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Started By
Message
Advice on job hunting while employed
Posted on 12/7/14 at 5:48 pm
Posted on 12/7/14 at 5:48 pm
I'm a field manager for one of the major railroads. I loved my job in my former location but I took a lateral to another spot where the work load is killing me. In fact, the manager I replaced (an Army combat veteran) was hospitalized for exhaustion before he quit.
I have just applied for two positions between two other railroads. I am a very competitive candidate so I expect an interview with at least one.
My question is how should I handle my current position? I am well liked and am on a fast track program to move up, so I know the company does not want to lose me. Many know how stressful my position is but none know I am looking to leave. When and how should I let them know? If I could lateral to another location, I would but how do I bring that up?
There's only two other managers where I'm at and we cannot take single day vacations, so I'll need an excuse on why I need a personal day.
Finally, one of the positions I'm looking at is in Jackson. What are my chances of not getting killed?
I have just applied for two positions between two other railroads. I am a very competitive candidate so I expect an interview with at least one.
My question is how should I handle my current position? I am well liked and am on a fast track program to move up, so I know the company does not want to lose me. Many know how stressful my position is but none know I am looking to leave. When and how should I let them know? If I could lateral to another location, I would but how do I bring that up?
There's only two other managers where I'm at and we cannot take single day vacations, so I'll need an excuse on why I need a personal day.
Finally, one of the positions I'm looking at is in Jackson. What are my chances of not getting killed?
Posted on 12/7/14 at 5:50 pm to ClydeFrog
Jackson, LA ?
Jackson, MS?
Jackson, TN?
etc.
Jackson, MS?
Jackson, TN?
etc.
Posted on 12/7/14 at 5:51 pm to ClydeFrog
Just don't show up to work the next day after another company hires you
Posted on 12/7/14 at 5:52 pm to ClydeFrog
You work for a RR and
Very punny.
quote:
I am well liked and am on a fast track
Very punny.
Posted on 12/7/14 at 5:53 pm to ClydeFrog
Considered expressing the concern to your current employer? If you're really on the fast track as you say, I would imagine they would try to work with you.
Posted on 12/7/14 at 5:53 pm to ClydeFrog
Call in sick if no vacation
Posted on 12/7/14 at 5:57 pm to ClydeFrog
Don't list your work email and phone number on your resume.
Posted on 12/7/14 at 6:01 pm to ClydeFrog
Why can't you just put "personal/family business" as your reason for taking a personal day. How much input/information do they need to know about your non-work life?
I'd wait to talk to your work to ask about the parallel move once you receive an offer, but that's just me.
I'd wait to talk to your work to ask about the parallel move once you receive an offer, but that's just me.
Posted on 12/7/14 at 6:02 pm to ClydeFrog
quote:I assume you would work out of one of the downtown RR yards. When we were kids we would ride our bikes down along Mill Street to watch the trains. Cheap entertainment.
Jackson, Mississippi.
Wouldn't ride by there now in an armored car.
On the other hand if it's a standard commute to work, New_Jackson (otherwise known as any surrounding county other than Hinds) is quite nice.
Posted on 12/7/14 at 6:07 pm to shutterspeed
quote:
d wait to talk to your work to ask about the parallel move once you receive an offer, but that's just me.
That's what I was leaning towards, thanks. I was trying to decide between saying something after an interview (to give my company more time to find a place for me to lateral) vs after an offer (more leverage but less time for my company to counter).
Posted on 12/7/14 at 6:09 pm to shutterspeed
quote:
I'd wait to talk to your work to ask about the parallel move once you receive an offer, but that's just me.
Unfortunately this is probably the correct answer. I have a lot of friends that tried to do the right thing and talked with their employer before going to interviews and were essentially told not to bother coming back if they showed up to interview. Employers are getting pretty shitty about looking around now. I have one friend that is a mechanic and he has taken two other jobs and gone to put in a two week notice and both current places told him to pack his box and get out within the day.
I tell my guys up front that if they are looking for another job to come talk to me and be honest. I will work someone until the day they leave to go to another job, it doesn't hurt my feelings. I guess I am a rarity though.
Posted on 12/7/14 at 6:27 pm to ClydeFrog
you shouldn't be concerned at all about working in Jackson, as I have been to a lot of places that I felt less secure living...it is just like any other southern city of its size, IMO...
the suburbs are actually very nice and the traffic is much better than other cities of similar size...
there are several posters on the site who live in the area, so if you need more info just let us know...
the suburbs are actually very nice and the traffic is much better than other cities of similar size...
there are several posters on the site who live in the area, so if you need more info just let us know...
