Possible New Job

[newtofl]

Hello,

I was going through some old interview papers from a company that I interviewed with about 8 months ago. I really enjoyed my interview and felt that I would fit in and the salary was great.  Unfortunately, I did not get the job, I think because I didn't have sales experience.  The boss told me that she will keep my resume on file and she thought I would be a great asset to her company in the future.

I decided to e-mail her today to find out if any new positions were available and guess what?  I got a return e-mail saying that yes, their are two admin positions available right now and she wants to talk with me.

I am so excited but hesitant at the same time.  I am in a position right now that has no real room for advancement (unless the other assistant retires) and I am in a position that is beneath the level of experience that I have.  I have had several confrontations with my boss and the other assistant (this is something that has gotten better but has been happening again lately).

I have been with the company for a year (9 months permanent) and was wondering what amount of notice should I give?  I don't want to lose this new job (if I get it) but don't want to burn any bridges either.

Susan

[akara]

Hello Susan

Most companies request a month's notice.  If you have not had a contract from your current employer, I think it's reasonable to assume a month's notice is required.  If you have holiday entitlement that you have not yet taken, you may be able to tack this on the end, but this is something you can negotiate as and when the time comes to hand in your notice.  It's always wise not to upset a former employer too much.  If nothing else, you might need a reference from them in future.

By all means go see this other company.  If they are an honourable company, they will understand that you have to give a month's notice, and if they really want to hire you they will wait for you to work out your month's notice.

Good luck, and hope this helps.

Akara

[countrigal]

Another point... don't hand in your notice until you're sure of your job.  If at the interview they ask you when you could start, mention that it could be month out or it could be sooner, that you'd have to get back with them to verify.  This allows you to then talk to your current employer and find out if they require that 4 weeks (1 month) notice or only 2 weeks (which is what I've heard more of here in the US).  It also shows the perspective employer that you want to do what's best for both employers... the future and the present.

Good luck on the interview!

CountriGal
Peer Moderator

[gee4]

Well done!  I agree with the other comments, make sure you have something in writing or a contract first before you hand in your notice in your current job.  My guess is that you will prob have to give one month's notice given you have been there 9 months but check your current contract.  I did this recently.  I was offered a job and altho I only had to give a week's notice to leave, I told my new employer I had to give a month's notice.  It gave me a chance to adjust to a new job, it gave me a chance to see if the job I was in would change or get better, and it allowed me to find out more about my new job/company etc.

Believe me if you want to move up that ladder, taking a risk is what it's all about.

Good luck!

[donnap99]

You've gotten good advice already.  But around here (Maryland) for anyone except the most senior staff, 2 weeks notice is all that is typical.  Senior Staff give 4 weeks notice.  An employment contract is unheard of, so that's not an issue.

Wish you the best of luck!  I can imagine the exitement you feel!


DonnaP99

[newtofl]

Thank you for all of your advise.  The Saturday interview went great.  We got along fine, we talked for over two hours.  Before I left she made it seem like she would hire me but she gave me materials to read to make sure the business she is in and the office itself is what I would like to be part of.  Of course, I read everything from page one to page 20 and as she asked, I sent her an e-mail stating that I was definately interested in the position (I also quoted some of what I read to she new that I actually read the material).

I thought she was going to call me either Sunday or at the very latest this morning but because of a conference she was working on, I will not hear until Tuesday.  I guess I will not get sleep again tonight.

I know that the new boss would need for me to start right away.  Since I am having difficulties within my current company (it would take to long to list them all), I will probably give a weeks notice (but would probably be asked to leave earlier which is fine with me).

As soon as I get the word (hopefully YES), I will write back but in the mean time, I am going crazy here at work because I know I don't want to be here.

Thanks
Susan

[mathwhizchick]

Most states are "at-will" states, meaning that either you or your employer can terminate your employment at any time with no warning.  (check your state to be sure--there are some that are not)
Given that, most civilized people will give notice when they leave a job; 2 weeks is generally the norm in the US.  Depending on the business, it can be more or less.  Also, depending on the business, the employee may or may not have to finish out the notice (as you think will happen with you).

Sending happy karma you way that this will work out the way you want it to.

Good luck!

[newtofl]

Thanks mathwiz.  Florida is an at will state.  I normally would give a 2 weeks notice but because of the circumstances here and the fact that the new company needs someone to start right away, I will probably only give a week.

I will be sure to let you know what happens.