Need advice.

Need advice. I’m starting to seek internal opportunities within my company. How should I respond if I’m asked if my current manager knows that I’m interviewing? I don’t plan on letting my manager know until I have an offer at hand. Any thought?

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13 Comments

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  1. Maryam

    You can say you will let him or her know if and when there’s something serious. Having said that, it is hard to ensure confidentiality in such internal situations. It is always better for your manager to hear directly from you rather than from HR or other managers. You can position it better yourself in your own words.

  2. Anonymous

    I agree, no one is trustworthy in such a large company but I do like your suggestive response. I also agree letting the manager know before someone else does.

  3. Cheryl Isley

    You definitely want to let your current manager know. It is much better if they find this out from you first. They will absolutely find out. Quite often in reviewing internal candidates your current manager is contacted as reference.

    There is a sense from what you have written, you and your current manager may have some issues. If that is the case, frame your conversation around the idea that you appreciate time in your current position, you like working at the company, and finally, you now have the desire to contribute to the company and expand your experience in another area within the company. Keep the focus on what you can or want to do for the company.

  4. Anonymous

    Thank you for your responding. I don’t have any issues with my current manager instead for me to be promoted to the next level, I will have to work towards a progression plan in order to request for a promotion in 2022. Just the other day I was asked to take on a senior level workload and when I asked if this would be the path to promotion, I was told no. Obviously, my manager believes that I have the ability and I’m capable to do the job but not for promotion? I’ve been w/ the company for 17 years, just completed my masters and still have to go though hurdles to be considered for a promotion. Meanwhile, others are being promoted without the same level of degree, less tenure, and have not done anything magnificent. Sounds to me the system works for the chosen individuals.

  5. Ashley Nicole

    One things I’ve learned and was told growing up is you can’t worry about what everyone else is doing or has. I learned that every closed door means there is something better in store for me. You just have to be patient and keep going, keep building and look for other opportunities.

  6. Ashley Nicole

    As a hiring manager, just be honest. If you and your boss work well together they should want you to succeed. If you feel as though you’re at a deadend position and can’t grow where you are. Then say that, whatever the case, just be honest.

  7. Anonymous

    I agree! Thank you

  8. Maddy Mcloyd

    Great points! I will be sure to find pour the application process. Thank you ?

  9. Jackie Ghedine

    Find out the policy within your organization first. Some companies allow you to move internally without the discussion while others expect you to let your current manager know.

  10. Anonymous

    That's interesting that your current company doesn't require you to tell your current manager that you're pursing other internal opportunities...hmmm.

    Most companies I've worked for require it and you usually have to tell your current manager before you submit your internal application. In fact, I've seen internal applications ask if you've told your current manager (this "yes/no" question could make or break your application process too) because most likely, HR/hiring manager ends up bringing your current manager into your internal hiring experience. I would definitely tell my current manager first because this eliminates any room for confusion, rumors or drama (and prevents feeling blindsided). It's better your current manager hears the truth/news from you versus from some outside their team.

  11. Anonymous

    The HR department may contact the current manager before the OP has a chance to do so. Or the potential new manager might .

  12. Geeta Ludwiczak

    Tell the truth.

  13. Carrie Arfa

    I always want to know when my team members are seeking other positions. I don't expect them to stay in their same roles forever and my job as a manager is to open doors and help them build their careers. If I know what they are interested in, I can put them forward for opportunities or special assignments that may not be posted to the internal job boards.

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