The copyright of this program is owned by ASME.

Learn How to Turn Volunteer Opportunities into a Job

Learn How to Turn Volunteer Opportunities into a JobLearn How to Turn Volunteer Opportunities into a JobVolunteering is a great way to give back to your community, make new friends, and pursue a cause about which you are passionate. However, volunteering can also be a way to enhance your job search. In fact, with a little patience, passion, and hard work, you may even be able to turn a volunteer position into salaried employment. Volunteering offers you the chance to network with people in your industry, demonstrate your skills, and learn the ins and outs of an organization. These opportunities could set you up perfectly for a job offer. Whether you are volunteering full timeor part time, for a short-term project or a long-term commitment, here are tips on how to work your way from volunteer to employee. HowVolunteering Can Help Your Career There are a number of ways that volunteer work can enhance your career. Firstly, you can find a volunteer position that will help you develop new skills. Interested in becoming a strong public speaker? Volunteer as a community outreach volunteer for an organization you support, doing presentations and speaking to people about the organization. This is a great way to develop a new skill to put on your resume. Secondly, you can find a volunteer position that will help you polish skills you already have. If want to improve your ability to speak a foreign language, for example, volunteer for a job that requires you to speak with people in that language. This real-world experience will quickly improve your language skills. Volunteering is also a low-stakes way to explore a newcareer path. Interested in public relations? Volunteer to help publicize an organization about which you are passionate. This is a great way to experience a field in which you are interested, without the long-term commitment. If you are currently unemployed, volunteering is also a great way tofill a gap in your resume. You can continue to gain valuable w ork experience while mucksmuschenstill job searching. Volunteering is a great place for professional networking. You will meet people with similar professional interests, who may be able to help you with your career. Volunteering is also a great way to get your foot in the door at an organization for which you would like to work. Some volunteer positions can turn into full-time jobs, so do your best work and get to know as many people in the organization as possible. Finally, volunteering is simply a great way to give back to your community. Volunteer for an organization whose cause you support, and you cant go wrong. Where to Volunteer When deciding where you want to volunteer, first think of what organizations or general causes you are passionate about. Picking an organization that you are interested in will ensure that you enjoy your volunteer work and that you will do your best work. If there is a nonprofit for which you would like to work, consider volunteering there first. Then, think of what skills you would like to develop or improve, the particular knowledge you want to gain, or new careers you want to explore. This will help you decide what type of volunteer work you are interested in. Reach out to your organization of interest, expressing your desire to volunteer, and the type of work you are interested indoing for them. Even if the organization does not openly advertise volunteer positions, they will likely still welcome a passionate volunteer. How to Turn a Volunteer Position into a Job Be Up Front.There is no reason to hide your interest in a salaried position. If you love the organization for which you are volunteering, and would like to work there someday, let your volunteer manager know right away. If he or she knows of your passion and interest this early on, hopefully, the manager will keep this in mind when there are openings within the company. Similarly, if you see a job opening at the company, and you decide to apply for the posi tion, be sure to tell your boss or other connections at the organization.? Be Humble.While you should alert your manager to your interest in a job, do not grumble about your volunteer position. If you complain about the lack of pay or about the tasks you are asked to perform, you will come across as ungrateful or even egotistical. As a volunteer, you are there to learn about the company, and to learn from others. People will notice your passion and commitment but will be turned off if you act like you are superior to your volunteer position.Be Patient.Chances are that, even if you are ultimately offered a job, it will take a long time. Nonprofits have limited budgets, and it often takes a while for a position to open up. Stay focused on making connections and working hard at your volunteer position, and be patient. Be Passionate.Since you may have to wait months or, more likely, years, for a job to open up, make sure you pick an organization and volunteer position about which you ar e passionate. The organizations higher-ups will likely notice your passion and support for their companys mission, and it may make them more likely to offer you a job.Be Professional.Treat your volunteer position like a job. Take your job seriously show up on time, and be consistent with the high quality of your work. Putting effort and passion into every task is the only way you will get noticed by the organizations employers. Take on Responsibility.Look for ways to increase your value in the organization. When someone needs help with a task, offer your assistance, especially if the task is in a field or department in which you would like to work. Look for opportunities to fill leadership roles spearhead new projects, offer to lead smaller volunteer teams, and get involved in projects that will let you work more closely with the organizations managers. If you make yourself indispensable to the company, you will increase your likelihood of being considered for a job. Build Relatio nships.Get to know as many people at the company as possible. While you will obviously have plenty of opportunities to get to know those with whom you are volunteering, you can expand your network even more widely. If you are not volunteering in a particular department, but are interested in a job in that field, ask the manager if you can take him or her out to coffee to learn more about the department.Learn the Culture.For hiring managers, the benefit of hiring a volunteer is that there is no learning curve volunteers already know the ins and outs of a company. As you volunteer, get to learn as much about the company as possible the culture, the strengths and vulnerabilities of the company, etc.. This will give you a definite leg up, should you have an interview for a job. Stay Connected.Even when you finish your volunteer work, stay connected with your contacts at the organization. Send holiday cards or occasional emails asking how the company is doing. Feel free to (briefly) men tion your job search, or ask to meet with a contact for an informational interview. By remaining connected, the employers will remember you, and may even consider you for a job after you have left.

