Applying for a job internally. Do I tell my current manager?

[OrangeBrickRoad]

I’ve been in my current role 1.5 years with lots of previous experience in this role too so I don’t think it’ll be viewed badly will it? I’ve seen a job advertised internally and had a very initial discussion with the hiring manager. I should tell my current manager I’m looking at a role? Or wait until I actually apply? Do most managers see it as a positive step that you want to develop and move forward with your career? I don’t know what my odds are of getting this other role so I don’t want to burn any bridges in my current role. I’m actually quite happy in current role but just happened to hear about this other role. My DH thinks it’s easier to just stay put if I’m happy but if I wonder what the chances are of another job opening in the future when I’m more ready to move roles. TIA

It will depend on where you work I think, and your manager. I work in the civil service and would absolutely mention to my manager if I was applying for another role within the CS, and would ask them to review my application form for tips etc. I'd do the same for those I manage/more junior in my team.

I would think its probably a good move if it's an internal role in case they find out from someone else!

in my work we need to have permission from current manager to apply for something else

It usually says if applying for an internal role your line manager should be informed. It's just curtesy to let them know.

I think it depends on your relationship with your manager.
In my organisation it's 100% the done thing but I have once done it with only my managers manager in the loop.

Like PPs, where I work you’re expected to discuss it with your line manager first.

Thanks! Sounds like I definitely need to discuss it first. I’m not 100% sure I’ll apply but maybe I’ll still mention I’m considering it so if I go ahead it’s not out of the blue. Is it usually seen as a positive thing? I hope it’ll be viewed that way. I wouldn’t want to damage my chances of getting something within my existing team if I’m not successful with this application.

It feels a bit of an awkward thing to raise with my line manager but I guess my line manager is probably very used to these discussions. They’ve plenty of management experience so it won’t be the first time!

When I applied for something recently I had just had my appraisal and had talked about how happy I was in current role etc 2 weeks later a very rare opportunity popped up.
My manager was brilliant about it - I didn't get the job so he's stuck with me so good job he was supportive really even though it would have really screwed things up.

I'd definitely have the talk with my manager, and would approach it as part of my monthly development conversations with them. I would ask for advice on my application - run my examples past my manager for a sense check, ask her to proof read my application, and if I was unsuccessful, I would share the feedback from the recruiting manager with my line manager with the gaps or the areas where I wasn't so strong, to see what opportunities my manager can give me to develop in those areas so I am more likely to be successful next time.

I actively work with my direct reports to give them stretch and projects they can use to show their abilities, and suggest they keep a note of certain things that make good examples for promotion applications. I want to keep my team (they are brilliant) but if they are ambitious, I'm happy for them if they get a chance to reach a higher grade. I think most good managers have a similar mindset, I wouldn't feel worried about discussing it with my manager.

Yes, definitely courteous to let them know (and a rule in most places).

I have always been private sector and it would not only be expected but would be frowned upon to discuss an internal role without speaking to the current line manager first. Line managers usually expect that people want to progress and move on and should be supporting it.

Thanks everyone! Line manager is a hands off type but it sounds like it’s time for a discussion about what I’m looking for longer term. I didn’t think of asking them for help but makes sense that they might be able to. They may even know someone who’s made a similar move in the past. That could be really useful info! Thanks

Good luck!