Job Question

sk1nnyf0rm3
sk1nnyf0rm3 Posts: 110 Member
edited November 14 in Chit-Chat
I've been unhappy in my job for a while now, but today was just a new breaking point. I found a job opening elsewhere...I wanna pursue it, but I don't know what the etiquette is (not that I owe my current employers anything since they've progressively become more and more rude)...So, my question is this: Do I apply and all and then just give my two weeks notice or whatever if I get an offer there? Or what?

This is currently my first job so I'm really in the dark here

Replies

  • yourradimradletshug
    yourradimradletshug Posts: 964 Member
    If you are truly unhappy then apply for the new one. If they make an offer you put in your two week letter but be as polite as possible! You DO NOT want to burn any bridges. My last job I HATED but I was very polite in my resignation letter because you never know what future employers may call them.
  • jennifer_417
    jennifer_417 Posts: 12,344 Member
    I'm pretty sure that's the right etiquette. That's what I plan to do, anyway. And yeah, try to keep from burning any bridges.
  • DawnieB1977
    DawnieB1977 Posts: 4,248 Member
    I'd speak to your current employer if you get an interview for this other job as you'll need them to write a reference for you. If they contact your current employer for a reference before calling people to interview then you need to tell your employer before you apply.

    Then if you get the job, write a letter handing your notice in. In England it's usually 4 weeks notice, although I'm a teacher so it's different as there are only 3 times in the year you can leave.

    Good luck! I hope you get this other job and are happier.
  • michellemybelll
    michellemybelll Posts: 2,228 Member
    If you are truly unhappy then apply for the new one. If they make an offer you put in your two week letter but be as polite as possible! You DO NOT want to burn any bridges. My last job I HATED but I was very polite in my resignation letter because you never know what future employers may call them.

    yep. this is great advice. Do not tell your current employer you are looking for other positions. As quoted above, put in your 2 weeks once/if hired and let that be the first they hear of it.
  • Belle8312
    Belle8312 Posts: 2,151 Member
    How long have you worked for your current company? There is no problem looking for a new job and pursuing it. I worked for a company for almost 18 months and 7 months into it I was absolutely miserable. I started actively looking about 15 months after working for that company and got a new job three months later.
    I would say that if you have been with your current job for about a year, there is nothing wrong with applying for a new company. I have a really good friend that is a hiring manager for a company and said that when they see resumes come through that the person has only been with the company for a few months, that usually sends up a red flag and they don't pursue that individual. Hence the reason why I suggested a year.
    Do what is best for you, what makes you happy, and if you're doing it for all the right reasons, everything will eventually fall into place. I would apply and if you get offered the new job, put in two weeks notice with an official letter of resignation.
    Good luck! :smiley:
  • Out_of_Bubblegum
    Out_of_Bubblegum Posts: 2,220 Member
    You pretty much nailed it.. Apply.. if you get an offer, let your new employer know you'll need 2 weeks as courtesy to your current employer before starting... Then go tell your boss that you're giving 2 weeks notice... Keep it classy, and do what you can to make it easier for whomever takes over your position.
  • sk1nnyf0rm3
    sk1nnyf0rm3 Posts: 110 Member
    Belle8312 wrote: »
    How long have you worked for your current company? There is no problem looking for a new job and pursuing it. I worked for a company for almost 18 months and 7 months into it I was absolutely miserable. I started actively looking about 15 months after working for that company and got a new job three months later.
    I would say that if you have been with your current job for about a year, there is nothing wrong with applying for a new company. I have a really good friend that is a hiring manager for a company and said that when they see resumes come through that the person has only been with the company for a few months, that usually sends up a red flag and they don't pursue that individual. Hence the reason why I suggested a year.
    Do what is best for you, what makes you happy, and if you're doing it for all the right reasons, everything will eventually fall into place. I would apply and if you get offered the new job, put in two weeks notice with an official letter of resignation.
    Good luck! :smiley:

    I've been with this company for almost 6 months (since November 2014)
  • DawnieB1977
    DawnieB1977 Posts: 4,248 Member
    If you are truly unhappy then apply for the new one. If they make an offer you put in your two week letter but be as polite as possible! You DO NOT want to burn any bridges. My last job I HATED but I was very polite in my resignation letter because you never know what future employers may call them.

    yep. this is great advice. Do not tell your current employer you are looking for other positions. As quoted above, put in your 2 weeks once/if hired and let that be the first they hear of it.

