When is it appropriate to tell your current employer you've applied elsewhere?

Question

I have been working with my company for a little over a year. It's a great place but not in the area I studied. I don't necessarily want to leave but I found an offering for "the perfect job." I finally sent my resume and cover letter and I have a good shot at it. I respect my co-workers and I don't want to leave them high and dry, but I don't want to say I've applied for this new job, not get the offer then look like a jerk. Do I tell them now, wait for the interview or the offer before I pipe up?

Answer 1

Hi there! I would wait until I was offered the new position to let them know. It's nice that you don't want to leave your co-workers high and dry, but ultimately, you've got to do what is best for you! Good luck with your job search!

Answer 2

I would not say anything until you've been offered/accepted the new job. Then give appropriate notice (usually 2 weeks) before leaving. Nothing more needed. Also be prepared in the event that your current employer says they don't need you for two more weeks, that you can go ahead and leave, as this happens sometimes.

Don't feel bad, it's just a part of business operations. People come, people go. Good luck

Answer 3

These events should happen first:
1. You have been offered the position
2. You have accepted their offer
3. Upon your acceptance, ask for the offer in writing; inclusive of any benefit package.
4. If you are to start the new position in two weeks, then tell your employer right away so that you give them notice and time to replace you.
If you are to start the job at a later date, then you decide if you want to go from one job to the next or if you want to take the time off in between the jobs. If the later is your choice, then wait two weeks before the start date of your new job.

Answer 4

You dont tell ANYONE ANYTHING till you have a signed and sealed offer of employment and a start date. what happens next is you serve TWO WEEKS NOTICE that as of such and such a date, you will no longer be working here. when you have an 'exit interview' at your current employer, you tell them how you truly loved working there, enjoyed your co-workers, and wish everyone well but you have found a chalenging job in your field of study so you are leaving to start work there. keep it short, sweet, and very complimentary cause when ever someone calls to inquire about how you worked there, you want them all to say what a swell person you where and they wished you had stayed. get it? good luck

Answer 5

Don't tell anyone at work that your looking for another job unless you have been offer the job and accepted. Everyone is always looking for a better offer. Just play it close to your chest. But do give notice and work it if you old employer wants you to. Give a notice.

Answer 6

Wait until you get the job first. And never give your employer the clue that you are searching. They will fire you sometimes because they think you want to leave anyway.

So never reveal you are leaving until it's a sure thing.

Like the old saying goes. A bird in the hand beats 2 in the bush.

Answer 7

Absolutely wait until you have a firm job offer with a start date. You have no obligation to let your employer know you're looking for something else. Just give your notice when you have your new job.

Answer 8

It would be foolish career wise and would put a strain on your working relationship with your coworkers to tell them. There's no reason to discuss anything with your current employer until you've actually been offered the new job.

Answer 9

When you have been hired by another company, you can give a few days notice, then leave. Otherwise, you can wait til you have a new job, and just tell them goodbye on your way out on your last day. Do not tell them you are looking for another job - they may fire you!

Answer 10

You should wait until you get a job offer secured, and than give a customary 2 weeks notice at your old job.