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Job search, time off and leaving

Alternatives to “here is my availability” at work

Why it can fall flat

“here is my availability”

The other person is likely to hear a bare list of times with no reason attached, so they have to guess what it is for. Usually you want to offer clear slots, name the purpose, and make replying easy.

Say this instead

  1. 01

    Thanks for getting in touch. I'm free for a call on Tuesday after 2pm or Thursday before noon. If neither suits, send me a couple of options and I'll check them.

    Recruiter / HR · Email

    A recruiter scheduling an interview gets two concrete slots and an easy way to counter.

  2. 02

    Hi Smita, I can talk Wednesday 10-12 or Friday after 3. Would either work for the interview call?

    Recruiter / HR · SMS

    Short and finished with a question, this suits quick scheduling by text.

  3. 03

    I'm planning to be off from 12 to May 16 and back on the 19th. Can we confirm that works for the team before I book anything?

    Boss · Chat

    When you request time off, stating your dates and asking for a decision beats just informing.

  4. 04

    Hi Sandra, my last working day is June 28. Until then I can run handover sessions most mornings. Tell me which topics to cover first and I'll set up the times.

    Boss · Email

    Leaving a job is smoother when you give the end date and let your manager set the handover priorities.

  5. 05

    Hi Tom, for the kickoff I can do Monday 10:00-12:00, Wednesday after 14:00, or any time on Thursday. Let me know which suits you and I'll send an invite.

    Client · Email

    For first meetings, a short list of options saves back-and-forth and keeps the calendar in your hands.

  6. 06

    I'm free tomorrow 11-1 and Thursday after lunch if you want to go through the slides together. What works for you?

    Coworker · Chat

    Informal teamwork benefits from naming the purpose of the meeting and inviting a quick reply.

  7. 07

    I have space on Thursday at 10 or Friday at 2 for our one-to-one. Pick whichever suits you and I'll block it in the calendar.

    Someone you manage · Chat

    With someone you manage, a real choice of times plus your confirmation of the booking feels fair.

  8. 08

    Hi Kai, we can visit Tuesday 9-12 or Wednesday 2-5. Reply with the slot you prefer and we'll confirm it.

    Customer · SMS

    Appointment booking stays simple when the windows are clear and the next step is one reply.

Examples

Email

Hi Brian, Thanks for the update on the interview. I can do Tuesday between 10:00 and 12:00, or Thursday after 14:00. If neither works, please send me a couple of other options and I'll check them. Kind regards, Anita

Chat

Hi Miriam, I'm off next week and back on the 16th. I can walk you through the vendor file on Thursday at 11 or Friday before 1. Which works for you?

What to avoid

  • Sending a bare list of times with no context about what the meeting is for.
  • Saying “I'm flexible” or “anytime” when you are not invites a slot you cannot take.
  • Forgetting the time zone when the other person may be in a different one.
  • Offering slots you would rather not give, just to seem agreeable, will backfire later.
  • Explaining your reasons at length when asking for time off is unnecessary, since dates and a clear question are enough.

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