    Do potential new employers not contact current ones for references then?
  • sk1nnyf0rm3
    sk1nnyf0rm3 Posts: 110 Member
    If you are truly unhappy then apply for the new one. If they make an offer you put in your two week letter but be as polite as possible! You DO NOT want to burn any bridges. My last job I HATED but I was very polite in my resignation letter because you never know what future employers may call them.

    yep. this is great advice. Do not tell your current employer you are looking for other positions. As quoted above, put in your 2 weeks once/if hired and let that be the first they hear of it.

    Do potential new employers not contact current ones for references then?

    I know some want references, but I'm not sure since, as I said, my current job is my first one
  • Rage_Phish
    Rage_Phish Posts: 1,507 Member
    I'd speak to your current employer if you get an interview for this other job as you'll need them to write a reference for you. If they contact your current employer for a reference before calling people to interview then you need to tell your employer before you apply.

    no to this

    when applying to the new job, indicate that it is not ok to contact your current employer. this is very standard as many people switch jobs all the time

    once you get an offer from the new job. sit down face to face with your boss and let them know about the offer. if you would like to leverage the new job in hopes of getting a raise at your current one, then do that. but you seem to want to leave no matter what.

    so just a formal 2 weeks notice letter and be gone.

    dont inform your current job until you have accepted a new position. you never know if your company would be vindictive and take it out on you (especially when you say they suck already)
  • Keladelphia
    Keladelphia Posts: 820 Member
    edited March 2015
    Apply and once the job is offered (make sure you wait until you pass any necessary pre-employement testing like pre-employement drug testing, fit for duty testing, etc) then notify your present employer and give them two weeks notice formally in writing. Generally a larger amount of notice isnt necessary unless you're in a pivotal role; less notice will likely make your present employer give you a less than stellar review when future employeers call for background checks.
  • 530roman
    530roman Posts: 1,819 Member
    If you are truly unhappy then apply for the new one. If they make an offer you put in your two week letter but be as polite as possible! You DO NOT want to burn any bridges. My last job I HATED but I was very polite in my resignation letter because you never know what future employers may call them.

    yep. this is great advice. Do not tell your current employer you are looking for other positions. As quoted above, put in your 2 weeks once/if hired and let that be the first they hear of it.

    Do potential new employers not contact current ones for references then?

    Where I'm from, it's usually in a job app "Can we contact your current employer?" and there are options for 'No', 'Not Now', and 'Yes'. If you go through the interview process and they decide to hire, then it would be acceptable for the new employer to contact the present employer.
  • beertrollruss
    beertrollruss Posts: 276 Member
    Never burn your bridges. It may give you a brief moment of satisfaction, but it really doesn't harm the company in any way. Plus, they can hurt your future job prospects.
  • jkramsey42
    jkramsey42 Posts: 22 Member
    I'd speak to your current employer if you get an interview for this other job as you'll need them to write a reference for you. If they contact your current employer for a reference before calling people to interview then you need to tell your employer before you apply.

    Not necessarily true. Some job applications have a box you can check to say NO, they cannot contact your current employer. They can still contact OLD employers (before the place you're working now) but not necessarily the place you're currently at. Plenty of people job-hunt while still employed, and it's a common enough practice.
  • Belle8312
    Belle8312 Posts: 2,151 Member
    jkramsey42 wrote: »
    I'd speak to your current employer if you get an interview for this other job as you'll need them to write a reference for you. If they contact your current employer for a reference before calling people to interview then you need to tell your employer before you apply.

    Not necessarily true. Some job applications have a box you can check to say NO, they cannot contact your current employer. They can still contact OLD employers (before the place you're working now) but not necessarily the place you're currently at. Plenty of people job-hunt while still employed, and it's a common enough practice.


