Jobseekers should be cautious when trying to think of an excuse to attend a job interview.

The two most commonly used - calling in sick or claiming to have a doctor's appointment - are the most likely to draw most attention, according to a survey by online careers search service fish4jobs.co.uk

The survey revealed one in five UK workers has lied about the death of a loved one to get time off to attend a job interview but almost one in ten bosses suspects such a fib compared with only two per cent disbelieving dentist appointments.

The most suspicious interview excuses, according to employers, were called in sick; doctor's appointment; death of a family member or friend; and car broken down.

Tuesday February 03, 2004