Interviewing During Work Hours – Why You Need To

Let’s talk about something that keeps coming up in job searches but isn’t talked about enough – interviewing during work hours. If you’re looking for a new role, you need to stop asking for 5pm interviews. Here’s why…

Hiring happens during work hours

Most hiring managers work within normal business hours. If you push for an evening interview, you might end up meeting a tired, distracted interviewer – or worse, a HR rep with less influence on the final decision. During the day, you gain access to the decision-makers.

Also bear in mind, when you ask for an interview outside of work hours, you’re essentially asking them to stay late, work overtime, or disrupt their personal time. That’s a tough sell when they have candidates who are willing to make time during the workday.

From your perspective, you’ll also be more alert and focused. By the end of the workday, you’re often drained, making it harder to bring your A-game. Morning or midday interviews allow you to present yourself at your best – energetic, sharp, and engaged.

Plus, consider this – Taking time off for an interview subtly signals that you can manage your time, prioritise your tasks and have control over your schedule. Making yourself available when managers are working signals confidence, professionalism and commitment to the opportunity.

If you’re serious about job hunting, make time for it

Let’s be real – if you’re open to a new role, you’re making a big career move. You wouldn’t try to run a business or manage a project in the little time left at the end of the day, so why would you approach a new opportunity that way?

Finding a new job is an investment in your future. You have to treat it with the same level of importance as any other major professional responsibility. The most successful professionals are the ones who take their career development seriously – meaning they make time for key opportunities rather than treating them as an afterthought.

Interviewing during work hours – Use your lunch break or personal time

The good news is you don’t have to sneak around or take drastic measures. There are plenty of ways to make time for interviews without putting your current job at risk.

1. Lunch breaks – A lot of hiring managers are flexible with scheduling interviews over lunch. It’s a neutral time, and you can often step away without raising eyebrows. If you’re working on site, consider stepping into a quiet area or even conducting a phone or video interview in your car. You could even take a ‘long’ lunch so you’re not as rushed.
2. Arriving late or leaving early – If you have some control over your schedule, you can arrange to come in late or leave a little early for an interview. Interviewing mid-morning or late afternoon can be less disruptive to your workplace.
3. Personal leave – If you have personal time off or even a couple of hours of annual leave available, use it strategically. Many professionals hesitate to use their leave for interviews, but securing a role you’re keen on is worth a few hours off. You could even consider stacking multiple interviews at once by taking off a full day.
4. Manage your workload – If you know you’ll be out for an interview, and if you’re in a position to do so, delegate some responsibilities.

The key is to be smart about scheduling. You can avoid drawing attention to the fact that you’re interviewing – but at the same time, don’t make it impossible for yourself to attend interviews.

The reality of a competitive market

Quality construction roles, especially those with strong career potential, are competitively sought after. Hiring managers need people fast, and if you’re not available, someone else will be.

Companies are looking for professionals who are serious about their careers and willing to prioritise opportunities when they arise. If you make it hard to schedule an interview, you might miss out on roles that could be great for your career.

Additionally, think about the impression you’re leaving. If you’re difficult to schedule or only offer after-hours availability, hiring managers may question your ability to prioritise and manage time effectively. This can subtly influence their decision, even if you’re otherwise a strong candidate.

Be prepared

Approaching opportunities and interviewing only when you have spare time, means you’ll likely miss out on some really good career advancing. Instead, be prepared:

1. Be upfront about your availability. When asked when you can interview, don’t say, “After work.” Instead, offer realistic daytime options for them to choose from.
2. Plan ahead. If you know you’re open to opportunities, keep a couple of personal leave hours free for interviews.
3. Understand the hiring process. Hiring managers expect to interview candidates during the day. Being flexible shows that you understand how the industry works.
4. Utilise video interviews where possible. Many companies offer virtual interviews as a first step. This makes it easier to attend without having to travel or disrupt your schedule too much.

Email example – Interview request

Subject: Availability for Interview – [Your Name]

Dear [Recruiter/Hiring Manager’s Name],

Thank you for reaching out. I’m excited about the opportunity to speak with you regarding the [Job Title] role at [Company Name].

I’m available on [Date] at the following times:

1. Morning: [8:30–10:30 AM]
2. Afternoon: [3:30–5:00 PM]

Please let me know which works best for you. I look forward to our conversation.

Best regards,
[Your Name]

Final thoughts

What does it all come down to? Construction is an industry where timing, opportunity, and flexibility make all the difference, and you need to include your own future as a part of that equation.

Think of attending your interviews like catching a flight. If you don’t show up at the right time, the plane isn’t going to wait for you – it’ll take off whether you’re there or not. Hiring moves on a schedule, and if you’re not available when decisions are being had, you risk missing out on a seat. You have to plan ahead, adjust your schedule, and make the time if you want to get where you’re going.

Looking for your next construction job? Search our current construction roles here, or to chat with our team about securing your next opportunity, get in contact with us through our Contact Us page.

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