If you didn’t know the boss very well

If you didn’t know the boss very well, it might be risky to bring up your discomfort. In that case, you might just have to listen to the gossip but not participate by saying anything bad about Sally.

QUESTION: What if you have an important personal engagement that involves several other people, has been planned well in advance, and also costs a considerable amount of money, but your boss needs you, just this once, at the last minute to help her close a $3 billion deal before midnight?

This situation is probably the most common and the most difficult to deal with. Having to stay late at work when there are family or social obligations is something just about everyone has to face at one time or another. It’s a tough situation because someone is bound to be disappointed no matter what you decide.

First, tell your boss about the importance of your social engagement, but also reassure her that you will do everything you can to help close the deal. You might offer to stay a little bit later and be late for your other appointment. You might also say something like “I would make myself available by cell phone all night until 1 a.m. if need be, and then be on call at my social event.” If you are particularly invested in your job and perhaps up for promotion, you might just have to accept the conse quences and decide to stay until midnight to help the boss out. Again, there is no universally right answer.

Taken from : Fearless Interviewing - How To Win The Job