A Day Off Work Before You Even Start

It happens. Sometimes you need a day off work before you start. You’ve been applying to jobs for months and figured that it’ll be awhile before you get a job offer. Why not plan a trip? Since you’re not working, now is the perfect time to go on a vacation!

Pack Your Bags, Buy a Plane Ticket, And Book a Hotel.

The date has been set and you’re looking forward to your tropical (or winter) getaway. But wait, the Hiring Manager calls you. “Can you start next week?”, he asks. As a result, things get awkward. Before your first date you’re already asking for a whole week off? The staff at Engineered Careers are all to familiar with this. Here are a couple tips we can offer you:

You Are the Best Candidate

This company doesn’t owe you anything. You haven’t even worked a day yet so how can they know you really are the best fit for this position? Asking for a day off work before you start means you have to prove yourself and convince them. Make sure that they are confident in offering you the position.

Make sure that they are aware of your skills and qualifications. Your resume is the best way to let them know that you have the experience and aptitude to excel in the position. 

Once they are 100% convinced that no one else can possibly be a better fit, THEN you pop the question.

Tell. Don’t Ask.

If you ask for permission, there’s a possibility the boss can say no. Make sure you are firm with what you are asking for. Mention that this is a trip that you have planned and you are going on it. Assume the approval and don’t say sorry.

Any good employer should be able to work with you on this and will more often than not be willing to accommodate to your needs.

The Balance Careers has a lot of helpful tips as to how you can go about this.

Timing is Everything

Remember when you were a kid and waited until your parents were in a good mood to ask them for something? The workforce isn’t really that much different. Make sure you read your manager’s disposition and bring it up when he or she is in a good mood.

Do not bring this up during the interview process unless they address is directly. The question “when can you start?” is bound to come up and this is the perfect place to transition into your pre-planned vacation. Key word here is that it is pre-planned.

What if they don’t bring up your start date? The recruiter will most likely tell you all the benefits like sick time and PTO. Sneak in the vacation plans here. It’ll be smooth we promise.

Don’t Beat Around the Bush

Be succinct with your request. Have a couple lines written down too so you know exactly what to say. 1 to 2 sentences should be fine. Here’s our example:

“I am able to start after (date here) as I have a trip planned for that week. As soon as I am back, I’ll be able to hit the ground running!”

Some Take Home Points

It will all be okay. It’s rare for management to flat out deny your request. If they do, it may be time to consider another company. Be assertive but do not come off as rude. Above all, honesty goes a long way and you’re not asking for much. Enjoy yourself.

Thanks for reading this article I wrote about asking for time off! Please share this with your friends and colleagues as I would greatly appreciate it greatly. Go out there and tell your best story!

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