How would you approach your Boss with this situation?

Question

You have applied for another job elsewhere and have been chosen as finalist. Before a final decision is made, the other employer wants to speak to your current boss. The new employer wants to verify details about your position, ect. However, prior to the other job speaking to your current boss, you have to accept the new offer. There is no guarantee of employment. Summing it up, how does someone approach their current boss (after accepting the new offer) in explaining that this other employer wants to speak to him, without causing too many hard feelings? There is a chance that the new employer could fall through. Also, note that a written resignation will not be submitted at the time the current boss is notified about the prospective employer calling. A written resignation will only be given if hired by the prospect. Hope this isn't too confusing....

Answer 1

Tell the current boss that you are going to try a different avenue that will better yourself. If he is worth his weight as a manager, he should want to help you. Tell him this is not a done deal yet also. He may want to counter the potential new employers offer in a bid to keep you there thus getting you a raise or a promotion yourself! Good Luck with that!

Answer 2

First of all - this is totally bizarre. If anyone ever asked me a question in detail like that, I'd say, "My boss does not know I'm looking" - that usually ends it right there. Most employers understand that and would NEVER put you in that position. If they insist, you probably don't want to work there. I'd take this as a red flag that they aren't going to treat their employees with dignity or respect. Either that or the person interviewing you is a total moron. By law, when potential employers call for work history, your current HR department can only give start and finish dates - they do not give out salary or title history or anything else for that matter - just an FYI. Also, if they do a background check and the cover letter states something like, "Employment based on successful background check" - do not give notice to your current employer until your background check clears - believe me, I've heard the horror stories. Protect yourself. Good luck to you!

Answer 3

No way should you tell your current boss about this! It is completely bizarre and inappropriate for the new employer to ask to speak to your current boss when they can't guarantee employment. They know that this means a 99% chance you will be fired. There is something fishy about this, I think. You have to tell them you don't want to risk telling your current boss and perhaps there is someone else they can speak to. Find someone you know well and who is on your side at your company and have them verify your employment.

Answer 4

Is there anyone other than your hiring manager, it seems unethical for the new employer to call up like that.

But if it is really needed, i will speak up front to current boss, saying i need you as a reference. No detail until the new employer call him/her

Answer 5

You need to inform your current employer that you are looking for a new avenue to direct yourself, and can you use him as a reference? That way when the other employer calls, it will all be covered.

Answer 6

i've never had some one tell me they have to speak to my current boss before hiring me. what if your current boss totally sabotages your new gig? then you'll just be screwed. sorry i don't know what to tell you, most bosses are jerks if they find out you're leaving.