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Q: My fiancé and I made our honeymoon plans months before
I was laid off. We've already paid and it's all non-refundable. How do I
mention this in an interview without ruining my chances of being hired?
- Gloria in Chicago
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A: You ask a great question, Gloria – one that my
clients ask on a regular basis.
First, most employers
will offer some wiggle room as far as start date goes, or, at the very
least, allow the vacation but make it unpaid. If an employer rigidly
demands you to cancel your plans and take the financial hit, you have to
ask yourself whether that’s the kind of boss – and company – you want to
work for.
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I ran into this situation, personally, twice. My ex let employers
know when our honeymoon was going to be and was quite upfront that if they
didn’t work with her on this, then it probably wouldn’t be a fit. The
organization that hired her told her that they needed her to start on a
specific date, but allowed her two weeks of unpaid leave. Similarly, I
needed to have the "official" start date of one of my jobs delayed,
as we had prepaid for a week-long Disney vacation.
In both cases, we were upfront in pointing out the funds were spent
and non-refundable. We stressed the non-refundable bit, which really
helped out. In both cases, accommodations were made.
IN THE CARAVAN: Explain to the hiring manager that you’ve pre-paid for the wedding
and honeymoon and negotiate for either a different start time or (if
needed) to take an unpaid week of vacation.
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The Lion’s Pride: Q & A
