Recently in Job-Search and Workplace Etiquette Category

Eric writes:

I had a very successful first interview with a firm I’ve always wanted to interview with — but am still not sure of the opportunity. The recruiter is looking to set up the second interview.

Is it wise and ethical to continue the process even if the job may not be quite what I had envisioned. I may have to ultimately turn down an offer if it is made. Is this considered “spinning their wheels?” On the other hand there seems to be no way to really know more without proceeding.

What exactly is the right way to back away at any point but leave the door open for continued opportunities?

The Career Doctor responds:

I see no ethical problem in continuing with the process. You never know; you could be surprised and find that the opportunity is right for you after all. You may even want to prepare some questions for the second interview that will help you determine if the position will work for you. You may also want to talk to others who work there to get a feel for the culture.

I don’t even see an ethical problem in continuing right up to the time you get an offer, which you can always turn down.

If you don’t feel right about that and would rather back out, simply tell the recruiter you’ve determined there is not a good fit and you would like to withdraw from consideration.

Mel writes:

First, may I compliment you on an awesome Website I find the info and articles on your Website very informative, believable, and real world based. I have been in my career almost 30 years so I do know the difference between hype and real knowledgeable information.

My question is — If your job search is successful, is there any reason etiquette-wise or legally that you have to tell your former employer where you are going.

The Career Doctor responds:

Thanks for the kind words about our site. We’re a small company, but we totally believe in our mission of helping — empowering — job-seekers.   You never have to tell your current employer anything about where you are going unless you signed a non-compete clause. That said, since businesses involve people, most are interested in your plans just to be nosy — so that folks have something to talk about.   In your resignation letter, all you need to state is your last day of employment … of course, you should also thank the employer to make certain you do not burn any bridges. That’s it; ignore any other requests for information if you do not wish to disclose it.

What exactly should you say in your letter of resignation? Here’s a basic outline:

First Paragraph: State your intention of quitting your job and leaving the company. Give a specific last day of work.

Second paragraph: If you feel comfortable, give a reason why you are leaving — relocating, better job, career change http://www.quintcareers.com/resigning_job.html, graduate school, etc. Or, reinforce your value by mentioning your key accomplishments with the employer (though doing so may trigger a counter offer).

Third Paragraph: Thank both your supervisor and the company for the opportunities you had working for them. Be sure to end the letter on a positive note.

Find a sample resignation letter and resignation memo.   If you want to be helpful and help deflect questions about where you are going, you could offer to help find and/or train the person replacing you.   Here are some other things to consider when resigning:

• Timing. Give enough notice. The standard notice has traditionally been two to four weeks, but you should consult your employee handbook in case your employer expects more (or less) advance warning.
• Negotiating. Be sure to get a fair settlement for any outstanding salary, vacation (and sick and personal) days, and commission payments or other compensation due to you.
• Leaving. Before walking out the door for the last time, be sure you have contact information for key supervisors and co-workers that you want to keep part of your network of contacts — and be sure to thank them again for their support.

Jim writes:

What do I tell my current employer when I am scheduled for another interview during business hours?

The Career Doctor responds:

I was really hoping this question was a hoax, but I fear it is not.

The simple answer is this: Do NOT conduct any job-hunting activities while on the clock with your current employer!

You have a couple of options for job interviews, and many, if not most, hiring managers will work with you. You can schedule interviews for early in the morning or after hours. Some will even do it over lunch. And if you have a prospective employer who will only schedule interviews 9-5, take a personal day (or half day). Do not use a sick day.

Part of job-hunting is impression-management. Some stuff you can’t control, but most of it you can. And the message a prospective employer gets from an applicant cheating their current company by interviewing for a new job on company time is one you will never recover from.

Anonymous writes:

I really need some advice… I tried to give 2 weeks notice at work today, and the boss got angry and then came to me with a list of all the things that he was going to do to make my job easier… Was I talking to a wall??

I’m 51 years old, my husband has MS and can’t work. I qualified for college waivers and loans and I now have a chance to finally pull us out of the very LOW income bracket. I will make more money going to school 4 hours a day, five days a week, and will be training for a rewarding career that will not involve being on my feet constantly, nine hours a day.

My employers are of a different nationality. I feel like I’m being duped. I don’t want to leave with hard feelings. What is your take on this situation? It seems like I was actually talking to a wall…

ANY advice would be appreciated!

