Free Career and Job Search Advice

[Katja144]

I'm starting to get desperate about this job-hunting thing and plan to put a Power Networking plan into effect (which basically will entail begging anyone I know who might know someone to tell me if they hear about anything/put in a good word for me. My network is pretty much nonexistent; my family are all blue-collar so they are not higher-ups in a company nor do they know any; I don't have that many friends since college, nor ones who "know people." Especially since I know practically nobody in the area I'm looking to move to).

So frankly, I'm thinking one of my best networking bets would be my current boss.

I work in a data center at a bank, and he (or someone else in my bank or department) might know someone at a bank in the area I'm trying to move to and it might be a way to get a foot in the door.

But I'm not sure I should level with him. I don't know how he'd feel about it. I mean, I would assure him that the only reason I am leaving is because I NEED to live in this other area, and that I'd stay with the bank if they had any branches in that area, and that my work is not going to fall by the wayside just because I'm looking for another job.

He's a reasonable guy, I don't think he'd get vindictive and try to find reasons to fire me or make my life hell just because I'm looking for another job.

But it could take me months or longer to find something else...during which time things might be uncomfortable with my boss/coworkers? I'm also afraid that because I work in such a secure area, that when I do find another job and put in my two-week notice, they'd do the "just leave now," thing, so I'm afraid that he might have to do that if he knew I was looking for another job as well.

Is it ever a good idea to tell your boss you're looking for another job?

[lexa10881]

If you have a good boss, then things might work out for you. However, even a good boss can be not so good once they know you are planning on leaving. Do the looking yourself just to make sure that there are no areas to transfer in, don't ask for the boss' assistance. If you do find something, then mention the possibility of a transfer.

As for help with resigning when the time comes:

http://www.cvtips.com/before_you_resign.html

[stevekerp]

I'd suggest you not limit your options. One is to work through your boss, and another is to take a critical look at the strategy you've been using.

You're not happy in your present position, otherwise you wouldn't be looking. Is it an income issue? If not, then your boss should probably know why you're looking; perhaps he/she can change things. And maybe things need to be changed.

If it's income, could you take on additional responsibilities and get a pay increase?

If you just don't like the banking industry, maybe you could find something part-time (or even volunteer) that would get your foot in the door or get you some good contacts in the industry you would prefer. Perhaps you have a hobby or other interest that could be converted to a source of revenue.

Maybe your strategy itself needs attention. If you've been filling out applications and mailing resumes and have gotten nowhere, then either 1) no one is hiring and no one is getting jobs, or 2) other people are getting jobs and your strategy stinks. If other people are getting interviews and getting jobs, you need to dump the obsolete and ineffective strategies and try something new. "Proposals" is one very effective strategy, and it's the one I recommend. But there may be others. Ask people you know who have gotten jobs and ask them how. If your bank is hiring, talk to the new hires and see how they got accepted.

Begging is usually not the best way to go, because you wind up with low self esteem and low posture. If you get a job you will be paid like a beggar, not like a professional.

Forgive my rambling. Hope there's something here that you and other readers of this forum will find helpful.

Best,

Steve
www.rogershermansociety.com/lostjob.htm

[julian]

Steve is right.

But limiting myself to your question, I think you can talk to him in your situation. It's not like you're resigning because of a conflict, or because you want to go to a competent company, or because you have done something wrong.
You want to change jobs because you are practically leaving. This is a reason for which he won't become "vindictive" or something. If you take him with the right words, you'll even get a good letter of recommendation, if you ask me

http://www.cvtips.com/reference_letter_of.html

Go talk to him like professionals And good luck too!

[mphcoach]

What's the worst that could happen?

If you can get used to that (chances are that it won't, but if you get used to it you will at least have a bit of a plan), then you can move forward with that in mind.

To do this you have to be painfully honest with yourself and see if you can hack it.

Hope this helps

Regards

Martin
http://www.HowToLandYourDreamJob.com