Mention Planned Vacation in Interview?

I just went through this. I didn't mention anything until I was in final interview stages - and at that point it was more 'casual conversation' - we were at a working lunch and I mentioned it off hand.

When I was offered the job (first verbal then via email) I responded, accepted and mentioned my vacation at that point - they were fine with it. Most places are ok with it as long as you aren't particularly demanding about it.

I don't know if I'll get paid or not (probablly not) but like you the vacation has been planned for months and is already paid - no backing out now.

Plus - you don't want to work for a company that would give you a hard time about something like this - it's a good filter!

Good luck

I've had this happen twice before actually. Both times I decided to be straight up in the interview about the planned vacation. I let the person interviewing me know that I still was very much interested in the position, it sounded like it would be a good fit for both of us and that I was available to start either before or after the previously planned vacation. I also let them know I was a hard worker, I have a proven track record of getting along with all my fellow workers etc... I really sold myself so it made the vacation look like a minor hiccup that was really no big deal in a long term position. And yes, I was hired both times despite my already previously scheduled vacation:)

The rule of thumb is to mention the planned vacation during the latter stages of the interview. When you receive the offer is the most appropriate time to mention it from my own experience. I have never had a new employer disallow the vacation time but often you will have to take the time off without pay. Typically that is because you won't have enough vacation time accrued. No worries and happy job hunting.

As an HR professional, I would rather hear it during the interview then when I make the offer. I have never not offered a job to someone because they told me ahead of time that they had vacation scheduled. Most of us schedule our vacations in advance, especially when going to a place like Disney. So the fact that you have a planned vacation in a couple of months should not come as a shocker.

No need to mention it until an offer is on the table. You're going on the trip regardless, so no need to much anything up.
Start dates for jobs can be adjusted and the job offer will be based on your ability and skill set (at least it should be).
So, don't fret. Look for a job and look forward to DISNEY!

DO NOT mention it until they offer you the job. When they offer it to you, let them know you have the vacation already planned and need to make sure you can have that time off (even unpaid) before you accept their offer.

If you mention it at the interview they may think you have your mind on vacation, not working. Once they've made the decision to hire you, they're not going to change their mind because you need a week or so off down the road. This is pretty normal for new hires, esp. in the summer months.

yes, you need to mention it. springing it on them after the fact could be viewed as deceitful. but i would for sure hold off until well down the path, when you're reasonably sure you're going to get the offer. you want to be well-established enough in the interviewer's mind as the best candidate before presenting them with any reason to reject you.
enjoy your vacation! the timing might be off, but i'm glad you're taking the time you and your family need.
:) khairete
S.

I'm in HR as well and in our company, scheduling is everything. Nothing is worse than lining someone up for shifts and THEN being told that the new employee needs time off. HELLO! They could have mentioned that before the fact.

Given it's the summer coming up, it's not at all out of the ordinary for someone to have plans and it's not necessarily a deal breaker as far as getting a job. Withholding that information until you're making your new employer scramble to cover for you can be.

Best wishes!

I just started working a new job and I mentioned my vacation when the job was offered to me. I know some people who mentioned vacation during the interview and were still hired. Since you currently work there I would think they would be ok with you taking a vacation.

No need to say anything until you get the offer and you're discussing when to start. If it's near your vacation suggest starting after vacation. right now you want them to focus on you and you need to show them why they want you. you don't want them thinking you'll be gone already. right now SELL YOU and not things that will impact the job. Good luck!

I agree. Wait until after the interview and before the acceptance.

Don't call it a "vacation", call it "going out of town" and don't tell them where.

Don't justify WHY. Just inform them. They are on a need to know basis, and they don't need to know.

Ditto H&H, Jim and Alexis. Wait until a later interview, but before acceptance of an offer.

Most employers will let you take the time off with no pay (depending on what type of job). If they ask you to change it then I would say it has been paid in full. I would see how the interview goes. If they call you back for another interview then I would mention that you already have something scheduled for the week of ____ and it can't be changed.

Good Luck.

Wait until they've made you an offer.

No do not mention the vacation - until you get an offer. Once you have an offer in hand - tell them then. Otherwise it think that it just sounds weird. You don't have the job - but are informing them of your vacation time.

Wait for an offer then put it on the table - not before.

I was in the same situation. I waited until I was offered the job, and then explained my situation. We worked it out because I was the one they wanted for the job. I would wait. No need to lessen your chances because you have made family plans! Enjoy the trip!

Hi, Melissa:

If you are asked when you can start work, tell them the date after you return.
Hope this helps. D.

Why not just tell them that you are not available to start until after you come back from the vacation? You don't have to tell them that the reason is because you will be at Disney - just when they ask when you are available to begin work, give a date that is after you get home. A lot of companies have a long hiring process that involves multiple interviews, so that fact that you are not immediately available shouldn't be a big deal and may actually work in your favor since you won't look desperate for a job. If you are pressed as to why, you can say that you want to be able to be able to complete your project before leaving your current job.

I wouldn't mention it until (unless) they ask you about a start date. At that point, I would give the start date and then tell them about the vacation. In my experience, as long as they are told at the time of hire, there is usually no problem.

I had a mini-vacation planned for last October. Started a new job on September 1st. Told my employer about it on my first day and there were no problems. As long as they know it was planned in advance and can't be changed, they usually are okay with it.