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What is the proper decorum when telling the interviewer you're still employed? Does it reflect badly on you if you say that you're still employed?
As in you're searching for work behind your current employer's back.
(though I don't think you should lie to say you're not working when you are still working)
What is the proper decorum ...? Honesty is never a bad idea.
Does it reflect badly on you if you say that you're still employed? It's your best feature compared to the competition.
As the saying goes, you have to have a job to get a job.
I'm not sure what the 'decorum' is. You put on your resume "XYZ Widgets Co. 2005-current" and then explain in the interview why you are interested in finding a new job (without criticizing your current employer).
If they are interested in hiring you, they will ask in the interview or after how soon you can start. Usually you need to provide two weeks' notice (for senior positions it's not uncommon to give three or four weeks' notice). In giving your answer, consider what your company's policy is, if you want any time off between jobs for a vacation (remember you might not be able to take time off at the new job for six months or a year depending on their policy) and how much COBRA insurance premiums will cost you, if applicable.
This is a complete non-issue. Employers assume you are working if you don't have an end date on your last job listing on your resume. And I can't fathom an employer that thinks you are "sneaking" behind your current employer's back.
Regardless of your present situation, it is always best to be honest and sincere with your answers to anyone's questions, and interviewers are no exception.
When you are employed and looking for work, you are not committing any crime. You are hoping to expand your opportunities beyond what exists. There is nothing wrong or disloyal about that search.
I think it's leverage because you're not as desperate as some other applicants. You can negotiate for better benefits this way. Just don't put your current employer as your reference, unless they know you're leaving already. Otherwise it would be awkward if they called your current boss for a reference while you're still working.
Location: East of Seattle since 1992, 615' Elevation, Zone 8b - originally from SF Bay Area
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Odd question considering all of the people complaining that companies won't interview the unemployed.
If asked, make sure that one main reason you give for wanting to leave the current job is the opportunity to work for them. Do plenty of research and
cite several facts about what makes them an ideal employer for you so they know you are really interested in working for them, not just looking for a new job.
"Does it reflect badly on you if you say that you're still employed?" NO it is a plus. Companies do not like to hire someone without a job. It sucks and is not ethical but it is that way in this country. They assume you were laid off for a reason... Except this is so ridiculous because MOST people I know dealt with some sort of layoff or work reduction between 2008 to current times. SO SO SO many Americans....
If I had to do it all over again, I would job hop like crazy. The people that make the biggest bucks are very opportunistic like this.
"Does it reflect badly on you if you say that you're still employed?" NO it is a plus. Companies do not like to hire someone without a job. It sucks and is not ethical but it is that way in this country. They assume you were laid off for a reason... Except this is so ridiculous because MOST people I know dealt with some sort of layoff or work reduction between 2008 to current times. SO SO SO many Americans....
If I had to do it all over again, I would job hop like crazy. The people that make the biggest bucks are very opportunistic like this.
Companies do hire people who are unemployed.
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