Dear Experts, I'm an office administrator at my current place of employment. However, I am currently looking for an internship or new job opportunity. I’m afraid when an opportunity comes along, I won’t be able to give my company more than two weeks notice at best (the interior design field is highly competitive). My husband is also familiar with my work situation and thinks that my company may take mean advantage of the advance notice. I’m afraid they may be angry if I only give them two weeks notice. Should I make my company aware I am looking so that they can prepare for my separation? Here is how our T.A.P. experts answered this question: @dawnbugni Q#162 Goodness NOOOOOO. Keep your search confidential - period. You're in charge of your career not them. (1of2) @louise_fletcher Q#162 No! Tell them if and when you have accepted another job offer and not before. @dawnbugni Q#162 Could backfire or result in immediate termination. 2 wks notice sufficient. They won't give U layoff notice. @jtodonnell Q#162 NO, NO, NO! Don't say you're looking to leave. Good co's don't react negatively to 2wks. It's part of biz. @ValueIntoWords Q#162 Echo others: Never hint that ur searching other jobs. Current emplyr will b obliged to find ur replacement. @beneubanks Q#162 2 weeks=plenty unless you're a manager. If worried, don't give extra warning. Start x-training other EEs. @juliaerickson Q#162 Don't tell them; they may fire u b4 u find new job; 2 wks sufficient notice; look out 4 urself, not them. @DebraWheatman Q#162 Do not reveal this. It could take some time. Employer could terminate you immediately if they find out. @gradversity Q#162 Don't share this information with your employer. If you get a new offer, they should understand that 2 weeks is standard. @resumesrevealed Q#162 Echo experts - u shld absolutely keep ur search confidential. Wait til u have accepted another offer! @heatherhuhman: Q#162 Agree wholeheartedly w/other experts. No reason to notify until you have a confirmed offer in hand. Our Twitter Advice Project (T.A.P.) is no longer an active campaign. To find an answer to the above question, please use the "Search" box in the right-hand column of this website.
June 15, 2009