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Applying for internal job, should I tell boss?

9 replies

Chocolonely · 29/11/2019 22:02

I would like to apply for an internal job, it’s at the same level but in another area.
I like my current job but the team is in disarray and it is really beginning to get me down. I’d rather not leave but when I’ve tried to discuss how I feel with my boss they tell me I need to be more resilient and/or they get annoyed.
I am not the only one feeling this way, I am aware of at least 3 other people in the team actively applying for other jobs.
The dilemma I have is whether I should let my boss know I am applying, I think they may not react well and could ‘punish’ me. They often talk about loyalty and tell team that we need to have each other backs etc. However there is a likely hood that they will find out and I’d rather tell them personally then find out through the grapevine. However colleagues think telling my boss is a bad idea......
There is no guarantee I will get the job or even an interview so I want to try and keep good relations. My boss also works with people who will be in the interview panel etc. In an ideal world I’d like to stay in my current job but I am becoming depressed.
Does anyone have any guidance in regards to whether I should tell my boss and/or have experience on how to handle this?

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daisychain01 · 30/11/2019 08:37

The general protocol where I work is that you can apply for internal roles but if you are invited for interview it's your obligation to advise this fact to your Delivery Manager. If its an external role youdont have to say anything until you hand in your resignation and your notice period kicks in.

Another natty little tip is to contact the recruiting manager and ask for an informal chat that's 100% confidential and gives you the chance for a quick preview of the role and whether your new manager seems like someone you can work with. I've done that plenty of times. It could mean deciding not to submit your CV as the role isn't what youre looking for. Plus your DM never needs to know.

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Chocolonely · 30/11/2019 09:55

Bump in case anyone has any advice?

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GiveHerHellFromUs · 30/11/2019 09:57

Yeah in my workplace you have to discuss it with your line manager first. Even if you didn't have to, it would be the courteous thing to do.

If you're good at your job, they'll generally even recommend you for it and put a good word in.

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Chocolonely · 30/11/2019 13:33

Thank you

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CatUnderTheStairs · 30/11/2019 13:40

I was in this position and had a nightmare boss. I contacted new department and had an informal chat. It turned out it was no secret my boss was a nightmare and the department f*cked.

Managed not to tell boss till I’d had interview and got new job. Officially boss should have known.

Under normal circumstances I’d have told a reasonable boss I was applying for a different role. But there was no reasonableness.

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daisychain01 · 30/11/2019 19:27

If you're good at your job, they'll generally even recommend you for it and put a good word in

No way! If you're good at your job, you can bet they'll try to cling on to you as long as they can because it's a complete pita trying to replace a competent worker. It can take on this if ever to get back to full efficiency.

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daisychain01 · 30/11/2019 21:02

It can take months, if ever ...

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EBearhug · 01/12/2019 01:56

At our place, when you submit an internal application, it automatically notifies your current manager, so you don't get a choice.

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Chocolonely · 01/12/2019 14:18

Where I work there is no obligation to say anything. I am considered a good worker and get on with my boss BUT....lots of people want to leave and some have. So timing isn’t great and I think they view things in a very 2 dimensional way, ie: you are loyal or you are not loyal. So I am anxious they may see me a being in the ‘not loyal’ camp for considering a move.
I do like where I work and in theory I like my role, it’s just the situation/environment and the threat that we may be shut down tomorrow, though not sure if that is true. It’s used to keep us all under the thumb a bit I think.
My thoughts are, I have an informal chat with hiring manager, apply. Then let boss know If I am shortlisted. There is still a chance they find out as the hiring manager works with my boss but will ask them to keep it confidential.......
I need to get over the stomach churning anxiety of all of this!!