I’m about 18 months into my first office job and starting to look around. I’ve got a second-round interview next week at 10 a.m. in Midtown. My current job is hybrid, and I’m supposed to be in-office Tuesday through Thursday. I have PTO, but burning a whole day for one interview feels dumb, and I really don’t want my manager to know.

Do people just say “dentist appointment”? They also mentioned a take-home assignment that sounds like a few hours of work. Am I supposed to do that on my own time? And what do I say later if they want to check references with my current manager?

I’m in the same boat and honestly I’ve been using the “doctor appointment” line. It worked once, but the interview ran 20 minutes over and I was sweating on the 6 train trying to get back. Anyone have a better cover story?

Astoria_amateur, did they tell you how long the take-home actually is? A few hours sounds like a lot for a second round.

Dentist is fine, but don’t overdo it. Use something vague like “appointment” and block two hours on your calendar so nobody books you at 10:15. Don’t say funeral—bad karma and too specific if anyone asks follow-ups.

For the take-home, a couple hours is normal-ish, but cap it. If they want more, ask whether it’s paid or whether there’s a shorter version. And do not give your current manager as a reference until you have an offer. If they push, say your current employer doesn’t know you’re looking and you can provide that reference later. bronx_newbie, the 6 train sweat is real—next time tell them upfront you have a hard stop.

Thanks, AstoriaAndy. I didn’t think about blocking the calendar. What do you actually put on it? “Focus time” feels fake, but “personal appointment” might get questions.

bronx_newbie, the 6 train sweat is exactly what I’m afraid of. Did you tell them you had a hard stop, or did you just sit there panicking?

I did not tell them, which was a mistake. Now I say “I have a hard stop at 10:45” right at the start. Most interviewers are cool about it.

My manager did ask why I was out, and I said physical therapy. Is that too specific? AstoriaAndy, what’s your go-to? Also I tried blocking “focus time” and my manager booked right over it, lol.

Physical therapy is fine but keep it boring. “Personal appointment” plus declining the meeting is better than a whole story. If your manager is nosy, just say medical and leave it—they shouldn’t push.

bronx_newbie, don’t overexplain. The more details you add, the more you have to remember. And if you can, use a half-day of PTO instead of sick leave. Sick leave gets weird if you’re clearly out doing errands.

For references, “happy to provide my current manager after an offer” usually works. If a recruiter fights you on it, that’s a yellow flag.

Just tried the calendar block: 9:30–11:30 as “personal appointment,” and I told my manager I’d be offline. Interview went long but I had buffer, so it worked.

One more thing—they asked for references and I gave an old manager. Is it bad if the old manager happens to mention it to someone? Also bronx_newbie, did you end up getting the second round?