Job Interview...Should I mention I'm having surgery

imawhodat · June 1, 2011

Well another miracle has occured. I got called for a job interview for Thursday. My surgery will be within 2 weeks (approximately). IF I'm offered the job should I say anything about surgery? I hate to start a new job needing time off work right off the bat, BUT I sooooooooooooooooo need this job AND the surgery. I hate to mislead anyone...this is tough!!!!

Any advice on how to handle the situation.

Nancy Rivers · June 1, 2011

Congrats on getting an interview! That's a tough one. I've always found it best to be "honest" about things like this. I wouldn't necessarily say you are having bariatric surgery, but let them know that you would need a couple of weeks off due to needing a medical procedure done wouldn't be out of the question. That way they will know that you need the time off if they want you to start immediately.

dlflightgirl · June 1, 2011

Just tell them due to previous obligations you couldn't start till (enter date here). If they know your currently unemployed tell them it's a one time family obligation or if you are working then that's the notice you need to give. If you do mention surgery I wounldnt say what type. Either way good luck om your surgery and the interview.

anonynurse · June 1, 2011

When they extend you the job offer, explain you have a surgery scheduled at what time and request it to be part of the terms of employment that you get time off for recovery. You are under NO obligation at all to reveal what kind of surgery you are having.

If the surgery will be after your probation period, you don't need to mention prior to accepting employment. You'll just put in for PTO like everyone else does.