Should I tell my boss I'm looking for a new job?

Question

I'm looking for a new job, as my job at moment is a small family run business (only 10 empolyees) and am not happy working here. I haven't got enough work to fill my day so it goes sooooooo slow & nowhere for me to progress too, as jobs filled already by family who are not gonna leave ever!!
Should I tell my boss I am looking & have an interview on friday? or just take the afternoon off as a doctors appiontment?

Also I have never had a contract (no pay slips either) so do I still have to give a months notice (like previous jobs) or if the company I go to wants me in a week can I do that?

How do I go about handing in my notice? Should I write a letter?

Please help! Thanks xx

I know NI & tax is being paid & I get P60's & will get P45 so is all legal, but my boss hate's paperwork if he can help it!! another reason I'm leaving!!

Answer 1

Definitely wait til you have accepted a new job before resigning, or they will replace you and have you out as soon as they can. When you go to resign, ask how much notice they're going to require before confirming your start date with the new employer. But if you are illegal you won't need to give any, by law, still if you want to be polite and follow tradition it would be one week if you've worked there less than 3 months, then one month if it's been longer.

To everyone insiting 2 weeks notice is all you'd ever need to give, that's the custom in America but in the UK contracts often specify one month if either party terminates. It is generally customary in the UK to give a month if you are a full time employee.

Answer 2

When you say you have no pay slips, does that mean you've been working for cash under the table and not paying taxes on it???

If so, then the job is illegal and you don't have to give any notice, though you might make some enemies if you do that. If there's not enough work to fill your day then they should be able to get all the relatives to fill in for you when you leave without too much bother.

Don't tell them you're looking for a new job or they might jump the gun and fire you first. Just take afternoons off for other reasons.

Answer 3

I was in a similar situation. The company I worked for normally fired you on the spot if they found out you were looking, so I'd keep that quiet. If you really don't want to leave talk to someone and let them know you need more to do, this may be a test for you to see what kind of person you are.
In the end I gave the customary two week notice when I found a new job. They made me stay a week and then let me go a week early. However if the company you want to move to sounds like a really good fit and wants you to start sooner you will need to ask yourself if you feel you owe the old company, if you do give the notice, if not, set the last day when you want it. In my state, we are "at will" so no notice is required legally.

Answer 4

Don't tell your boss you're looking for a job, but please don't lie about taking the day off. Just say you need a personal day and don't make up some story.

Give 2 weeks notice. If your prospective employer says they want you in 1 week, don't fall for that. They're partially checking on your loyalty. They'll understand that you need to give 2 weeks notice and will respect that decision. They'll want the courtesy of 2 weeks if you ever leave THEM.

As for writing a letter, there's no need for that if you use email. Simply give your notice in person then follow up immediately with an email as documentation.

Be professional in the way you handle this and you'll be very happy with the result, even if you end up working for the entirety of your two week notice period.

Answer 5

I wouldn't tell your boss you're going for an interview. If you don't get the job, there might be an atmosphere afterwards, especially in a small family concern. If you do get the job, write your notice and hand it to your boss personally. I don't know what to say about lack of pay slips. Have you been paying N.I. contributions? You might have problems getting a P45 if not. Good luck with the interview!

Answer 6

Keep the job search to your self. You don't want them moving to replace you if you don't get the job and need your current job for a time.
I don't like lying about the Dr. appointment. If you are intent on leaving, why lie about it? I would just say that I have an appointment and if pressed respond it is personal.
If you get the job, then speak to the supervisor, giving notice, requesting a 1 week notice at that time. I'd do it verbally, since it sounds pretty informal around there.
Keep it all respectable and friendly, as you may want a job or reference in the future.

Answer 7

I would just tell them you have an appointment on Friday. Don't give them any reasons to get rid of you before you find a job.

When the company you are interviewing with asks you if you're giving 2 weeks notice to your current employer, I would definitely say "Yes". Most employers respect you for giving 2 weeks notice. Even if you decide to just work one week and use the following week for a vacation.

It's up to you on how you resign. I would do a letter myself. It would definitely look more professional!

Good Luck with everything!

Answer 8

If you say it's a doctor's appointment, they'll most likely need some signed doctor's note. Don't make it as you're leaving your job, make it as if you need a second job because money is tight. Once you know you have the other job and you realize you don't want to stay at the old job, give your two weeks notice. You can also say you need more experience and they offer great benefits. Hope all goes well, good luck!

Answer 9

Untill you get something lined up, I wouldn't recommend telling your current employer. If you get a "decent lead" (meaning someone who is interested, and wants to check references), then explain the situation to them, and they can let you break the news.

Work out your intereviews on your lunch hours, or take a vacation day to do them.

Once you have the offer, then go and talk to your supervisor, and let them know that you are giving your notice. I would suggest two weeks, however, each situation is different. Some employers will let you go, as soon as you tell them that you are looking. Don't put yourself in that situation!!

Good Luck on your Job Hunt!!

Answer 10

I wouldn't tell them.

My sister's mother-in-law was in the same situation and once the family found out she was looking for another job they fired her.

You don't ever HAVE to give notice. It's just a good idea to not to PO somebody.

If you take off just tell them you have some personal business to take care off. If they press, tell them it's some kind of womanly thing that they will be embarassed to ask about.