job-switching etiquette?

[MarxistPreVet]

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I currently work in an animal research lab on campus, but about two months ago applied for a job as a surgical assistant at the local school of veterinary medicine. I never expected a callback, since I'm sure they received hundreds of apps. Surprisingly, I just got an email letting me know I was one of the most promising applicants--am I still interested? I said yes, and am now wondering at what point I let my current boss know I've been looking for another position. When I go for an interview? Right now, before an interview? If I receive an offer?

I really like my current boss, and I feel guilty about this!

 

[Jess Monster]

I currently work in an animal research lab on campus, but about two months ago applied for a job as a surgical assistant at the local school of veterinary medicine. I never expected a callback, since I'm sure they received hundreds of apps. Surprisingly, I just got an email letting me know I was one of the most promising applicants--am I still interested? I said yes, and am now wondering at what point I let my current boss know I've been looking for another position. When I go for an interview? Right now, before an interview? If I receive an offer?

I really like my current boss, and I feel guilty about this!

Wait for the offer to come in, negotiate a start date with your new employer (two or three weeks into the future), then give your current employer two week notice. Writing some kind of basic resignation letter also helps (it can be an e-mail, just something official-like in writing in case of verbal communication problems).

Just be polite about it and thank your current boss for the awesome experience etc. Most people who employ students know that their presence is often temporary.

 

[dalmatiandoc17]

I agree with what JM said. Also, when I went through the same thing I explained how I needed this new experience for vet school and I was trying to put myself in the right position to apply. The vet really respected that because she wasn't quite as focused when she was in school. She understood that I was doing what I needed to, not leaving because I didn't want to stay there and help them or that I didn't like them.

 

[LetItSnow]

Wait for the offer to come in, negotiate a start date with your new employer (two or three weeks into the future), then give your current employer two week notice. Writing some kind of basic resignation letter also helps (it can be an e-mail, just something official-like in writing in case of verbal communication problems).

Perfect. But, I'd tell them in person first and, as part of that conversation, ask what kind of official notification they need. Better to make sure you leave on good terms by having a sit down with the boss. It's too easy for email to be perceived wrong. The best separations I've had are when people come, sit down, and tell me why they're moving on. Those always end up being the people I stay in touch with and write glowing references for.

Don't feel guilty about it just because you like your current boss. Tell them how much you've appreciated having a great boss and that you hope your next one is just as good. They'll be disappointed you're leaving, but nobody will hold it against you for taking advantage of a good opportunity.

 

[Emiloo4]

If your boss decides to ask why you never told him (which he shouldn't), just explain that you applied as a long shot and didn't think you'd get it. That it all happened so quickly between the interview notification and being hired that you never had a chance to speak with him about it. Just a thought.

 

[Kpowell14]

If your boss decides to ask why you never told him (which he shouldn't), just explain that you applied as a long shot and didn't think you'd get it. That it all happened so quickly between the interview notification and being hired that you never had a chance to speak with him about it. Just a thought.

👍

I totally used this when I applied to the speciality clinic.. I never expected it to lead to a job offer and when I told my boss we laughed about it together. We still keep in touch and she has been an outstanding reference!