Customize this Outstanding Peer Advisor Resume Sample

Customize this Outstanding Peer Advisor Resume SampleCustomize this Outstanding Peer Advisor Resume SampleIf you want employers to give yur application a second look, you need a resume that grabs attention and impresses straight out of the gate. An effective resume demands you invest thought and effort into planning what information to include and how to organize it. Jobseekers often feel overwhelmed and do not quite know how to start bringing their resume into shape. Reviewing a peer advisor resume sample can help you understand which techniques work and which you should avoid. Our accompanying writing advice breaks down some core concepts and explains how the sample resume uses them. If you feel you need further help, our resume builder offers additional support for jobseekers trying to compose resumes.Create Resume Ted Roberts100 Broadway LaneNew Parkland, CA, 91010Cell (555) 987-1234example-emailexample.comProfessional SummaryEmpathetic and responsible Peer Advisor with several years experience helping students at the community college and university levels. Answered phone calls and emails to assist students late at night, taught students more about some of the dangers on campus and attended programs designed to better assist students. Experience creating new educational programs too.Core QualificationsEmpathetic ListenerAvailable at All HoursSpecial Program DesignEducation Program ImplementationStudent CounselingCourse AdvisingExperiencePeer Advisor, achter monat des jahres 2014 PresentUniversity of California New Cityland, CATaught and ensured that students understood the classes they needed to take to graduateCreated and implemented programs on the dangers of underage drinking and other campus problemsAdvised new students on how to better transition from living at home to living on a college campusWrote reference letters for students applying for part time jobs on and off campus and for internshipsGave recommendations for students dealing with sexual abuse and other complex issuesPeer Advisor, August 2012 May 2013New Cityland Community College New Cityland, CAWorked with students to find qualified and dependable tutors to improve their gradesMet, talked with and advised students suffering from poor grades and those in danger of failingCreated a commuter program designed to better help students living off campus make friendsHeld individual and group sessions to discuss some of the common problems that college students faceEducation2012 High School Diploma, General StudiesLos Angeles High School Los Angeles, CACustomize ResumeWhy Is This a Good Peer Advisor Resume Sample?Getting the most out of a great resume sample means understanding what makes it effective. After all, even in the same field, your skills and experiences may differ substantially from those of our fictional applicant. Figuring out the basis for the correct choices you see in our peer advisor resume sample can help you intelligently apply its lessons when compos ing your own application.Details and appearances matter when you write your resume. The sample before you includes all pertinent information and necessary sections. The applicant properly includes his name and full contact information at the top of the page, then organizes his content into four major headlined sections. Employers will also thank him for using a simple, legible font.The effective personal summary in this sample presents a brief overview of essential information. The applicant starts off by emphasizing his qualities as an empathetic and responsible person, then lists additional qualities and experiences. He correctly identifies empathy and responsibility as core traits for a successful peer advisor. The core qualifications, or skills, section should include a short list of major skills and abilities. In our resume sample, you see a mix of personal and technical skills. The jobseeker showcases his empathy and dedication, but also includes technical experiences with pro gram design and implementation.Our peer advisor resume sample shows you how to organize your work history in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent position. Note that each positions listing begins with the job title, dates of employment, and the name and location of each employer. Then the applicant lists several major job duties, setting each one off with a bullet point.As you can see from this sample, you do not need to list every minute detail of your job. Instead, following the example here, identify major responsibilities that best represent your contributions to your employers.Why You Need a Strong Peer Advisor ResumeGenerally, peer advisor positions go to current students at institutions of higher learning. Thus, you face potential competition from your peers in the student body. While success in a peer advisor position requires you to relate to the students you help, simply sharing the student experience does not suffice. You need to show employers what makes you uniquely suitable to assist your fellow students.The peer advisor resume sample we offer here shows how an applicant for this position can use experiences and skills to persuade employers. If, unlike the applicant here, you have no peer advisor experience, consider including other jobs where you acquired relevant skills.Costly Peer Advisor Resume Mistakes To AvoidSome resume mistakes can instantly cause employers to discard your application and turn to the next one. Understanding some common errors can help you avoid them and keep your application in the running.Students applying for peer advisor positions often make the mistake of not taking the application process seriously enough. Just because you apply for a student position does not mean employers do not expect a thoroughly professional attitude. In this job, you may handle some very serious situations, and employers want to know you understand that. Ensure your resume appears professional and includes only relevant information. Check for typos, spelling mistakes, and formatting errors. You never want your resume to present a low-effort appearance.Following the example of the peer advisor resume sample, include solid experience and relevant personal qualities. Remember to include administrative duties such as writing letters of recommendation and working on programs. Employers appreciate seeing a realistic understanding of all facets of the job.ConclusionWhen setting out to compose your resume, perusing a peer advisor resume sample can help you come up with an impressive mix of format, structure, and content. Adopting a serious, professional approach can help you effectively demonstrate your qualifications for this unique position. Showing you understand the full scope of this job can also go a long way to convince employers you will do well.

