Furloughed and interviewing for a new job - should I tell my boss?

[BellaMoo]

I’ve got an interview tomorrow for a new job that I really want. I’m a strong candidate but up against stiff competition so no idea how likely I am to get it.

I’ll need a reference from my current boss but I don’t know when to tell him. It feels deceptive to wait until (if) I get an offer, especially as I’ll need a reference. I also don’t want to jeopardise my relationship with him if I don’t have to.

For context, I’m furloughed right now from a zero hours contract and I think it will be a while (if ever) before I’ll be able to do pre-Covid hours. My current job will also be very different - all home working and lots of setting up zoom meetings etc which I’m not keen on.

The new job is not as well paid but hours will be regular, it’s in a profession relatively unaffected by Covid and I’ll get to work as part of a small team.

I wouldn’t tell him until you’ve got an offer in writing. Some bosses take it very personally when they find out an employee is leaving/ wants to leave. Imagine he takes it the wrong way and then you don’t get the new job. You’d be seen as not being a team player

I've always told my work/boss after I've been offered, would not say anything before it's awkward especially if you don't get it.

I wouldn't tell him until you have an offer (but preferably before the reference request comes in). I'm sure most bosses will be understanding that you need the hours, but no point making an uncomfortable atmosphere if you don't get it and need to keep working for him. You'd also likely put yourself top of the list if they start letting people go.

If he asks directly if you're looking elsewhere, I wouldnt lie, but that's pretty unlikely...

Thanks. Really good advice and I’ll wait to see if I get an offer before telling him.

@BellaMoo

I’ve got an interview tomorrow for a new job that I really want. I’m a strong candidate but up against stiff competition so no idea how likely I am to get it.

I’ll need a reference from my current boss but I don’t know when to tell him. It feels deceptive to wait until (if) I get an offer, especially as I’ll need a reference. I also don’t want to jeopardise my relationship with him if I don’t have to.

For context, I’m furloughed right now from a zero hours contract and I think it will be a while (if ever) before I’ll be able to do pre-Covid hours. My current job will also be very different - all home working and lots of setting up zoom meetings etc which I’m not keen on.

The new job is not as well paid but hours will be regular, it’s in a profession relatively unaffected by Covid and I’ll get to work as part of a small team.

Always always always wait for the offer (in writing)

In the last 2 weeks I have got a new job, all done over zoom interviews. I did not mention anything to my current boss and requested on the application form for a reference to be taken only after the offer of a job. I handed in my notice once I had that formal email, they requested the reference that same day.

Always after you have an offer in writing.

Most places I've been in its normal after an offer and interviewer won't ask until you've confirmed you're happy for them to approach for reference. In my curren t place I've known if my staff have been applying as I've worked to keep conversation open so they can discuss career progression with me and even looked at their applications or gone through interview questions with them. It depends on the culture of the organisation