Here's the run down... I am interviewing at a school I've previously interviewed for before. They had 2 independent study positions open that I interviewed for. The day after I interviewed HR called and emailed saying they also had 2nd grade position open and would like to interview me-- it was during my Uncle's funeral, so I couldn't go and was told if they did a 2nd round of interviews they'd interview me then. After a month they've still not made a decision on the IS positions... but a k/1 popped up at the same school last week, I applied (I'm desperate) and they scheduled an interview. I'm, now, fully credentialed, and because they asked me to come back to interview for a different position I figure they liked me in the initial interview. Here's where it gets weird (other than a few positions popping up after the year has began). The interview is Monday, say I DO get the job, things go fast and I am in the classroom the following week, Sept 18-22... the week after that the 25-29, the school have this weird week-long break... (presumably because school began at the end of june... weird, right?) I am getting married October 7th... it's a destination wedding, not incredibly far from home, but 6-8 hours for me and all of my family, not including the family flying in. The plan was to leave very early friday AM for said destination to finish last minute details, etc, etc... and we're supposed to be coming home Monday am... Long story short... I'd need a Friday and Monday off the second, or maybe the first week. (Even if I don't get this position, I have 3 others in which I suspect I'll likely be interviewed for, and would likely be hired before my wedding.) How do I approach this subject? I don't want to give up a job for my wedding... but I also don't want a potential late year hire to ruin a year of planning and what should be one of the most amazing weekends of my life.
I think you should not mention this prior to being hired. After you've officially been hired, then you can mention it to the principal and HR. If this was the wedding of anyone else other than you, I'd tell you to find a way to only miss one of the two days or even none at all. Given that it's your own wedding, however, I don't think it's too much to ask for the two days off. It'd be different if you were asking for an entire week. Just make sure that you have really solid sub plans in place and that you don't miss many other days, except for true emergencies or serious illness.
I would say something during the interview. Only an idiot would pass on their first choice because of two days.
I would also mention it during the interview. It is professional and you don't want to start off on the wrong foot.
Do not say a word until they offer you the job. At that point you're their person. They will let 2 days go even if irritated. They won't want to go through the hassle of doing whatever they need to do to switch candidates. Telling them before makes them factor those two days into the decision. Unless asked about any issues that would take you away from school, mums the word.
Where I work you would not get the days off. It is against our contract to get days off for your own wedding. So my recommendation would be to decide now if this is make or break for you. If you will not take the job without the 2 days off, then I would mention it in the interview. If you are willing to work the 2 days if the District says no, then I would probably wait until I was offered the job and ask at that point - then they can tell you if they will give them to you or what process there is for asking for them and if it is negotiable that is the time to negotiate that element.
The only thing I'd say is that since her plans already exist prior to the job, they are more likely to be ok with it. Again, keep it on the DL. I'll give you 1 fictional dollar to follow my advice.
Like others have said, I would mention it in your interview. It's your own wedding. I would much rather hire someone who needs two days off to get married than continue using a substitute all year.
And I would give the tie to the one I don't need to cover 2 days for. But if I only find out after, I don't care because I want you.
I would mention this during the interview process. First of all, I don't want to 'lie' by omission, because obviously I know exactly when the wedding is. It's only 2 days, you are giving lots of notice, it's your own wedding, not someone else's, and you are being upfront and honest. Secondly, if I have a few interviews lined up and am most likely going to get a job, then I would want to work for a place that has room for give and take and has some flexibility.
My district would have no problem with it. I'd let them know during the interview personally. I took two days off for my wedding right before a break.
So, I went ahead and told them toward the end of the interview--- I asked when the anticipated start date was-- October 3rd, so, I'd be in class for 3 days and need 2 off. The job is about an hour from home, it's a K/1 combo and I'm really a 2nd/3rd and up kind of teacher... while I felt the interview went well... I'm just not feeling it... but I'm torn between NEEDING a job and really not wanting this position. I figured if they liked me enough to hire in despite need time off 3 days into it, maybe it was meant to be. Thanks for all the the input! I appreciate it!
Well, they just called and offered me a second interview in the form of a demo lesson... I guess I'll take a stab at it. I've never done a demo lesson for a job... and I've never worked with kids under 2nd grade...and the end of the year 2nd grade at that. Kinder kind of scares me... and walking into a room of 30 5 year olds I have zero repoire with... that I'm expected to just jump in and successfully corral and teach... yikes.
I spoke with HR... apparently I am doing this demo lesson for a small group... of adults... which I think is harder. Yikes!
I haven't done the adult demos but I wouldn't expect them to act like children. I assume it will be more of a take me through what this lesson looks like. Hopefully someone else can offer more guidance.
I'm glad you mentioned it before. I've worked for some principals that I'm fairly sure were meaner, grumpier older sisters of Satan, and even they never would have penalized somebody for taking off two days for their pre-scheduled wedding. As far as the demo goes, be prepared to actually teach the lesson, and be prepared to walk them through it. The big thing to remember is that, as squirrelly and dependent as 2nd and 3rd graders are, crank that up about 10 times and imagine them all hooked up to a permanent coffee IV.