The Good, the Bad and What to Put in Resume

The Good, the Bad and What to Put in Resume Whispered What to Put in Resume Secrets There are a few skills which dont necessarily belong on your resume, however awesome youre at them. In a state of Detailed awareness itll be clear to you what should be fixed, what should change, what should be organized, what has to be made healthy again. Or perhaps you want to reinforce a merchandise included in your resume skills section since you know that it is vital to the function. In truth, it could be appropriate to incorporate a more bekannt core competencies section at the peak of your resume with thorough descriptions of certain skills if theyre absolutely central to success in the desired position. Additionally, it demonstrates intelligence. Perhaps your skill set is entirely different. As stated earlier, assessing soft skills is considerably more difficult. Whether you went to school this past year or a decade past, it ought to be stated on your resume. Even in case youve been working for many decades, you should attempt to continue to keep your resume to 2 pages if at all possible. Actually, there are particular jobs in which its important to set a skill section at or close to the top of the resume. For instance, if your education history isnt specifically associated with the job, put it toward the conclusion of your resume, behind the info thats associated with the job. Try to remember that employers will also take a look at your LinkedIn profile. Usually its sufficient to include a couple of testimonials in your resume. Graphic-based resumes permit you to lay out complex info in a simplistic way. For instance, if you place the name of a single company in italics, every company name has to be in italics. In the current competitive job market, it can be difficult to know just what to put in your resume. You should find out more about the company that you wish to apply to if you are considering adding an image of yourself to see whether it would be acceptable. If you mention the businesss name, make sure you receive it right. Most Noticeable What to Put in Resume Regardless of what the work description says, always be certain you include things such as this on your resume. Including a summary or objective is critical if you would like to earn a good resume great. As you probably know, its about the very first impression you earn. If youre interested in turning in an application for a particular job, review the post carefully and observe the list of skill requirements. For examples of how you are able to do this, take a look at our Sample resumes pages. Infographic resumes are just a supplement. There are free templates readily available online, and many word processors supply you with resume templates to work with. Its not necessary to show as much as an einstellungsgesprch and push a difficult copy in your interviewers hands, either. Ensure that your resume contains everything the employer should be convinced that youre a great match for the position. Leave comfortable margins on the webpage and be sure that everything is neatly aligned. Leave the cursor at the close of the word. Your resume should only be formatted using line breaks and easy formatting (such as setting numerous columns all over the page). Most standard resume formats incorporate a skill section at or close to the bottom of the resume. When it has to do with your resume, you truly cant be too perfect. Learning how to read the energies of the time for a method of life is an important facet of new thinking. The experience section will compose the body of your resume. Its possible for you to present your work experience in a number of ways. Regardless of what your work history, you need to find a means to include things like this on your resume. Hiring agencies will search for particular terms in your resume to make sure that you have the experience theyre seeking. To start, you dont need to list every job that youve ever had. Taking the opportunity to work on your resume is critical. Deciding what things to put on your resume can be as hard as trying to choose what things to wear for the interview. Your resume ought to be focused, concise and emphasize achievements and abilities that fit the job that youre applying for. The most effective additional skills for resume writing are the ones that are linked to the job. Bear in mind, the majority of the exceptional skills that you set on your resume needs to be job-related skills taken from the work description and your best transferable skills. There are a few skills that will be totally necessary for any successful candidate. Note that there might be circumstances when including some of these information demonstrates that youre a great fit for the job. You would like your employer to understand what you did in your prior jobs, but you dont will need to include things like the kitchen sink. When it isnt relevant to your intended jo b targets, reconsider its place on your resume. Also, dont hesitate to list non-traditional work like volunteer jobs or freelance work, particularly if you havent held a normal job in some time.

