White Lie for Interview

Sick is always best. It gets you a couple extra days off as weel, cause calling in sick and coming in the next day just reeks of lie.

Of you could just tell them you can't come in because you need to tri train.

"Missing a lot of work lately? Well I wouldn't say I've been missing it."

I don't mean to be a downer, but as someone on the other side of the equation I have a question.  I'm curious, if your prospective employer asked you, "Does your current employer know where you are and if not, how did you explain not being at work today?" how would you answer?  What would that tell him about your likelihood of treating him the same way as your employee?

Tell them you took PTO for the interview.

As for sickness, I have found the best route is to become increasingly more detailed the more they press.  No employer I've ever had has made it past explosive diarrhea

LOL...I used that one when I had to leave early for a race....priorities.

I always took a vacation day.

TW

I agree.

It might tell the interviewer something about the likelihood of being treated the same way. However, it may also be an indication of the interviewee currently working for a person who isn't  particularly reasonable.

The one time I was up front with an employer about looking for another job, I came to work the next week and was told I'd been replaced by someone "who wants to work here. Here's your last check".

Please don't read anything into what I asked earlier in the thread.  I was just curious what your thought process was and trying to start conversation.  From the way you posed the OP I assumed you had no personal time to use.  I also wasn't trying to say anything about whether you should or should not say anything to your current employer about it.  I think it all depends on your circumstances.  There are situations when it's in your best interest not to be upfront with a current employer about what you are doing.  I've asked prospective employees that exact question when I'm interviewing them at 2pm on a Tuesday afternoon and the responses have ranged from smooth to honest to stammering to pathetic attempts to lie.

Whatever you do, just consider the consequences at your current job (see marmadaddy's post) and be prepared for the question at the interview.

Side note to Jim's post:  At my place if you are going to be sick for more than a day you go see a doctor and I'll cover your out of pocket expense.  My key people know that they can have whatever time off they need and it keeps the not-key people from abusing sick time off.  As far as my cost goes it's worth every penny.