    And saying "NO, do not contact my current employer" is in NO WAY saying that you may be a bad employee or worker. I have heard that before and it's crap.
  • enterdanger
    enterdanger Posts: 2,447 Member
    Rage_Phish wrote: »
    I'd speak to your current employer if you get an interview for this other job as you'll need them to write a reference for you. If they contact your current employer for a reference before calling people to interview then you need to tell your employer before you apply.

    no to this

    when applying to the new job, indicate that it is not ok to contact your current employer. this is very standard as many people switch jobs all the time

    once you get an offer from the new job. sit down face to face with your boss and let them know about the offer. if you would like to leverage the new job in hopes of getting a raise at your current one, then do that. but you seem to want to leave no matter what.

    so just a formal 2 weeks notice letter and be gone.

    dont inform your current job until you have accepted a new position. you never know if your company would be vindictive and take it out on you (especially when you say they suck already)

    This, totally this. Especially if you are the US. My employer will fire you if they find out you are job hunting.
  • AlisonH729
    AlisonH729 Posts: 558 Member
    edited March 2015
    If you're unhappy with the overall job/company but work with people (or have a manager) you generally respect you might consider giving them the heads up that you are actively pursuing new employment. Otherwise, two weeks notice is the standard. I recommend tying up any other loose ends, handing off projects, and being as cooperative & professional as possible before you go.

    ETA: It clearly depends on the company & nature of your job if you want to let on that you are job hunting. The last job I left was with a large corporation, and things were rough for the whole department. My manager fought for everyone but it was clear that things were mostly out of her control. When I told her I would probably look for a new job, she was supportive & said she understood.
  • Keladelphia
    Keladelphia Posts: 820 Member
    edited March 2015
    Belle8312 wrote: »
    jkramsey42 wrote: »
    I'd speak to your current employer if you get an interview for this other job as you'll need them to write a reference for you. If they contact your current employer for a reference before calling people to interview then you need to tell your employer before you apply.

    Not necessarily true. Some job applications have a box you can check to say NO, they cannot contact your current employer. They can still contact OLD employers (before the place you're working now) but not necessarily the place you're currently at. Plenty of people job-hunt while still employed, and it's a common enough practice.


    And saying "NO, do not contact my current employer" is in NO WAY saying that you may be a bad employee or worker. I have heard that before and it's crap.

    As someone who works in HR saying do not contact my current employer is pretty standard and DEFINITELY not a red flag indicating a bad employee or worker. It's a perfectly acceptable practice to tell the company that you are interviewing with that you would perfer them to contact the employer only after a position has been offered (this is what I would do myself).
  • Yogi_warrior
    Yogi_warrior Posts: 5,464 Member
    Don't tell your current employer till you have a written offer and finished background check with your prospective employer. If they want to verify your current pay or employment, you can always send your pay slip or w2. Keep your job till you get another one.
  • 999tigger
    999tigger Posts: 5,235 Member
    I'd speak to your current employer if you get an interview for this other job as you'll need them to write a reference for you. If they contact your current employer for a reference before calling people to interview then you need to tell your employer before you apply.

    Then if you get the job, write a letter handing your notice in. In England it's usually 4 weeks notice, although I'm a teacher so it's different as there are only 3 times in the year you can leave.

    Good luck! I hope you get this other job and are happier.

    Absolutely do not speak to your current employer about it.

    If you wnat to improve your situation there, then you cna speak top them about things that you are having problems with, but from the sound of it they might not listen and it could make things worse.

    In looking for another job you go through the process and not until you have that job offer do you need to do anything. On your resume/cv just put references on request and you can make it known at the interview that no references are to be taken up without your permission.

    Once you accept, then you just draft a pretty standard resignation letter informing them you have decided to leave, stating from which dates (according to your contract the requisite level of notice) and thanking them for the opportunity. Hand this to the line manager as well as telling him in person. Keep your head down serve out notice and good luck in your new job.
  • amberj32
    amberj32 Posts: 663 Member
    Don't stay at a job you hate or where they are rude to you. You will be unhappy all the time if you do. Wait until you get a new job before quitting. And it's best to give a two week notice after you find out that you have the new job. Also you do not want them contacting your current job until it's for sure you have the new job.
  • gbel1975
    gbel1975 Posts: 86 Member
    Above posters have given good advice so I don't know I can add anything. Having been in management (both front-line and executive management) for over 15 years, here are some tips:

    1> Apply for jobs that interest you and meet your needs (pay, scheduling, benefits, location, etc.).
    2> Unless you plan to ask your supervisor for a reference (doesn't sound like you would) then are neither obligated, nor should you in most cases, tell your employer that you're looking.
    3> Be sure to tell prospective employers that you'd like the process to be confidential. If they insist on contacting your current employer to verify your employment ask them to only do so contingent a job offer.
    4> If you get a job, turn in your resignation and offer two weeks' notice. Your current employer will appreciate it and your new employer will respect that.
    5> You don't have to offer any reason for leaving. In fact the less you offer, the better. The best resignation letters are maybe two or three sentences. You're giving your notice. It's effective XYZ date. Thanks for the opportunity. That's it.

