Should you lie to your current boss when interviewing for a new job?

It's a great feeling when you land an interview. Especially if you've been finding the job hunt tough or stressful. But before you start planning what you're going to wear, and preparing for those difficult interview questions, there's one obstacle you need to overcome if you're currently employed: should you tell your boss you have an interview?

Is it good to tell your boss you're looking for another job?

While it would be wonderful if everyone felt comfortable confiding in their boss about their job search, the reality is that few employees have that type of relationship with their manager. 

Before deciding whether to tell your immediate supervisor about an upcoming interview, think back to the last colleague at your organisation who was job searching, and what happened to them. If everything was cool, then great. If not, not so great! Every company handles these situations differently, so you need to give it some careful consideration when pondering, “Should I tell my boss I have an interview?”

Consider these two points:

  • You don't want to jeopardise your current position before landing a new one

  • You're not obligated to tell your manager that you're job hunting or that you have any job interviews lined up

Interviewing while currently employed – 5 tips

If you decide to keep your job search confidential, here are five ways in which to keep any interview activities off your employer's radar.

1. Avoid taking time off for interviews

Is it OK to leave work for an interview? When the prospective employer calls to schedule, there's no harm in asking if it can be held outside your working hours. After all, they'll know you're currently employed based on your CV. While they may not be able to accommodate such a request, they should respect your commitment to your current employer.

2. Utilise your lunch break

If it's not possible to schedule the interview for a time when you're not at work, try to arrange it to coincide with your lunch break. That way you can get the interview done and dusted without losing any productivity at your current role.

3. Explore virtual options

If the distance between the prospective employer's office and your current location makes it impossible to attend an in-person interview, find out if the potential employer or recruiter is open to conducting a virtual interview instead. Thanks to advances in technology, it's easy to participate in a video interview using your laptop or smart device.

Top tip: Find a quiet place to talk by popping out of the office or, even better, do it when you're working remotely if this is an option.

4. Take a day's holiday

If your interview has to take place during work hours and you have advanced notice, your best option is to take a day's holiday as this allows you the proper time to prepare for the interview. You can then spend the rest of the day focusing on other job-search activities, such as submitting additional job applications, contacting recruiters, and reaching out to other people in your network who could help advance your job search.

5. Don't blab on social media

To keep your interview confidential, avoid posting anything about it on social media platforms, otherwise your boss is almost certainly going to find out, which is worse than telling them face-to-face. Another drawback is that prospective employers could view it as lacking in discretion, which could damage your reputation.

Does my employer have to give me time off for job interviews?

The short answer to this is no. You're being paid to perform a job, so it's not unreasonable for your boss to expect you to do this, and not swan off in work time to attend an interview.

When to tell your boss you have an interview – and how

If you feel it's best to be open when asking yourself, “Should I tell my boss I have an interview?,” consider the following:

  • Your relationship with your boss. Are they supportive or demeaning? If you have a good relationship, your boss might even help with the job search process as they'll want to see you progress. If it's strained, then it might be better to keep schtum about your interview.

  • Possibilities for mutually beneficial options. If you let your boss know you're on the hunt for a new role, it might open up opportunities within your current company. Great managers know the value of retaining productive employees, and might see this as a chance to keep hold of you, rather than letting you go to a competitor. And you could even end up on a higher salary and a more fulfilling job!

  • The right timing. To be considerate, arrange an official time when you can tell your boss about your plans. If you've been unsuccessful with internal transfers, your boss isn't going to be hugely surprised that you're on the lookout for another position.

Top tip: Identify a time when your boss is free, and suggest a catch-up meeting where you can introduce the subject of your career plans.

Schedule job interviews thoughtfully 

If you're still unsure about whether to tell your boss you're interviewing for another job, it's wise to stay professional and thoughtfully approach any upcoming interviews using our five tips above. Remember, you're entitled to explore new career opportunities without guilt, but it's also important to honour your responsibilities in your current role as you plan your next steps.

If you need more help with the job search, including brushing up on your CV, consider TopCV's free CV review for starters, and see where it takes you.

This article was originally written by Amanda Augustine and has been updated by Elizabeth Openshaw.

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