“Should I Tell My Boss I'm Looking for Another Job?” Here's When—and How

Raise your hand if you’ve ever opened a new tab to search for jobs while clocked in for our current jobs. It happens—but disclosing your secret search is a whole other story. Should you tell your boss that you are looking for another job? We’re going to give that a hard no. 

We get it: On one hand, you want to be honest and maintain a good relationship with your employer (you might even think of them as a friend as well as a boss). On the other, you might worry about potential consequences like losing your job before you're ready to leave. 

Personal circumstances and feelings aside, the answer in most cases is still no. In this article, we’ll discuss with experts how much to share at work, whether you should disclose that you're unhappy with your current role, and how to communicate that you received another offer.

Should I tell my boss I'm looking for another job? Why the answer is probably no

“The unfortunate reality of today's workforce is that companies do not typically value employee loyalty, and the only way to advance your career, both in pay and title, is to go to a new company,” says Melissa Trager, career expert and founder of Resume All Day. “But I would recommend applying discretely and continuing to put in 100% at your current job.” 

Here’s why it's safer to keep your job search to yourself until you've secured a new position:

• Risk of job loss: If your employer knows you're planning to leave, they may start looking for your replacement sooner rather than later. In some cases, this could mean you’re let go before you’ve had a chance to find a new job, leaving you without income or benefits.

• Damaged relationships: Revealing that you're job hunting can strain your relationship with your boss and colleagues. They might see you as less committed, leading to reduced responsibilities or a change in how you're treated at work.

• Missed opportunities: If your boss knows you're leaving, they might stop considering you for promotions, raises, or other opportunities that could have come your way.

Should you tell coworkers you are looking for another job?

It can be tempting to confide in a coworker, but it’s usually safer to keep your job search completely private until you’re ready to make your move.

In some rare situations, sharing your plans with a trusted coworker might be beneficial, especially if they can offer advice or support. However, if you do decide to share, make sure it’s with someone who has a reputation for discretion and professionalism. 

In nearly all other circumstances, telling your coworkers that you're looking for another job is not advisable. Even if you have close relationships with them, this information can spread quickly, leading to unintended consequences. 

Pro tip: Also stay quiet on social media

Some people might think it's obvious not to tell their boss, but then they post oblivious content about job searching on social media. It’s a safe bet to assume that your employers monitor your social media in one way or another. This applies to professional social platforms like LinkedIn, but also personal accounts such as Instagram and TikTok.

What if you're looking for another job internally?

Should you let your boss know you are looking for another job internally? The general rule of thumb is to keep your job hunting private. But not everything is so black and white; there are two particular scenarios where it could make sense to be open about your job search.

If you're applying for an internal position, you should absolutely communicate your desire to your boss. Being upfront will work in your favor because your boss will most likely be a reference or advocate for your internal application. Also, it's considered bad form if your boss has to learn about your internal moves from another person inside the company.

The other specific scenario is when you want to change careers. If you're currently working a job that just pays your bills but is building the path toward your dream career, it might be hard not to let those dreams show in your personality and day-to-day interactions. Opening up about your plans might make sense in a supportive work environment.

Should I let my boss know I am unhappy? 

It depends. If your dissatisfaction is tied to specific issues that could be resolved, bringing them up might lead to positive changes and improvements in your work environment. Make sure not to just complain but rather express what your current role is lacking and ask your boss to be your teammate in finding a solution. 

“You can propose some ideas that you have, like working on a cross-functional project or having a direct report that would increase your happiness in the role,” Trager says.

However, if you believe that discussing your unhappiness won't lead to any productive outcomes—or worse, could harm your standing—it might be better to focus on finding a new opportunity quietly.

How to tell your boss you're looking for another job

If telling your boss is the right move for your case, here’s how to approach the conversation:

1. Pick the right time: Timing is everything. Choose a moment when your boss will likely be in a good mood and not swamped with deadlines.

2. Be honest, but tactful: Start by expressing appreciation for your current role and what you've learned. Then, explain that you're exploring new opportunities to grow in your career.

3. Focus on the positive: Frame your job search as a proactive step in your career development rather than a reaction to dissatisfaction with your current job.

4. Help with the transition: Show that you're committed to leaving on a positive note by offering to help train your replacement or wrap up ongoing projects.

Here’s an example of how you might approach the conversation:

“I wanted to have an open conversation with you because I value the relationship we’ve built. I’ve really enjoyed working here, and I learn a lot, but I’m at a point in my career where I’m exploring new opportunities to continue growing and challenging myself. I wanted to be upfront with you about my plans, and I’m committed to making this a smooth transition for the team. I’m happy to assist in training a new hire or wrapping up any ongoing projects.”

This approach is honest, positive, and shows that you consider your employer’s needs. 

Should I tell my boss I've been offered another job?

“Employers tend to realize too late that they have lost good talent and will try to retain individuals only after they have put in their termination notice,” Trager says. Opening up about the offer you receive is a popular approach to keep your current job but negotiate better terms. 

If you’re an exemplary employee, your current employer might be open to negotiating not to lose you. But if you’re not interested in staying in your current company no matter what sort of counter-offer you might receive, it’s best to officially accept the new job before breaking the news to your current boss.

How to tell your boss you got a new job

Once you know you’re going to resign, schedule a 1:1 meeting with your boss to break the news. 

Communicate positively, thanking them for the opportunity to learn and grow while working at the company. “It's a small world, and if you’re working in the same industry, you never know who you’ll cross paths with again,” Trager says. “Maintaining strong working relationships and leaving a positive lasting impression on your current employer will pay off in the future.”

Hot take: What if we flipped the script?

Instead of simply asking, “Should I tell my boss I'm looking for another job?” perhaps we should consider, “Why shouldn’t I feel comfortable  disclosing my career aspirations?”

In a healthy, equitable workplace, shouldn't exploring new opportunities be viewed as a natural part of professional growth, rather than something that causes anxiety? Shouldn't a good employer want their employees to be happy and fulfilled, even if that means they might move on?

It’s worth reflecting on how much more positive our work environments could be if open communication and mutual respect were the norm.

Until that time comes, keep in mind the expert advice above, and remember you can always count on FairyGodBoss for women-to-women advice on navigating the job market.