Let them know I'm interviewing??

[misskriss01]

I am in the process of aggressively seeking employment and I have about 5 interviews scheduled during the next couple of weeks. Problem is, I don't know if I should let my current employer know that I'm interviewing. At my present job, I work during the day so I have to take time off to go to these interviews...I just don't know what to do. I want to tell my supervisor so there are no secrets and so she knows the reason why I have to call in sometimes...but then again, I don't want them to think that "oh, she's searching for a new job so let's fire her." I had to take off the whole morning to go to an interview today...PLEASE HELP!

[AKA2D '91]

Personally, I would not tell them ANYTHING.

If you get the position, then you have the option of staying or taking the new post. Yet, if you don't get the job(s), then there isn't anything lost. You continue to go on about your business UNTIL the right one (post) comes along.

[Diamond007]

It is best to just take the time off and keep your mouth shut that you are interviewing. If you are in a state that employment is AT WILL then they can fire you without reason. Taking the time off will payoff. Prepare a portfolio of your work. Study background information and program information about your companies/organizations. Practice Practice Practice your interviewing techniques. Also, use your computer and get someone to proofread your resume. Think hard and long about everything that you have done on each job. You may have done more than you believe that you have that can be an valuable asset in ways you would imagine. Don't down play anything. Find previous employment job descriptions and always keep them. Include organizations and community activities on your resume. You never know who is a member or believes in the value of the organization. Apply for everything even the things you think you won't get. You never know who will give you a chance. Make everything in your interview postive. Remember they need you just as much as you need them when you go in the interview. Don't go in the interview scared to death! I know that you didn't ask for this but this is my field. I hope some of my advice helps. Email me!

[AKAtude]

Personally, I don't think you should ever tell your employer you are seeking and/or interviewing for another job. I wouldn't even tell any co-workers even if you consider them friendly. Keep it to yourself. Take personal leave/time to conduct your interviews, or take and extended lunch break.

I've seen co-workers who were honest up front be given a hard time when they told higher-ups their plans or when another co-worker spilled the beans.

I have been fortunate enough to have supervisors that were down, but I wouldn't want you to take that chance unless you were 100% sure they had your back.

[Poplife]

When I quit my job of 2 years I didn't tell my boss. I was truly unhappy with the way things were being run and just wanted out! My co-workers knew, but only because they were all doing the same thing. In fact, we covered for each other when one of us had an interview. I even gave a peer recommendation to one of my friends.

I think hinting that you are leaving the company/job is really for people that are extreamly valuable. Not to say that you aren't, but we all know how these things work. The more money you bring in, clients you attract, cases you win, or successful surgeries you perform the more they will fight to keep you. Even if you work in a 'supporting' type job (i.e. Administration) if you are damn good they will fight for you.

You have to ask yourself why you are leaving. Is it monetary, social, spiritual, or are you just plain unhappy? Is it the wrong job for you? If these things could be fixed would you still leave?

Also, ask if you are seen as disposable. If the company can do without you then it's better to keep quiet. But if you pull a lot of weight then you can make them squirm.

And if you have PTO, take it!

[korkscru]

Sisterfriend keep your job search to YOURSELF within the work place. It's your best bet. I agree that although you may THINK you have full support (from your supervisor and co-workers) you won't. You see, there are people out there who DO NOT want others (including you) to do or get better. Most of the time, their agenda is not the same as yours. Others want you to fail so they do things like sabotage' your efforts to do better. Just take your days off, call in sick or something to that extent. That way if nothing goes through then nothing can be said.

Keep your head up and good luck in your search (I know how this scenario is---been there, done that).

[RowdyRed]

Basically if you didn't let them know about it when you first started sending out resumes, then why tell them at this juncture. See where it ends and if you are truly miserable at your current job QUIT - you'd be surprised what it does for the psyche and how quickly you will find another job if you are truly free.