Work
a Job Interview
You're mid-interview and the strengths-and-weaknesses question has landed.
hard
Practice Requesting Time Off in English
You want to book time off, and it isn't the easiest week to be asking. Make your case, deal with your manager's constraints, and leave with a clear answer.
Live
English · Voice only 02:00
You're talking to: manager
You: employee
opening the request
I wanted to ask about taking some time off.
naming specific dates
I was thinking the week of the 14th.
acknowledging the constraint
I know it's a busy stretch.
Your goal
Request specific dates, show the work is covered, and leave with a yes, a no, or a named condition.
You'll practice
- Ask for specific dates
- Show how the work is covered
- Get a clear yes, no, or condition
Phrases you'll actually use
Six lines that carry most of this conversation. You'll hear them, and you'll need them.
-
I wanted to ask about taking some time off.
— opening the request
-
I was thinking the week of the 14th.
— naming specific dates
-
I know it's a busy stretch.
— acknowledging the constraint
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I'll make sure everything's covered before I go.
— addressing the concern
-
Would it help if I took the second half of the week instead?
— offering flexibility
-
So is that a yes, as long as I sort the handover?
— pinning down the answer
Level-up expressions
put in a request
formally submit a request
I wanted to put in a request for some time off.
cover for someone
do someone's work while they're away
I've already asked a colleague to cover for me.
clear something with someone
get approval from someone
I just need to clear it with you first.
Practice this conversation out loud
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