Jobseeking ethos

[lanciachris]

Following my rather less than stellar meeting with the boss yesterday I am looking for another job.

Question - how are you supposed to go about without pissing off your current employers? Given that job seeking can only realistically be done within working hours.

I am having to talk on the mobile to job agencies in front of everyone else in the office because theres no where else to do so, as at lunchtime when i can be out of the office, the job agencies are out at lunch too!

[titiany]

tell your agencies to leave voicemail messages for you. Then take up smoking, and go out for frequent ciggy breaks. Then give up when you're done.

(I actually did that once - it worked for me!)

[JonRB]

Job hunting is so much easier these days as so much can be done with email and web sites. The mobile phone is a godsend too.

I remember trying to move jobs in the mid-90's and it was a nightmare trying to use my (then) current employer's phone and fax to jobhunt under their nose. Got hauled in front of the boss in the end as I wasn't being discreet enough. Oops.

'Going for a walk' with your mobile when you receive a call is a little obvious, but you'd be surprised what people will turn a blind eye to if it isn't in their face.

>> Edited by JonRB on Tuesday 18th January 13:57

[dick dastardly]

Take your lunch an hour earlier/later or do it online (www.reed.co.uk)

[ledger]

every job I have left I have told my boss that I was looking for a new job. That way they were not suprised when I did leave, seemed to make the entire affair more civilised.

Then again I've probably been lucky

[lanciachris]

ledger, what kind of bosses have you had? im wondering if this is the approach to take and if so how to inform the boss of it. I can make my reasons not related to his total arseness

[munter]

I know several people who have openly said to their boss that they are seeking better employment. One of them got a pay rise. The rest suddenly found themselves at home a lot looking at a cardboard box full of stuff from their desk..... You have the judge the boss i guess.

[KingRichard]

If he's an Arse... don't tell him your looking for another job FFS!

You'll be out of there quicker than anything, and without a new job to go to, will find yourself up brown creek without any wellies

[ledger]

lanciachris said:

ledger, what kind of bosses have you had? im wondering if this is the approach to take and if so how to inform the boss of it. I can make my reasons not related to his total arseness

Well petrolted was one of my bosses :-).

basically if I've not been happy I've let the boss know why, not challenged, not well enough paid etc. Given them a chance to rectify things, then finally said look I'm still not happy and I'm going to start looking around.

generally I've been quite lucky with bosses

[icamm]

The other thing to remember is that agencies are used to talking to people who cannot speak to them during office hours. Get a name/number and then ask them to phone you back at lunch time or in the evening. If they don't then you still have their name/number to contact them.

[puggit]

Ummm - if I remember correctly, if you tell your employer you are looking for another job then:

a) they can't fire you for it - tribunal time! $$$$

b) they have to give you time off to look (or is this only with impending redundancy?)

[MikeyT]

puggit said:

Ummm - if I remember correctly, if you tell your employer you are looking for another job then: a) they can't fire you for it - tribunal time! $$$$ b) they have to give you time off to look (or is this only with impending redundancy?)

a) true

b) No chance!!*

*unless you're a teacher in which case you can move around with impunity

[lanciachris]

Hmm.... Ill speak to the middle manager, hes got his head screwed on, except for working for this company and see what he says

[gargamel]

Hi all - I am a search and selection consultant/ Headhunter/ Recruitment agent call it what you will.

Yes we are used to dealing with people who can't speak in the office, most of the time I am in at 08:00 - take a short lunch and often in the office until 19:00 precisely for these reasons. (its not all work though)

I think have a meeting with your line manager try to clear the air, understand how he sees you and the development potential you have in that role.

Then go externally armed with the information about why you are looking, and what you are trying to achieve by moving roles/companies.

It makes it easier for agents to assist you.

also always tell the truth to your agent, it really doe make things a good deal easier !