Potential clash between end of vac scheme interview and another vac scheme

[lucille101]

Hi there,

I have a vacation scheme coming up with a silver circle firm in 1 week and another city firm in a few weeks. I have been told that for the first vacation scheme (3 weeks), the final partner interview will take place following the scheme. My other vacation scheme will commence directly after the first one finishes and goes for 2 weeks. I think there is a high chance they will schedule my interview soon after I finish the first vac scheme and this would clash with my second vacation scheme. I'm sure I'm not the only with back to back vacation schemes but I'm wondering if anyone has advice on how to approach this? Should I be upfront with grad recruitment at the beginning and just say I am not available from 15-26th July for an interview and if they can schedule this the following week and if I need to mention my reason (I have another vac scheme) or if I should leave that out?

 

[Jessica Booker]

1) when the interviewing firm gives you the dates, if there is a clash explain you are in full time employment and won’t be able to take the time off and so ask if they have any availability to interview either at a later date or early/late in the working day (eg 6.00pm).

2) if they give you no flexibility whatsoever, then go to the second vacation scheme firm and ask whether you can take time off to attend the interview. Apologise for even making the request but explain the other firm are not giving you any flexibility and therefore you’d appreciate whether they can be flexible instead. State you will make any time up missed during the week.

3) if the second vacation scheme firm won’t allow you to take the time off either (they might, especially if it clashes with time they have for particular assessments), then work out which firm is your preference and let one of them down as gentle as possible.

 

[lucille101]

Thank you Jessica! This is all very helpful.