The Career Doctor responds:

First, congratulations on envisioning a better future and moving ahead with that vision. I wish you the very best of luck on pulling yourself out of the low-wage basement. Education — whether college, training, certification — is the best path for moving away from low-wage jobs.

I also commend you for wanting to end this current job on a positive note, and I encourage you to keep trying. But whatever you do, do not let your employer’s tactics stop you from following your dream.

I suggest you put your notice in writing… even if now it is only a week’s notice. (By the way, two weeks notice is just an average; in some professions, it best to give more, and in others it best to give as little notice as possible.)

Bottom line… walk out the door when you had planned, regardless of whether your employer is happy about it or not. In the worst case, you are moving to a new field and you will not have to have a reference from this employer.

For more advice about resigning, read my article on Quintessential Careers: Resigning with Class: How to Diplomatically Resign From Your Job.

Anonymous writes:

After checking out your website, I didn’t find a sample resignation letter that I can use as a reference. I was wondering if you can help me. I just started a job last Monday, and now I need to quit since I found a job that would pay way more than I’m getting now. I took the job since I needed one badly, and I just moved to the area. After saying that I am dependable, reliable… (per my references, which are all true), now I am quitting. I feel bad and nervous when I hand them the letter.

I will start my new job on next week so I don’t have two weeks’ notice to give them. Can you help me write a good resignation letter?

The Career Doctor responds:

Okay. I’m sorry (well… not really), but I need to start my response with a lecture. Do you understand how unfair it is — on so many levels — to go through the hiring process, accept a job, work there for a week, and then quit? It’s unfair to the employer for the time and costs incurred and unfair to the other job-seekers who did not get the job offer because you did.

And I hate to say it, but you should feel nervous! I usually talk about the value of a positive resignation letter — you never want to burn your bridges by leaving on bad terms — but in this case I cannot imagine what you could say that placate your employer.

But whatever you do, don’t start of the letter saying you are leaving because you kept interviewing once you had this job and now you are leaving because you received an offer for a much more high-paying job. Wow. Salt in the wound.

Simply write a very short and sweet letter thanking them for the opportunity and apologizing for leaving so quickly and suddenly. Volunteer to help in any way you can and state your last day of employment.

Finally, please remember that money is not everything. Money will not bring you happiness if you are not in a career/occupation that you are passionate about. If you are generally unhappy, find the time to conduct some career assessments.

Read this article published on Quintessential Careers: Resigning with Class: How to Diplomatically Resign From Your Job.

Jerry writes:

Our company office party is coming up next week and I am seeking some advice so as not to experience the same problems I had at last year’s holiday party. I thought the idea was for everybody to have fun and blow off some steam, but after doing just that last year my boss had me in the doghouse for quite some time. What’s proper and what’s not?

The Career Doctor responds:

From what I’ve heard and read, more employers are bringing back holiday parties as a fairly inexpensive reward for employees who have worked hard this year. And I think holiday office parties can be a nice perk for employees, assuming you know the boundaries and don’t blow off too much steam.

Holiday parties should be a chance to relax and unwind outside the office, to celebrate a year of hard work, and to enjoy the spirit of the holidays. It should be a time to see the boss — and perhaps even higher-ups — and socialize on a personal level rather than a work level. It’s a chance to build your network within the company. It’s a chance to show company spirit.

Unfortunately, holiday parties can also be traps for some people — who somehow think it’s the perfect time to hit on a co-worker, tell off the boss, or get stinking drunk. And at one of my office parties, I saw more than one person do all three!

Here are a few holiday office party do’s and don’ts to avoid the doghouse:

Do conduct yourself professionally at all times. Don’t use the office party as an excuse to blow off steam. It’s still a company function, so proper etiquette and decorum matter.

Don’t pass up the invitation to an office party; not attending could hurt your reputation. And when you attend, do spend at least 30 minutes at the party for appearances. But don’t overstay your welcome by partying until the wee hours.

Don’t bring the party lampshade, gag gifts for the boss, or any other crazy stuff you might do at a personal holiday party.

Don’t forget to thank the person responsible for the planning and coordinating of the party. And do consider sending a thank-you note to top management for hosting the party.

For more, see my article, Holiday Office Party Do’s and Don’ts, published on Quintessential Careers.