When you get a new job...

[GeneralMusings]

So.

I've been applying for jobs recently and was wondering. When you get The Phone call with a new job offer (well I'm hoping I will eventually!) when so you tell your current job?

I was initially thinking pretty much there and then. But then thought do you need to wait until you have a contract? And how long does that take??

Thankyou 😊. (Really hoping they don't all say no thanks!)

Usually once I’ve reviewed the contract and confirmed they can begin referencing. In my industry that will usually be the same week. Presuming the offer is conditional to good references you won’t sign the contract until after that and will therefore need to tell your current employer once you’ve received the offer so they can be contacted for the reference.

I've never had a new contract until the first day at a job. I've always waited until new place sends me the offer in writing (usually via email), then give my notice to current job.

When they do this they will discuss a start date with you, which obviously depends on your current notice period.

Thankyou yes I remember now that this job I signed my contract after I started 🙈.

References should be fine. I've got good relationships with these people and obviously would need to know.

I was thinking about colleagues as well. I am trying not to get excited yet but I so want this new role! Then realised maybe I shouldn't tell people straight away as I was likely to do?

They know the notice period as that was in the application form and won't be an issue in current role (I'm not super senior).

Just didn't want to get it wrong.

Also. When do you ask how much holiday the job has?? And about holiday I've booked. On that offer phone call or email HR after??

And I would like some input as to hours (or days if I get one of the part time ones I've applied for but I want full time really).

Do I ask that in the initial phone call or follow up email? I don't want to look grabby so don't want to get it wrong. Main thing is I really want the job!

Once I've had the formal offer in writing after all the pay and hours negotiations have taken place (typically by email these days).

Respond to the written offer asking the questions you want the answers to and advising again of your notice period and that you have a booked holiday already. It’s not “grabby”, you’re accepting a job not making a new best friend. They want a productive employee who will want to stay in role, they’re just as interested in the job being a good fit for you as you are.

The questions about holiday and hours etc are exactly why it’s utterly bonkers to me that some people don’t even see their employment contract until the day they start the job. I’m a lawyer, I want to see the contract and go through it with a fine tooth comb to make sure what they’re offering and expecting is what I want to agree to before I go handing in my notice!

I've never handed in my notice without signing the new contract. However, that's standard in my industry

The new job has a public pay spine so that won't be a negotiation as they were clear on the ad about that. But Google isn't telling me their holiday. I don't think it's negotiable I just want to know it!

They said they'd ring. So do I ask in the phone call or follow up with an email?

The grabby thing is me worrying about coming across to a new employer wrong (last interview I asked these q in the interview which I think wasn't right!) and knowing the game so you're all helping so much! Thankyou.

They've offered you the job, this is all part of finalising the job offer.