How to Ask for Time Off at Your New Job (the Right Way)

How to Ask for Time Off at Your New Job (the Right Way)How to Ask for Time Off at Your New Job (the Right Way)Ah, summer. The time of year when your thoughts turn to tan lines and drinks with little umbrellas in them- unless, of course, youve just started a new job. In which case, youre probably staring jealously at your friends Instagram pictures and wondering how youre going to survive the summer without going on a single trip.The good news is, just because youre a new employee doesnt mean you have to give up your travel plans. To get the scoop, read on for answers to some of the most common questions about taking vacation at a new job.I just started a new job- when is it okay to take a vacation?After I graduated from college, someone gave me a piece of advice I always abide by Dont ask for any time off during the first three months of your job. Think of it as a probationary period in which youre trying to prove your worth- which is hard to do if youre sipping margaritas on the bea ch.After youve been at a job for three months, youve likely accrued a little vacation time and youre ready for a break from the 9-to-5 grind. At this point, its usually acceptable to ask for one day off for every month youve worked after your self-imposed probation. (Obviously, this varies depending on your companys time-off policy and how much vacation time youre given.) In general, though, if you started working in March and didnt take any time off in March, April, or May, youre not going to raise any eyebrows if you ask for a day or two off in July.The exception to this rule comes if youre working at a company thats super-relaxed or touts vacation time as a major perk. Some start-ups and small companies cant pay their employees high salaries, so they try to make up for it with flexible schedules and lots of vacation days. If youre not sure what your companys culture is, look for some common cues. Has your babo asked you what trips youve got planned for the summer? Are otherbei ne w employees taking a long weekend over Independence Day? If so, you may be okay to bend the three-month vacation rule a bit.Ive been at a company for a few months, but Im mucksmuschenstill getting the hang of things. How can I determine the best time to book my trip for?As a new employee, the last thing you want to do is book a vacation during the busiest time of year or find out that your days off conflict with a critical meeting. So, do some research before you start looking at flights. If youre not sure when your companys busy season is, ask a fellow employee.You can also bring it up with your boss (and should, in most cases). A simple, Id like to use some of my vacation days this fall, and Im wondering what the best time to be out of the office would be, will help you schedule a stress-free vacation and show your boss that you take your job responsibilities seriously.My boss is a little intimidating. Whats the best way to approach her about taking vacation time?If you have a no- nonsense boss, it can be a little scary to ask for vacation, even if youre entitled to time off. To make sure the conversation goes as smoothly as possible, broach the subject at the right time, like after youve wowed your boss with everything youve accomplished in your weekly status meeting or on a quiet Friday afternoon when she likely has time to chat. And definitely ask for the days off, rather than tell her that youre taking them. A simple, I have three vacation days, and Id like to use them the week of September 9. Is that possible, and does that work for the team? works perfectly.After youve gotten verbal approval, document the vacation on your calendar and send your boss a reminder a week or two before the big day that says something like, Just a reminder that Im going to be out on vacation Monday through Thursday, but Ill get that report to you Friday afternoon for review. This lets you kill two birds with one stone Youve made sure that your vacation is still on your boss r adar, and youve let her know that youre working hard to get everything set before you leave.My boss keeps sending me emails while Im trying to relax on the beach. Do I need to respond?Every workplace has a different expectation when it comes to staying connected on vacation. Its best to ask your boss ahead of time what he needs from you before you leave the office and what he expects while youre out of town. For example, does he want a quick update on the status of all your projects before you head out of the office? Will you need to check your email on a regular basis or just provide your boss with a way to reach you if any work-related emergencies arise?If you didnt have this conversation with your boss before you left, play it safe. Respond to important or time-sensitive office emails as best as you can, even if it means setting aside a few minutes each morning and evening for a little work. If your boss doesnt need a response until youre back from vacation, hell probably let you know.Im interviewing for a new job, but I havent been offered the position. When should I tell them about the vacation I just booked?Unless your vacation is a trip to the Amazon thats going to take you out of the country for a month, theres no need to announce it until an offer has been made. Once the company has extended an offer, you can ask HR or the hiring manager if they can accommodate your vacation plans. Again, remember to be courteous and ask for- but dont demand- the days off. If you end up accepting the job, youll want to make sure that youve started your employment off on the right foot.In short, you dont have to resign yourself to a boring summer just because you started a new job. By knowing how and when to ask for vacation, you can impress at your new job while still satisfying your wanderlust.Photo of man relaxed courtesy of Shutterstock.