How a Career Information Center Can Help You Find Your Career

How a Career Information Center Can Help You Find Your Career Finding the right career is an absolutely enormous decision, but by taking the time to visit a career information center, you can make that decision in a much faster and much more informed manner. A career center will give you access to a tremendous amount of resources that will ultimately help to facilitate this very important life decision. The career counselors and professionals at a career services center can provide you with the information necessary to ensure that you embark on the best and most suitable plan for your future. A career center can be a great tool for people who might just need a nudge in the right direction when it comes to determining their ideal career path, but a career center can also help those who have absolutely no idea what the next best move is for their future. Youll be able to find information on the nece ssary educational requirements for certain careers. A career center could possibly put you in direct contact with schools or educational centers that will help you take the next step in pursuing your ideal career.A career information center will also give you access to a wealth of information from qualified career counselors. A career counselor can delve into your hintergrund and identify certain skills, interests, hobbies or attributes that may make you more prone to success in certain career environments. A counselor may also have you take a career aptitude test in buchung to identify specific personality traits that could lead to a strong performance or a certain level of success in specific fields.Its also very likely that youll be able to find individual career profiles at a career information center. A career profile can give you a bit more in depth information on exactly what a specific career in a particular field may entail. You should also be able to find job descriptions of specific positions and information on salaries for specific careers in the area that you live or plan on living.Choosing the right career is a decision that should not be taken lightly. In order to end up in a field that you enjoy and that is rewarding to you both financially and emotionally, youll need to do plenty of research and listen to a wealth of advice. Thankfully, a visit to a career services center can provide you one stop access to a great deal of the information that youll need to choose the right career. A career information center can also put you in contact with the most qualified professionals to help you make the most informed choice when it comes to your career.

