Question about application form

[MrsMuddle]

I'm applying for a new job (local authority) and where it asks for references, it asks for a reason why they should not approach my current employer for a reference prior to getting an interview.

The thing is, I'm not desperately looking for another job - I'm only applying for this because it looks perfect. If I don't get it, I may or may not apply for anything else.

I don't particularly want my manager to know I'm applying elsewhere, but what's the "right" reason to give on the app form?

Thanks

I'd just put that your current employer is not aware that you are applying for this job and you therefore would only want them contacted in the event of an offer of employment.

I think it looks best to say ' no reason'. They probably won't unless they short-list you or ofer you the job. In NHS they don't approach referees etc until job offered. Offer subject to references. Would imagine local authority would be similar. You could probably ask them at what stage they approach the employer.

Maybe "prefer only if successful at interview" or if shortlisted, if you think that's presumptuous! I've never seen that before (am NHS, but have also done interviews for council employees).

If they are asking for a reason why they shouldn't, don't say 'no reason', otherwise they will take that as consent to approach prior to an offer.

Thanks, all.

I thought it would always be the case that current employers weren't aware that employees were applying for other jobs - or have things moved on? Do people usually tell their managers they're looking elsewhere nowadays?

If you think it's OK to put "current employer unaware" that's what I'll do. I didn't know if it would make me look sneaky and untrustworthy.

I think I may be over-analysing!

I think it is good manners to let your employer know you are looking around. It certainly does not go down well if the first you know about it is when the prospective employer rings you up for a verbal reference and you didn't even know they were looking (which I have experienced). I would always ask first before giving someone's name as a reference, and generally I would give the referees a copy of the JD for the job I was applying for as well. But I have never left a job in bad circumstances, so it's not been a problem to talk to my bosses about jobs I have been interested in.

I think it's normal for current employers not to know Mrs Muddle, particularly in your case where it's this job only and not a general decision to leave. Letting your employer know in your circumstances if it becomes unnecessary because you don't get the job could adversely affect your relationship with your manager and his/her perception of your commitment to your role.

Obviously if you're successful, you'd want to notify your manager before they might be approached for a reference, which is why it's so crucial to make sure prospective new employer is aware that they can't do this without an offer having been made.

I'm with flowery. The only industry I know where it is not uncommon to tell your 'bosses' you are looking is teaching (threatening to look elsewhere whilst negotiating pay rises is of course an entirely different matter )

Maybe it's normal in the NHS because it's seen as part of career development, and because most people move within the NHS. I am always sad when one of my team wants to move on, but see it as part of my role to support them to do so, and will often help with supporting statements and more generally with thinking about what they want to do next. This could be because we don't really do pay rises or promotions, so most staff know that they need to change jobs in order to progress (if that's what they want to do, of course).

That's probably it nooka. In that specific environment that's possible and it actually sounds much more pleasant and civilised than keeping it all secret, which can feel a bit fake, especially if you have a good relationship with your manager.

The NHS also gives time off for interviews, so if you want to use that then you have to tell your boss at some point. It can be difficult when you have someone in your team who keeps trying out for really unsuitable jobs though. I had one person who came back after interviews and told me at length about them, which was tedious (also the stories were a little bizarre). It all works well so long as you have a good relationship with your manager. But I guess that's true of most things at work.

Thank you. I do have a good relationship with my mangager and I do feel bad about not discussing it with her, but I don't want her to question my commitment.

Although I'm in the voluntary sector and haven't had a pay rise for three years, so I don't think she'd be surprised that I'd apply for a secure local authority job!

I don't think a move from the voluntary sector to the LA would surprise anyone, and three years is quite a long time in a job. If you are unsure about the reaction of your manager, hold off on telling her until you get shortlisted. When my team tell me that they are thinking about applying for jobs I don't think they are laking commitment. I do think how can I enrich their role, but mostly I start thinking about recruitment if they are good and I think the role is right for them.