    Best of luck to you!
  • gbel1975
    gbel1975 Posts: 86 Member
    A lot of opinions about the prospective employer contacting the current employer popped up while I was typing my post. Let me clarify what I posted.

    Many prospective employers will want to contact your past and current employers. In today's HR world, the most that HR departments are willing to do is confirm dates of employment, pay rate, job title and function, and whether you're eligible for rehire. They will not disclose disciplinary actions, etc.

    With that being said, if you are keeping your job search confidential from your current employer, any prospective employer worth working for will respect that. As I said, tell them that they can contact your current employer if a job offer is pending. In other words they WILL be offering you the job assuming everything checks out. It's similar to drug tests. Most employers offer you a job contingent drug testing, meaning the job is yours as soon as you pass your drug test. Same thing holds true here.

    Of course you can only do this if the info you give them will be verified by your current employer. If they find that you falsified the information that's reason for them to rescind the offer.
  • DawnieB1977
    DawnieB1977 Posts: 4,248 Member
    edited March 2015
    999tigger wrote: »
    I'd speak to your current employer if you get an interview for this other job as you'll need them to write a reference for you. If they contact your current employer for a reference before calling people to interview then you need to tell your employer before you apply.

    Then if you get the job, write a letter handing your notice in. In England it's usually 4 weeks notice, although I'm a teacher so it's different as there are only 3 times in the year you can leave.

    Good luck! I hope you get this other job and are happier.

    Absolutely do not speak to your current employer about it.

    If you wnat to improve your situation there, then you cna speak top them about things that you are having problems with, but from the sound of it they might not listen and it could make things worse.

    In looking for another job you go through the process and not until you have that job offer do you need to do anything. On your resume/cv just put references on request and you can make it known at the interview that no references are to be taken up without your permission.

    Once you accept, then you just draft a pretty standard resignation letter informing them you have decided to leave, stating from which dates (according to your contract the requisite level of notice) and thanking them for the opportunity. Hand this to the line manager as well as telling him in person. Keep your head down serve out notice and good luck in your new job.

    So what happens if they receive a reference request out of the blue then? Find out if they request references before or after interview. I've interviewed for jobs where they request your reference prior to interview. Also, as a teacher I don't get to take leave, so if I have an interview and need a day off, I have to say why.

    Maybe it's different in England, or just different in teaching.
  • sk1nnyf0rm3
    sk1nnyf0rm3 Posts: 110 Member
    999tigger wrote: »
    I'd speak to your current employer if you get an interview for this other job as you'll need them to write a reference for you. If they contact your current employer for a reference before calling people to interview then you need to tell your employer before you apply.

    Then if you get the job, write a letter handing your notice in. In England it's usually 4 weeks notice, although I'm a teacher so it's different as there are only 3 times in the year you can leave.

    Good luck! I hope you get this other job and are happier.

    Absolutely do not speak to your current employer about it.

    If you wnat to improve your situation there, then you cna speak top them about things that you are having problems with, but from the sound of it they might not listen and it could make things worse.

    In looking for another job you go through the process and not until you have that job offer do you need to do anything. On your resume/cv just put references on request and you can make it known at the interview that no references are to be taken up without your permission.

    Once you accept, then you just draft a pretty standard resignation letter informing them you have decided to leave, stating from which dates (according to your contract the requisite level of notice) and thanking them for the opportunity. Hand this to the line manager as well as telling him in person. Keep your head down serve out notice and good luck in your new job.

    So what happens if they receive a reference request out of the blue then? Find out if they request references before or after interview. I've interviewed for jobs where they request your reference prior to interview. Also, as a teacher I don't get to take leave, so if I have an interview and need a day off, I have to say why.

    Maybe it's different in England, or just different in teaching.

    I think that's teaching too because I know some teachers here (USA) and their jobs are the same way. But I'm asking for retail jobs
  • DawnieB1977
    DawnieB1977 Posts: 4,248 Member
    Before I did my teacher training I worked for an international bank (Bank of America actually) and we had to give a month's notice. They were fine when I left, and I had a chat with HR and they asked me why I was leaving, and my boss actually asked me if they could do anything to improve! I was relocating though, so maybe if I'd gone to a new job in the same town they wouldn't have been so nice.
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