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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

did my boss go behind my back ?

40 replies

lalalalala123456 · 20/09/2019 13:04

so:

I work within a large company in a small team of around 10 in a specialist subject, part of my team includes the head of that team, and also my line manager - we all work in the same office.

I enjoy my job, but it can be very monotonous and there is a lot of admin to do. I have been here for almost 4 years, and expressed to my manager how I really want progression opportunities or I will have to look else where ( always been very open and honest around this matter) He his completely fine with it.

I applied for an internal role (within another department) around 4 weeks ago, as it was more money and I could transfer my skills across and there is a lot more room for development and progression - fine.

I kept this to myself as I had planned to tell my line manager only if I got an interview, I don't see the point in telling anyone unless I got offered an interview.

Anyway last week, my line manager pulled me into a meeting and said that he knows I went for an interview, why didnt I tell him , and that I should have approached him first. The reason he knows is because the head of the other department ( which I had applied for ) told the head of my team , who has then told my line manager - who has then approached me and basically said the above.

I feel like they have all caused an issue over what ? I had planned on telling my manager only if I had got an interview.

Now there seems to be an awkward mist in the air.

OP posts:
EBearhug · 20/09/2019 13:43

Thinking further - the internal job notices include the hiring manager - so you could contact them and ask for a chat to find out more, and you could ask for that discussion not to go back to your manager if you aren't sure about applying. But as soon as you do submit an application, that's when your manager is notified, so it's good to make them aware before that.

missbattenburg · 20/09/2019 13:45

Everywhere I've ever worked it has been standard to tell your manager before applying internally (and bad form not to). Not least, because they tend to be consulted as part of the application process.

KatherineJaneway · 20/09/2019 13:45

In the (large) company I work for, we're expected to inform our manager before applying for an internal post

In one company I worked in, there was a box on the application form that asks if you have informed your manager of your application.

inwood · 20/09/2019 13:45

I would stop discussing your dissatisfaction with your current role with current manager in the first instance. Are you public sector?

Tilltheendoftheline · 20/09/2019 13:51

In all jobs I have had you are meant to inform your line manager that you are applying.

The manager receiving the application will also check you have.

I get you told them in a general sense. But you should have told them before you applied.

DarlingNikita · 20/09/2019 13:54

I'd ask HR. The only time I applied for an internal job, I was told clearly at the start that I could go for an initial interview without telling my line manager. If/when they offered me a second interview I had to tell her.

Make sure you know the procedure and policy and then, if applicable, you can ask HR to back you up in clearing this up with your manager.

TBH, though, I think all the managerial staff involved have behaved badly whatever the policy. You shouldn't just be pulled into what sounds like quite a threatening meeting like that. And the team heads have basically gossiped about you.

Lazypuppy · 20/09/2019 13:55

Same organisation 100% you should have told them. Your manager was obviously going to be told his staff had applied.

If i was the interviewer i'd be concerned why you didn't tell your manager

BrokenWing · 20/09/2019 13:57

You should have told you line manager before you applied.

Very naïve to expect your line manager not to hear about your application and be part of the process to approve it.

peachgreen · 20/09/2019 14:02

It was a disciplinary offence in my previous org not to inform your line manager before applying for an internal move.

DarlingNikita · 20/09/2019 14:05

Last three posters: it might not be the same in all organisations. As I've said, I personally experienced a different protocol.

walkintheparc · 20/09/2019 14:12

The sensible thing to do would be to have told him and to get him to rally behind you. A good boss would do what they could to help you get the job, or help you understand why you might not be right for it.

WonderWomansSpin · 20/09/2019 14:25

It's fairly standard to inform your manager if you're applying for an internal role. I'm surprised you thought it could remain secret.

BearsOnTheStairs · 20/09/2019 14:29

I have no clue of the legals whatsoever but I'd have thought it was a courtesy to tell own line manager you were going for an internal interview, as the chances of them hearing about it are high so of course they would feel foolish/embarassed about it hearing from someone else. As I say, I don't know the legal side of things at all but just from a manners/PR point of view I can see why line manager is upset.

Aridane · 20/09/2019 14:44

It was a disciplinary offence in my previous org not to inform your line manager before applying for an internal move

One way of ensuring staff stay put!

BrokenLogs · 20/09/2019 14:49

I work in HR and in every company I worked in you're expected to tell your manager when you get to interview stage.

So I personally think it's bad form you didn't meny it.

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