Hacker News Board Hacker News, browsed like a classic message board
Live data from Hacker News

Ask HN: How do I look for a job without my current employer finding out?

news.ycombinator.com

Post reply on HN
Print view View original

11–20 of 21 posts

Re: Ask HN: How do I look for a job without my current employer finding out?

#11

Post by junto »

You and your employer have a simple arrangement that you provide him with your time and expertise and he pays you an agreed amount every month for your trouble. You aren't marrying him. That contract can be terminated by either party under a variety of circumstances. Neither of you should expect some kind of loyalty to stay with the company. Don't believe for a minute that your employer wouldn't let you go if he had to or wanted to.

This is your career and your life. If it comes back on you then you explain that you are looking to earn your full potential.

There is an old adage in sales. If the customer wants to buy your product then the only thing that's stopping him buying it is the price.

You're the product. You need to be happy that your are being paid what you are worth, otherwise it will eat you up from the inside every day you get out of bed.

Re: Ask HN: How do I look for a job without my current employer finding out?

#12

Post by sheepmullet »

tdicola wrote: post #8
vishaldpatel wrote: post #4

As long as you're not applying for jobs during work hours, you should always say, "Yes! I'm always looking for a better job when I'm not at work! =)".

To which the founder will reply, "It's your lucky day! Now you have all the time in the world to look for a better job. Pack your things and get out, now."

Not if always looking for work was the norm. Got to start somewhere.

Re: Ask HN: How do I look for a job without my current employer finding out?

#13

Post by davelnewton »

tdicola wrote: post #8
vishaldpatel wrote: post #4

As long as you're not applying for jobs during work hours, you should always say, "Yes! I'm always looking for a better job when I'm not at work! =)".

To which the founder will reply, "It's your lucky day! Now you have all the time in the world to look for a better job. Pack your things and get out, now."

Not a particularly realistic, or motivated, founder.

Re: Ask HN: How do I look for a job without my current employer finding out?

#14

Post by joezydeco »

yen223 wrote: post #7
ScottBurson wrote: post #5

That is infuriating, isn't it, that these applications weren't kept in confidence? IANAL, but I wonder if your co-workers might not have grounds for lawsuits. It certainly has a chilling effect on your efforts to find something better. How attached are you to living in this particular city? Because I don't see any likely way out except to apply for jobs elsewhere.

Whether it's a dick move aside, are there any laws protecting job applicant info?

That's going to really be a he-said she-said situation. How can you prove that the two companies talked? Perhaps if OP had a job offer and then all of a sudden it was pulled, there could be a reason for a defamation lawsuit.

Remember that saying: never attribute to conspiracy that which you can attribute to incompetence. It's more likely that someone just blabbed about your previous coworker and word got back to the boss.

If you choose to interview with some of those other companies, you're going to have to do it SUPER stealthy. No correspondence or phone calls during work hours. Don't even sneak off to take personal cell calls. Interview after-hours or on weekends if possible.

Explain the situation to the new employer. If they need the help they could really give two craps about the fortunes of your current boss and will help you make the jump. If they do talk to your boss then, well, they probably can't be trusted with other things.

Re: Ask HN: How do I look for a job without my current employer finding out?

#15

Post by frandroid »

You tell the companies you apply with that you don't want them to contact your current employer, and you will judge them on how good you keep their tongues tied. And you mention the previous occurrences.

Anyway, the point is, if your employer has employees looking elsewhere, they should be looking into what they need to do to make these employees' jobs better. The fact that the employer shares that these people are looking elsewhere doesn't reflect well.

Re: Ask HN: How do I look for a job without my current employer finding out?

#18

Post by fooboy »

junto wrote: post #11

You and your employer have a simple arrangement that you provide him with your time and expertise and he pays you an agreed amount every month for your trouble. You aren't marrying him. That contract can be terminated by either party under a variety of circumstances. Neither of you should expect some kind of loyalty to stay with the company. Don't believe for a minute that your employer wouldn't let you go if he had…

This. My comment history displays all sorts of worry about my place at work. I recently realized I've just been upset by how I've been underpaid for years in an extremely hot labor market and specialty.

Re: Ask HN: How do I look for a job without my current employer finding out?

#19

Post by JSeymourATL »

Don't ever apply for a job. Never submit a resume.

Do get out and network every week. Strategically look to connect with senior executives in your space who you know how to help. Use Linkedin to find ideal profiles. If the conversation turns towards making a move. Be sure to say, you may be open to opportunity. But any discussion must be privileged and confidential. *Incidentally, find out the 2 start-ups that blabbed about your colleagues. Quietly black-list them.

Re: Ask HN: How do I look for a job without my current employer finding out?

#20

Post by HeyLaughingBoy »

I do consider it inappropriate. I'm also looking and I'd be a bit irritated if it got back to my current employer. That said, there's no rule against looking around and it's in your best interest to always know what you're worth to the market and what else is out there. And that's the answer you give them if they find out.
Post reply on HN