When To Mention Vacation When Job Hunting?

[dis75ney]

Hello!

I received notice that I will be laid off effective 4/29/11. We all knew it was coming...it was just a matter of when. So no worries there...my company is taking VERY good care of us when it comes to severance and such...

Here is my question, since I haven't been job hunting for almost six years and the last time a similar situation cropped up, I was already working as a temp and was just hired permanently from there, so they already knew I'd be gone. I have a family reunion/memorial service/wedding trip coming up at the end of October. Considering everything is paid for and what I'm involved in with this trip, I can't really cancel. When would be the proper time to mention this in a job hunting situation? When I am first interviewed? When I am hired?

Thanks in advance! I appreciate all of the help!

 

[Diegosmom]

I interviewed for a job before my wedding and at the final meeting where they were offering me a job and showing me the office (I had met for first interview somewhere else). I mentioned my wedding/honeymoon. It was 1 month after I started and they had no problem. A lot of places offer vacation time in the first year (this place did) so I was already entitled to the time I just chose to take it after a month.

 

[Pakey]

If candidates mention vacation in the first interview, I will generally toss them in the reject pile. In the past 2 years, competition for jobs has become fierce and I find I have great candidates from which to choose. So someone in a first interview telling me that their vacation is so important that it needs to be mentioned right away tells me that they are not really that dedicated to finding a job.

Right or wrong, that first interview is all about first impressions and for me, anyway, mentioning vacation that is 6 months away is not the way to go.

Once a job offer is being negotiated, it doesn't bother me to discover that a candidate has prior plans. It's just not one of the first 10 things I want to know about him/her.

 

[Earstou]

Dh mentioned it after the job was offered. We had a 3 week trip with his family planned (and paid for) 3 months after he started.
Company was fine with it.

 

[angierae]

I would definitely not mention it until the job is offered to you, especially in this job market. You may be able to negotiate getting it unpaid if your vacation does't usually kick in for a year, you may have to give it up, but right now in this economy getting another job is way, way more important than even a trip for a wedding, IMO.

But most places will be fine with it, just don't throw it out there too early.

 

[ccgirl]

If candidates mention vacation in the first interview, I will generally toss them in the reject pile. In the past 2 years, competition for jobs has become fierce and I find I have great candidates from which to choose. So someone in a first interview telling me that their vacation is so important that it needs to be mentioned right away tells me that they are not really that dedicated to finding a job.

Right or wrong, that first interview is all about first impressions and for me, anyway, mentioning vacation that is 6 months away is not the way to go.

Once a job offer is being negotiated, it doesn't bother me to discover that a candidate has prior plans. It's just not one of the first 10 things I want to know about him/her.

Great advice.
This. I told two different employers about pre-scheduled vacations upon job offer. Both didn't have a problem. My DH also did the same. I never tell on my first interview.

 

[StitchandPooh'sMom]

Agree with everyone else. When the offer is made and you are negotiating start date and other details.

 

[dis75ney]

That was my first thought, but I wanted to make sure. Thanks again!

 

[puffkin]

This has happened to me twice. Both times vacation was within 3 months of hire. I didn't mention a thing about it until the job was offered. Neither company had a problem with it.

 

[ancestry]

I agree with the others. Don't mention it until you have been offered the job. Even then I personally wouldn't use the word vacation but would rather say something along the lines of "I have a preexisting family commitment at the end of October for x number of days that can't be changed. Will this be a problem?"

 

[Green Tea]

Dh mentioned it after the job was offered. We had a 3 week trip with his family planned (and paid for) 3 months after he started.
Company was fine with it.

I think this as well. Once you are offered a job, they want you, and will likely be fine with your trip.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

1) I have had that situation
. . . as a person interviewing
. . . as a CEO hiring people

2) The time to discuss is AFTER the offer has been extended AND ACCEPTED.
. . . you can then mention the vacation, cruise, wedding, whatever
. . . you may ask for the time off, even as unpaid
. . . you should tell the company it is their choice
. . . you will either work or take the time off as they wish
3) Based upon the company's decision
. . . you can go on vacation, either with pay or without
. . . you can go to work and just forfeit the vacation payments
. . . better to have the job and toss the prepaid vacation, if necessary
4) Remember
. . . you are being employed at the company's choice and option
. . . if they need you, they may want you to work
. . . or, as many companies, they may be nice and let you go on vacation

 

[MSSANDRA]

I agree with the others. Don't mention it until you have been offered the job. Even then I personally wouldn't use the word vacation but would rather say something along the lines of "I have a preexisting family commitment at the end of October for x number of days that can't be changed. Will this be a problem?"

Perfect!! We have been in this situation and may be again soon.DH mentioned the vacation after the offer and they worked with him. You may assure them that you are fine with unpaid time if vacation time is not offered within your time frame.

 

[mombrontrent]

I just started my new job last week and I am going on vacation in 2 weeks. They offered me the job in my first interview so I did mention the vacation since it was so close. I didn't want to start the job and then say BTW I am going on a 2 week vacation in 3 weeks. They were fine with it, and said it would give me time to train before I go.