Posted on 12/7/14 at 6:41 pm to ClydeFrog
You have a couple good options. You can wait until you get an offer from the other companies. If you like the offer, let your current boss know about it. If you would rather transfer within your current company, you can let him know that too. That way you have an out no matter what.
Posted on 12/7/14 at 7:38 pm to SUB
If you have allegiance to your current employer, once you get an offer find out how long you have to provide them with an answer. Get the offer in writing and go to your employer.
Let them know you have a job offer and have X amount of time to respond to the potential new employer. Your current employer knows what's going on with your current position but you need to let them know the working conditions are the reason you have sought new opportunities. Specifically tell folks who can impact the situation in a positive manner WHY you went looking elsewhere. If that's the only reason, stress it to them. Let them know if you'd rather stay, and make a suggestion. Then let them know if that doesn't work you're open to suggestion.
If your employer values you, they'll hear your explanation for why you went hunting and if they value you enough, they'll find a way to keep you. Whether it's working with you, a raise, additional help, a new position, if you get something from them, get them to put that in writing and perhaps consider contacting HR about the commitments made.
If that doesn't happen, and no counter is made, then you've learned your true value and you can go with a clear head held up high.
Just went through an extremely similar situation. Drew out over time like a long blade for me. Helped me appreciate where I was before and where I am after. Best of luck to you. I know how you feel.
Let them know you have a job offer and have X amount of time to respond to the potential new employer. Your current employer knows what's going on with your current position but you need to let them know the working conditions are the reason you have sought new opportunities. Specifically tell folks who can impact the situation in a positive manner WHY you went looking elsewhere. If that's the only reason, stress it to them. Let them know if you'd rather stay, and make a suggestion. Then let them know if that doesn't work you're open to suggestion.
If your employer values you, they'll hear your explanation for why you went hunting and if they value you enough, they'll find a way to keep you. Whether it's working with you, a raise, additional help, a new position, if you get something from them, get them to put that in writing and perhaps consider contacting HR about the commitments made.
If that doesn't happen, and no counter is made, then you've learned your true value and you can go with a clear head held up high.
Just went through an extremely similar situation. Drew out over time like a long blade for me. Helped me appreciate where I was before and where I am after. Best of luck to you. I know how you feel.
This post was edited on 12/7/14 at 7:41 pm
Posted on 12/7/14 at 7:46 pm to ClydeFrog
Im guessing leaving KCS and applying with UP and CN?
Better hope CN calls....call off sick obviously
Better hope CN calls....call off sick obviously
Posted on 12/7/14 at 7:52 pm to ClydeFrog
1) If they are that inquisitive about taking a personal day call in sick with the flu.
2) Get a written offer in hand from the new employer before you make any moves with your current job.
3) If you accept the new job give them 2 weeks notice and that's it. Be aware your employer has the option to accept your resignation immediately and escort you off the property. It's policy at some large companies so have your ducks in a row before that day (contacts backed up from email/phone, any personal files backed up on a jump drive, etc.)
I've never been a big fan of using a new job offer to negotiate with your current employer. It sets a precedent of bad blood and won't be forgotten. When times get slow (and they will as everything is cyclical) guess who is first to go?
It doesn't sound like you've exhausted every opportunity available in the current job to try and rectify what's wrong there or transfer though.
Good luck.
2) Get a written offer in hand from the new employer before you make any moves with your current job.
3) If you accept the new job give them 2 weeks notice and that's it. Be aware your employer has the option to accept your resignation immediately and escort you off the property. It's policy at some large companies so have your ducks in a row before that day (contacts backed up from email/phone, any personal files backed up on a jump drive, etc.)
I've never been a big fan of using a new job offer to negotiate with your current employer. It sets a precedent of bad blood and won't be forgotten. When times get slow (and they will as everything is cyclical) guess who is first to go?
It doesn't sound like you've exhausted every opportunity available in the current job to try and rectify what's wrong there or transfer though.
Good luck.
Posted on 12/7/14 at 8:10 pm to AndyCBR
He should read his contact also. My current contract requires a 6 week notice.
Posted on 12/7/14 at 10:11 pm to XLIVsaints
quote:
Better hope CN calls
What do you know about CN?
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