How to approach boss about applying for new job?

hieveryone

Hi all,

How would you go about approaching your boss to tell them you were looking/were applying for a new job?

Unfortunately I am in the position where I have seen a job advertised, but which needs references submitted along with the application. This makes life hard as you then have to let your boss know you are on the lookout before you even get to interview stage.

I am also looking for advice on how to word the exchange between myself and boss. I know that she won't be particularly happy about the fact I am applying for another job and will more than likely try to put me off by stating that I am not experienced enough etc. I also don't want to have my life made hell afterwards if I don't get the new one.

Anyone had any similar experiences?

CCFC_80

Most company's would only take up references on condition of a job offer about to be made. No need to tell your boss at all in my opinion until that actually happens. Does it actually state on the application that you have to give your current employer as one of your references, as it usually gives you the option of allowing them to be contacted prior to interview or not

hieveryone

CCFC_80 wrote: »

Most company's would only take up references on condition of a job offer about to be made. No need to tell your boss at all in my opinion until that actually happens

Yes, that is the usual case. However, in the industry I am in, it is a condition of applying that references must be in place alongside application, or your application is not even looked at.

Snakey

Does it have to be a reference from your current employer? Could you instead provide something from a previous one, or a personal reference, or an academic one?

Might be worth phoning up to ask, as there may be some flexibility. I don't see anything wrong with explaining that you don't want your current employer to know that you are looking. Most people wouldn't.

Edit to add: posted before seeing the replies. If it's the norm in your line of work to submit references along with job applications then presumably employers in that industry are fairly used to it. With (I'm guessing) 6-12 applicants for each job, your industry wouldn't last for long if that resulted in one person getting the job and the other 5-11 getting sidelined or sacked for having applied. So your boss may not be as bothered as you fear.

hieveryone

Snakey wrote: »

Does it have to be a reference from your current employer? Could you instead provide something from a previous one, or a personal reference, or an academic one?

Might be worth phoning up to ask, as there may be some flexibility. I don't see anything wrong with explaining that you don't want your current employer to know that you are looking. Most people wouldn't.

Yes, must be current and up to 3 years history.

I am not sure about phoning to ask, that might then get into a discussion of why I don't want current employer knowing - and that is hard to explain without sounding... 'b!tchy'.

CCFC_80

I don't know what line of business you are in or applying for but to reiterate I would be very unhappy about them allowing my employers to be contacted for references unless a job offer is forthcoming.


Most of the time,if it would have ramifications for any employee who wasn't to get the job. You have to ask is it worth it and again is it unreasonable to suggest that you only want your employer to be contacted for references on condition of a job offer?

hieveryone

CCFC_80 wrote: »

I don't know what line of business you are in or applying for but to reiterate I would be very unhappy about them allowing my employers to be contacted for references unless a job offer is forthcoming.


Most of the time,if it would have ramifications for any employee who wasn't to get the job. You have to ask is it worth it and again is it unreasonable to suggest that you only want your employer to be contacted for references on condition of a job offer?

I am applying to a Local Authority (Council) post.

Most authorities have the condition of references being collected prior to an interview date (therefore not needing a reference simply to apply), but this LA is asking for them upfront.

A previous colleague has suggested telephoning the place directly to ask if a previous employer reference is suitable, with current employer reference available at interview (should I get one). Would this be reasonable?

CCFC_80

hieveryone wrote: »

I am applying to a Local Authority (Council) post.

Most authorities have the condition of references being collected prior to an interview date (therefore not needing a reference simply to apply), but this LA is asking for them upfront.

A previous colleague has suggested telephoning the place directly to ask if a previous employer reference is suitable, with current employer reference available at interview (should I get one). Would this be reasonable?

I don't think it is reasonable from their point of view. So then they could be interviewing 10 people all bringing current references from their employers for the role, so 9 of those people will have their time wasted as well as potential ramifications from their existing employers if they weren't successful.

RedfordML

hieveryone wrote: »

Hi all,

How would you go about approaching your boss to tell them you were looking/were applying for a new job?

Unfortunately I am in the position where I have seen a job advertised, but which needs references submitted along with the application. This makes life hard as you then have to let your boss know you are on the lookout before you even get to interview stage.

I am also looking for advice on how to word the exchange between myself and boss. I know that she won't be particularly happy about the fact I am applying for another job and will more than likely try to put me off by stating that I am not experienced enough etc. I also don't want to have my life made hell afterwards if I don't get the new one.

Anyone had any similar experiences?

I think be honest and say you have seen another job etc. You dont need to be appologising or justifying to anyone. This may lead to your boss being able to offer more ££ or responsibility in your new role.

Dont be nagative and I dont think any boss would be suprised when a member of staff mentions a job elsewhere. If they get arsey, they need a reality check.

hieveryone

RedfordML wrote: »

I think be honest and say you have seen another job etc. You dont need to be appologising or justifying to anyone. This may lead to your boss being able to offer more ££ or responsibility in your new role.

Dont be nagative and I dont think any boss would be suprised when a member of staff mentions a job elsewhere. If they get arsey, they need a reality check.

Normally I would totally agree with you - but you haven't met my boss! :eek: Other staff members have gone to her when applying for new jobs and been spoken to negatively about their abilities and suitability for the new role etc.

Unfortunately in my line of work there is no scope to be offered more money - we are public sector and are graded and that's that, we get our 1% every few years and that's it.

miggiwoo

hieveryone wrote: »

Normally I would totally agree with you - but you haven't met my boss! :eek: Other staff members have gone to her when applying for new jobs and been spoken to negatively about their abilities and suitability for the new role etc.

Unfortunately in my line of work there is no scope to be offered more money - we are public sector and are graded and that's that, we get our 1% every few years and that's it.

I work in the public sector too , sure my boss would be glad if we were looking for other jobs.Would save them having to cut numbers when we are ultimately cost improved.