Salary Negotiation Tips How to negotiate a job offer

Salary Negotiation Tips How to negotiate a job offerSalary Negotiation Tips How to negotiate a job offerThey will want you to reveal your salary history, but hold fast, and win the job offer before you establish your salary negotiation.The Ten Commandments of Salary Negotiation (parte 3) Salary expert Jack Chapman offers 10 lessons on salary negotiation in the vein of the Ten Commandments.Employers want to know your fruchtwein recent salary for one main reason to screen you out. When faced with many applicants they use the salary as a quick shorthand way of assessing the fit and narrowing down the list. They will want you to go first in the compensation discussion and theyll ask you to reveal your expectations and salary history. Going first is sacred ground. Dont give it up or you can get screened.Is it ever in your interest to get screened? There are exceptions where your situation would be improved upon by revealing your salary history. But in most scenarios, if youre qualified fo r the job (or if you think the job can be altered to fit you), no Your first objectives are to discern whether this job is a fit for you and to establish what you can do for the employer.The risk you run by speaking first is that your salary history may scare them off. If you go first, youll either be too high, or too low. But since you wont know ahead of time which of those three numbers applies to you, you can lose the offer by coming in too high or too low.Instead, wait until you know theyre serious about hiring you - let them make you an offer. That way you lock in an offer and youve got the job - and you can negotiate from that place of security. Let them offer you the job and raise the question of salary.By speaking first, you can also leave money on the table if youre too low or within the range they are prepared to offer. The best strategy is to let them make the first offer first. That way, you know you have an offer, and you have a solid base from which to negotiate.Ther e are exceptions to the rule and situations in which it would help your cause to declare your salary history, including when speaking to an executive recruiter, where transparency is beneficial. Try to get their estimate of your market value first, though, so you know where you stand then fill them in on your salary history and expectations.Safety or MomentumEmployers use salary as a screening tool. If you have already passed the screening and if youve gotten to the point where they definitely want to hire you, not your competitors, you can name a salary figure first. In other words, if you know you have the job locked up, then going first with a high number can act as a magnet and pull their offer up higher without risk of getting them upset and moving to the next candidate in line.ooked at in another way, choosing who speaks first can offer either safety or momentum. If its the safety/security of the offer thats most important to you, let them go first and establish the offer its secure.If you speak first, you can provide momentum to the salary offer. Going first with your top number will act like a magnet, pulling up the employers offer. If you are secure they will offer you a job, this method puts you in a strong position - it is easier to negotiate down from a high number than to push up from a low number.Whichever strategy you choose, winning a job offer is the aim. Once you have achieved that you can consider the offer and accept or begin the back and forth of negotiating.Read other installments in this seriesPart 1 Salary Negotiation Tips Thou Shalt elend Speak Too SoonPart 2 Salary Negotiation Tips Thou Shalt Not Regret Salary DisclosurePart 3 Salary Negotiation Tips Let the Employer Make the First Salary OfferPart 4 Salary Negotiation Tips Thou Shalt Not AgreePart 5 Salary Negotiation Tips Know How Much Money Youre WorthPart 6 Salary Negotiation Tips Thou Shalt Covet Thine Own Benefits and PerksPart 7 Salary Negotiation Tips This Is the Job Thou Cov etethPart 8 Salary Negotiation Tips Thou Shalt Not Worry about Earthly EconomyPart 9 Salary Negotiation Tips Thou Shalt Not Take the Name of Thy Salary in VainPart 10 Salary Negotiation Tips Honor Thy Wealth and Prosperity

When the job hunt feels like the dating game

When the job hunt feels like the dating game When the job hunt feels like the dating game Just when you thought you could keep your personal and work life apart, turns out the job hunt and the dating game are remarkably alike. No, really. The process goes something like this You dress the part- whether thats smart casual for a meeting or for a coffee date. Or maybe you put on your best outfit because first impressions count across the desk as much as the dinner table.Then as you start to get to know each other, you might pull out some stories that feel rehearsed because of the number of times youve told them why you left your last job (though on good terms), why your last relationship didnt work (though youre still friends), what youre looking for now (which has an uncanny similarity to why youre there in the first place.)You tell your potential babo about your strength and weaknesses stressing how well you adaptjust like you run down your likes and dislikes with your maybe babe stre ssing how much youre open to trying new things.At the end of the encounter, you walk out with one of you promising to call. The hiring manager might say, be in touch with a handshake while your date might say, Ill text you, with a smile. Either way,you walk away a bit unsure about what just happened.Weve found that the job search, like the dating game, can be a universally confusing experience. Since we believe that finding your place to belong in the working world is so important, we looked into this analogy a little deeper. With the help of Kelton Research, we conducted aTransparency in the Workplacesurvey to see how people found their work life match. Here are a few surprising statsThe interview is just as confusing as datingNearly 1in 4 (23%) say theyve beenintentionallymisled during a job interview, nearly the same amount(25%) who say theyve been misled in online datingThere is more temptation to lie during a job interview than during a date 25% percent of Americans say theyd b e tempted to misrepresent themselves while on a job interview compared to 23% who would be on a first dateOver half (52%) of Americans believe people will misrepresent themselves in job interviewsOne of the big differences, however, is that you can obviously go on many dates before you have to decide whether that person is for you. But when it comes to the job hunt, you cant really dip in and out of your work day to see if you might like it more or less next time. Where dating relies on your first-hand experience, how do you find out what a company is really like before taking a job? The options are few. Besides having personal connections at a company who will give you the goods and the dirt,86% of people we surveyedsaid they didnt know of any online resources forfindingcompany information.If only you could job dateThats our mission at kununu. Were here to help you get honest impressions about companies straightfrom employees.We want to fill your job dating pool with as many real e xperiences as possible so you can make an informed decision about your work life- before you have to commit to it. Our goal is to inspire workers everywhere to share their company reviewsso they can help others get to know those workplaces vicariously. We are the platform. You are the voice. So maybe you cant date your job, but you can save some heartbreak for would-be employees who might otherwise experience that first-day regret. Your review can alsohelp your employer recognize what they can change to create healthier and happier work relationships. Sound idealistic? We hope so.Help set the record straight at your company.This article was originally published on Kununu.com.

Excuses to Use to Take Time Off for a Job Interview

Excuses to Use to Take Time Off for a Job InterviewExcuses to Use to Take Time Off for a Job InterviewWhats the best way to take time off from work for a job interview? It is typical that you dont want your current employer and co-workers to know you are interviewing elsewhere. But interviews are commonly held during the workday. What can you do? Whats the best strategy for asking for time off without raising a red flag that advertises the fact that youre seeking employment? Getting Out of Work for a Partial Day for a Job Interview If you have a flexible work schedule, its relatively simple. Try to juggle your interviews around your time in the office. Its not always that easy though, especially when youre working a set daily schedule without much flexibility. Another option is to Try to schedule interviews early or late in the day, or at lunchtime. You can work with your supervisor or staff to shift your schedule for the day, coming to work earlier or leaving later, so you have time for the interview before or after work or on a long lunch break. You will probably feel compelled to give an excuse for this requestunless time-shifting is something you commonly do. When you know, you will be going on job interviews Volunteer for an extra task, meeting, event, a conference of some kind that involves time outside of regular work hours. Then, take the extra hours workedas comp time. If youre interviewing early in the day, here are some excuses to use for being late to work. For afternoon interviews, there are good reasons to leave work early. Taking a Day Off for a Job Interview Another alternative, if you can schedule a couple of interviews on one day, is Take a vacation or personal day or another type of excused absence day. You dont have to give an excuse for this, although if your supervisor or coworkers are used to knowing what you do on your days off, you may need one. Its bound to provoke questions if you normally go into detail and this time you make a request with no explanation. The advantage of this tactic is that you wont have to worry about being on the clock before or after. If you are using earned vacation or comp time, you should have no guilt in using it for this purpose. If you have to wear a uniform at your current job, you wont have to change into and out of it for the interview. You can also take time for a more professional appearance than you may have at your current job, without inciting comments or questions. If you normally wear casual shoes and slacks, you wont have to explain why youre wearing heels and a skirt or a suit and tie. Excuses for Taking Time Off to Interview There are a lot of other excuses for not going to work. You can be vague or you can be specific, but its best to use a plausible reason that you feel comfortable offering. Most importantly, use an excuse that will sound reasonable to your boss. If you think it sounds like youre making it up, your manager will probably be thinking the exac t same thing. Its best to be as brief as possible when you are calling in (or emailing) sick to work. Im taking a vacation day.Im taking a sick day.Im taking a couple of hours of personal time.Im picking a friend up from the airport.I need an emergency car repair, home repair, or appliance repair and have to wait for service.I have a plumbing problem.I have a sick child.I have a sick parent.I have a sick pet and need to make a vet appointment.I have to attend a funeral.Doctors appointment or dental appointment for yourself or a family member.You are getting medical testing or preparing for it. You have a migraine and need to go home.You have a business meeting.You have personal business.You have an appointment with an attorney to get wills, set up a trust, advanced directives, etc.You have a financial planning appointment. Need More Excuses? Here are some good excuses you can use for not going to work.