Is it professional to job hunt for a similar job at a different company while still working?

Question

I am currently working at this company, and have been for the past year and a half, at this certain position. I am in college and probably want to get a job at this company when I graduate, but at the moment there is another option for me. Another company needs help and the position they are opening is basically the same thing for a little more and hour. Would my reputation be sullied with this current company I work at if I made the switch? Or could I have a good chance at still working here. The company I would like to work at after I graduate is higher security type of work and more confidential projects, which I think if I stayed would give me a better chance after college so they could simply hire internally and have no security breaches.

Answer 1

o.k. i hope i'm getting this right.

you are company A and are in college. you want to get a job with company A post-graduation, however, in the mean time you'd like to get a job with company B b/c of more money.

i would seek out opportunities with company B and if they are making an official offer, then i would take this offer to my boss at company A.
i would tell him/her that i have an offer for the same position, but more money with another company (no names) and that i hope to obtain a position here, at company A, post-graduation.
i would state that i would be willing to forgo the offer from company B if i knew that my chances being hired post-graduation are pretty good.

just ask for the bottom-line on your chances of being hired post-graduation.
don't ask for any guarantees, b/c they most likely won't be able to give you any....just ask about the likliehood.

i'm curious why you wouldn't just stay on at company A after graduation?? or is this more of an internship??

the most professional thing to do is to stay at company A if you are sure that's where you want to work post-grad.

i used to do HR for UPS and Wal-Mart stores and usually, if someone quit i was reluctant to rehire them b/c they showed no company loyalty.

however, a friend of mine, in college, did an internship with johnson & johnson and did very well. the impression was given that most interns would be offered post-graduation, however, this ended up being false. she was declined an offer and so were a few other candidates that interned with her.


so, it's a toss-up.
i would feel out the opportunity for post-grad hire. if it's a good chance of a job offer, then i wouldn't move.
BUT, if you aren't that set on company A post-grad, then make the move and take the chance.
company B could prove to be a better fit for you and may be the company you want post-grad.

so, to answer your question....
no, i don't think it's unprofessional to seek out a similar opportunity while still with a company. however, i do think it's in a bit of poor taste to leave and then expect to come back.

good luck!
take care.

Answer 2

My suggestion is to focus on your long-term career goals. If your ultimate goal is to work with the company you are in right now, I would suggest staying there. If you leave, you are risking that a position may not be available when you decide to come back later (or if this other position doesn't work out). Also, your tenure will dictate your benefits, particularly for paid time off. These are just some things to consider when you're making a decision.

Best wishes!

Answer 3

There is certainly no harm in inquiring. I think it is less wise to quit a job before you have something else lined up. However, there is always more to consider than a few dollars per hour. If you are open and honest with your current employer, they may want to keep you there and give you a raise to keep you.

Answer 4

If you remain there, you may be at the top of the list after graduating.

If you leave under good terms, you may be considered, but down the line.

Your decision.

Answer 5

Stay where you're at. A couple of extra bucks now, won't be worth it when you graduate and want to go back.