Should I inform a possible hiring manager of a change in my work situation?

Anonymous

August 7,2023 at 7:39AM UTC

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Should I inform a possible hiring manager of a change in my work situation?

At the end of 2022, I was approached by a senior leader in a company that was a competitor of the company I work for and we discussed a role that fit my experience and career objectives perfectly. Back then we discussed just plans but he said that it may take longer until he is able to propose it to me as they were reorganizing. He just wanted to know if I would be interested to join at that point as a lot of people had recommended me. In April the company started a hiring freeze which should end at the end of August. Meanwhile, my work situation changed as I was affected by layoffs and was made redundant. Now my intuition tells me that I need to reach out to this person and inform him of the change in my employment situation and that I am actively looking for a job now and if I find another job what we discussed a few months ago might not be the case anymore but I am afraid not to appear too pushy or desperate. What would you do in my situation?

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AnonymousAugust 7,2023 at 11:32AM UTC
It's been since the end '22 so it's been 8+ months since your conversation .
Much has changed so you are not being pushy. Just touching base. I would definitely reach out if that person is still with the company to understand the hiring climate there.
It's a great networking opportunity.
AnonymousAugust 7,2023 at 11:56AM UTC
I certainly think you should reach out as well
AnonymousAugust 7,2023 at 1:34PM UTC
I would touch base and say you are still interested. You do not need to tell them you are no longer employed or the situation has changed. It feels like it will put pressure from them to act but it will probably only raise doubts and give them an opportunity to low ball you.
AnonymousAugust 7,2023 at 2:41PM UTC
I agree with PPs. Sorry to hear you were laid off but it’s so common these days and not a reflection of you. You should absolutely leverage your network and let them know you’re exploring new opportunities. Good luck!
AnonymousAugust 7,2023 at 3:48PM UTC
It would certainly be worth the conversation, and honestly, unless you have been in continual discussions, the person may have forgotten that you have an interest.
AnonymousAugust 8,2023 at 12:50PM UTC
I would definitely reach out - 'just touching base' and not mention that you were laid off. You could say that you are starting to seriously look for a job and leave it at that.
Kia HarrisAugust 8,2023 at 1:22PM UTC
Reach out and share while doing what’s best for you financially! You may find something even better! And if he’s a considerate leader I’m sure he heard the news already and be prepared for the call
Amy KeachAugust 8,2023 at 1:44PM UTC
This happened to me many moons ago. The only difference I can see is that I was in the final stages of interviewing and waiting on the written offer when I was laid off. I called the in-house recruiter and let her know I was actively updating my profile for all the right reasons, and they overnighted the written offer package to me. (I did say it was many moons ago lol.) I'm not saying the same thing will happen to you, but if this person really wants you he'll not only appreciate the update, but appreciate that you are actively looking for work and that what you discussed might need to change. If in the end, you wind up going to work for a different company - but keep the contact and connect on a regular basis - and you wind up in an even better role in the contact's company, how is that "bad"? You're being a professional and showing him courtesy. Wouldn't you expect him to let you know if things had changed on his end? Professionalism is a two-way street.
AnonymousAugust 8,2023 at 5:25PM UTC
Do reach out, if there was interest and he knows you are in the market he may make faster moves to get you and not lose you to another company. Let him know if there is not a permanent spot asap that you can contract or do part-time projects until there is an opening. Good luck.
Jennifer Erica SwedaAugust 9,2023 at 12:36AM UTC
Reach out. I think it'd be enough to say: Hope this finds you well. The end of Aug is coming up and I wanted to let you know I'm still very interested in the position we spoke about. He may not be at liberty to tell you more and I don't think you have to tell him more (less is more. What if he hears you were laid off and thinks: she needs a job ASAP, I'm not going to keep her as number 1 b/c now I heard the freeze isn't over til mid Sept). Keep applying and if something comes up, you can certainly get in touch a gain and explain and give him the right of first refusal. Good luck!
Katherine Metres Akbar, Interview Coach & Resume ExpertAugust 9,2023 at 1:36PM UTC
Go for it! Your instincts are perfect. Get out of your mind "pushy or desperate." Think of it as properly informing him that you'd love to support him if the time is right versus his being disappointed if you just leave the company without giving him a heads up that your position is no longer working for you.
Jill JohnsAugust 10,2023 at 3:27PM UTC
Please make sure if you have a no compete clause in your contract or layoff paperwork, there may or may not be a time limit set before you can work for a direct competitor. I would still reach out as well as noted by others just take care of protecting you and any severance agreement requirements that may be imposed.
Please know you are not being pushy but furthering your conversation and if that senior leader is not in a position of offering you a position, they may know of someone who could use your skills now. Networking is the name of the game. You must play it to be successful.
AyianAugust 10,2023 at 4:23PM UTC
Keep in touch with that person regardless, as names and interest fade over time. Now is a perfect time to reach out even if your work situation had not changed. I would definitely have a conversation with them about it and reexpress your keen interest in the position. In your email, bring back a few key points that really excited you about the organization, the role, and your career goals so that you really shine through. That's not desperation, that's asking for the job you want from someone who sounds like they want to give it to you and reminding them how great of a fit you mutually are with one another.