Exposed for Applying to New Jobs
Have been at my current company for 1.5 years directly out of undergrad. I had started recruiting for new roles a couple months back and had advanced in the interview process with one firm, while also commencing the process with another firm. Neither process has wrapped up and I'd assume at least 2 stages remain for each position. If I succeed in the remaining stages, I would then anticipate receiving an offer. Simply put, I'm in the "middle stages" of the process with both firms. I have also been cold applying to jobs I see online out of a force or habit, even if I'm not too interested, just to see what may hit.
Recently, my manager informed me that she's aware that I am seeking new opportunities as someone had reached out asking about me (no clue who this could be). I don't think the places I was interviewing at would reach out to my current employer as 1) my manager would most likely like to retain me and 2) the company interviewing me would essentially expose me prior to extending an offer. However, it could be that it was these firms that reached out to my current employer (not sure what to think). It could also be some random role I applied for and have not interviewed for and somehow the news reached my current employer.
I worry my reputation at my current employer has been harmed. Given the current economic climate, I now worry I'd be the first one to get laid off (even if I'm the best analyst).
Furthermore. I worry am now no longer in the running for the position I was interviewing for (assuming it was them who reached out to my current employer). Assuming my manager wants to retain me, why would she provide me with a Stellar reference essentially encouraging the firm interviewing me to poach?
It should also be noted both of the firms I'm interviewing with work quite closely with my current employer.
Also, given this is a rather specific post, if someone suggests I should delete this, I will do so.
Anyone have any hunches, thoughts, suggestions, etc?
just say you take every opportunity/interview to keep your self up to date. If you show interest in every opportunity you basically show interested in none.
Also everyone in the industry shops around, how else would you have leverage for bonuses and promos?
Honestly , fuck that tho.
It’s common to go from counter party to counter party. Communication is expected. I’m not sure if the average out of college tenure for your position is 1.5, but if it is then that’s fine.
When you say communication is expected, are you saying that in relation to the company I am interviewing with possibly seeking a reference? I just don’t understand why they would seek a reference before even getting to the final stage.
This is technically illegal. Companies have strict HR policies where during the interview process they are only allowed to disseminate periods of employment. A reference is different as you provide them.
I know people do this. I don’t know why, they would do this before the offer letter.
Technically, yes. But, everyone is kidding themselves if they were out to a drink with a good friend in the industry and they remembered in their head an application came through from a person who works for said friend that they wouldn’t ask how they are off the record.
If my instincts are correct, do you have any suggestions on any way I can salvage this? I was interviewing for a MF acq role and was progressing well in the process. Given the economic climate, I don’t anticipate a role like this popping up again for a while, let alone me getting the interview. You only get so many chances.
I'm still thinking. I don't know why your manager said this to you, that is a dick move. These things happen, people leave for more money or better hours or a different opportunity. Is your manager a 28 year old from Cornell? Do they have hiring and firing power. I would assume that while they might give you reviews, they might not escalate this to their boss. If I was their boss, I would say ignore it, and I hope you said nothing, as the company could be liable for giving information out...that is why HR only gives title and dates of employment for a reference check.
For the company you are still interviewing at, don't really mention this to HR, it could stall your progress. If your progress did stall, then it stalled on its own merit(maybe). But you can't do anything to save it at this point.
I think your instincts are correct. The well may have been poisoned so to speak. Not very professional on the part of HR manager's part in my view.
Perhaps, in the future, after the initial interview you can mention that you will gladly provide references as get further into the process, but prefer not to have your employer contacted.
That’s a great point, will certainly do that moving forward. I just don’t understand what HR would expect. Are they expecting my manager to say “Yes, X is an excellent employee and is very on top of everything” essentially encouraging them to take the employee ny manager trained and equipped with skills? Assuming I’m a good employee, why would my manager allow me to leave so easily. That’s the only hesitation I have in believing it was the place I am interviewing at that exposed me.
No, don't do this. This could potentially kick you out of the process. DON'T mention HR fucked up. Don't be negative in any way in an interview.
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