when to tell the boss I am looking for a new job

golden_girl

I am currently looking for another job. I have had one interview so far. My question is my manager will be going on holiday soon for 2 weeks. She is the only person that can write me a reference. Should I tell them her before she goes so she could prepare one which can be given to HR Dept.

If I told them could they make me leave before finding another job?

Thanks

regularsaver1

HR might be able to give one

jobbingmusician

Or your new employer will happily wait 2 weeks for the reference. This sort of thing happens all the time in recruitment, don't worry about it! (and 2 weeks' delay is nothing - in any case, don't you have to give a month's notice?)

Alfrescodave

In my experience you only tell your boss that you're looking for a new job when you've accepted the new job. References, if taken up, can wait. Don't risk your relationship with your boss/ work until you have to.

localhero

Further to Alfrescodave's good advice, I would add that if they did get wind of you wanting to leave, they can't sack you, for without a good reason it would be unfair dismissal.

Savvy_Sue

As long as you ask your new potential employers not to contact your referees before you've warned them the request is coming (which is quite usual) and warned them that your current manager is on holiday, then there shouldn't be a problem. They can presumably get another reference, and make any offer conditional on references. And if they only want a 'This person worked for us from X to Y date' then HR should be able to do it.

golden_girl

Many thanks for your great replies. I am going to wait till I have accepted a job offer, that's if one comes my way,,,,,
Probably will come as a shock where I work as I have been with this company for nearly 18 years :eek: