Company policy requires you to declare job interviews

[ASDnocareer]

I work in financial services (junior role) and our company policy says we have to declare and give advance notice when going for an interview at another FS firm.

Is this typical? I don’t want my manager to know but can’t risk not declaring and getting sanctioned

I’ve worked at other FS companies and none were strict enough to have such a policy.

I really don’t feel comfortable my manager finding out because will they then treat me worse once they know I’m jobhunting

But staff could still trade secrets even if they weren't looking for other roles?

Some FS roles are heavily regulated. Is yours? I’d ask them if they can advise the basis for asking this. If it’s a regulatory requirement you may have to comply. If not then I don’t see how you would have to. Their policy doesn’t give them carte Blanche to control what you do outside of work and job hunting is normal

I always either took a half-day holiday or had an emergency dentist's appointment!

Sometimes, especially with certain bosses, you really do not want them to find out you are having time off for an interview, because if you don't get the job, you've probably scuppered your chances of progression in your current company.

Doubt its got legs in law. Notice period length would reflect your replacability. If you work with data that competitors want, you would be put on garden leave the minute you handed in your notice. If you mention you are interviewing elsewhere expect to see all development opportunities dry up and to be sidelined or asterixed on any restructuring/head count reduction exercise. You are entitled to a private life outside of work and looking for alternative employment is your private right.

I’m wondering if you work in the public sector @ASDnocareer?

If you’re attending an interview in your own time - taking annual leave - what you do in your own time is private surely.

have your asked your colleagues?