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elliotforgames

I accepted a job offer from a private company a few weeks ago and have been working full-time since June 12th. I guess it's close to a month now. Anyways, during the month of June, I applied to a lot of jobs including a government opening. After careful consideration, working for the government was one of my top choices since I graduated from university.

Yesterday, I was notified through email about a invitation to write the entrance exam for the government position. Indeed, I am enthusiastic because a few weeks ago, I almost gave up my dream to work for the government. Now, I think this is a great opportunity!

The problem? Well, the exam is scheduled next Friday, on a day I have to work. I am not sure how I go about this situation. How do I ask for one day off? Should I tell him I have a 'government exam' to write? What happens if he asks me 'what's it for?'. I am currently working full-time for the first time, so I am a bit inexperienced. Advice appreciated, thanks.

Pauloz · Posted: Wed Jul 08, 2009 7:55 am Post subject:

elliotforgames

Being a Friday you need off, it's not going to be that much of a surprise to any supervisor. As a former supervisor, I can tell you that it's the most common thing in the world, and the the real problem may be that someone asked before you did, leaving the boss with a gap. It's best to give notice of these things well in advance, if humanly possible.

One possible solution could be you just say "urgent personal business", which means private, and isn't the employer's territory. (It's also the truth, so you're not saying anything misleading.) You could perhaps offer to take leave without pay, which might sweeten the deal. You probably haven't accumulated enough holiday time to take that off, anyway.

A couple of days notice, however, could be a problem. Ask also if you can make it up somehow, just to dampen the level of curiosity. Just make it clear that you need that Friday.

elliotforgames · Posted: Thu Jul 09, 2009 12:55 am Post subject:

Thanks for the reply, Pauloz; you have been very helpful on these forums.

I still have about over a week to ask, but I plan to tell him at least 1 week in advance.

"Urgent personal business" seems like the best reason to give without making something up or giving out too much information. I don't want to call in sick on that day. This exam on Friday is something I really want to take care because it was one of my top priorities. Indeed, I do plan to sweeten the deal by not getting paid that day, since I am on a hourly basis anyways.

I am still a bit nervous with this. Although I am not being interviewed by the government yet, the entrance exam is still something I am very happy to get. If my manager asks me 'what is it for?'. Do I just remain assertive and say it's personal business?

Pauloz · Posted: Thu Jul 09, 2009 1:06 am Post subject:

elliotforgames

I've actually done one of those exams, and I got a job that lasted for 20 years. I'm a bit surprised they're doing it during working hours, actually.

Having said "urgent personal business", you can say it's really private, you don't want to go into details, it's just something you can't get out of, on that day.

You could also ring the examiners, and ask if there are any alternatives, like a Saturday. You can't possibly be the only person with that problem. If they say no, you're not kidding, you can't get out of it.

Doing the exam outside working hours is definitely the preferred option, if possible.

elliotforgames · Posted: Tue Jul 14, 2009 1:14 am Post subject:

Hey Pauloz,

I notified him today near the end of the day. I had to write a request form, but I wrote: urgent/personal business and 'appointment'. In the request form, I also said I will try my best to rush back for the last half of the day. Not sure if I can make it as the test is 4.5 hours, but I think it makes it look 'better'.

Anyways, hope that is good enough. When I told him it was urgent, he just nodded and pointed to where I should get the request forms.

I feel a bit better, though he said next time I need to notify him 2 weeks prior to the day. Hopefully, he cuts me some slack.

Wow, you worked in the government for 20 years huh? How do you like it? If you don't mind me asking, what position was it? And what are you doing now?

Pauloz · Posted: Tue Jul 14, 2009 1:55 am Post subject:

elliotforgames · Posted: Tue Jul 21, 2009 3:00 am Post subject:

Thanks for the advice! The controller did not further question me about my day off on Friday when I came back today on Monday.

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