Sometimes it is helpful to talk to a colleague who knows you about finding a job.
The Translation Bureau is a compilation team that focuses on technology, business, workplace, life and other fields, focusing on foreign new technologies, new ideas, and new trends.
Editor’s note: Do you tell your colleagues about the idea of a job change? It is true that sharing your work with a colleague can be less of a labor, and you may get some benefits, but at the same time the risk is very high. Before you are going to tell a colleague, please consider the five questions raised in this article before making a decision. I hope to help you. This article is translated from Fast Company, article author Nell Wulfhart, original title Think about these things before you tell coworkers that you’re looking for a job.
There is a lot of pressure to find a new job, and it’s often frustrating, so it’s no surprise that you are looking for someone to complain. And your current colleagues, those who know the good, bad, and ugly side of your workplace, seem to be the ideal choice: they already know why you want to leave your current job, and they are in the same industry – maybe They will have clues!
But you really should tell your colleague that you are looking for a job?
Before revealing your job search, there are a few things you need to consider – including how you relate to your colleagues, what kind of person your boss is, and whether the potential benefits outweigh the risks. Sometimes sharing is a good thing, but more often it is dangerous. To be sure, this is not a decision that can be easily made.
There are five questions you should ask yourself to help you decide if and when to tell your colleagues that you are applying for another job.
1. How much do you trust them?
To find out the answer to this question, you can look at the history between you and your colleagues. Are they people you have complained about? From your manager to the medical insurance plan, to the quality of the toilet paper, have you complained to them, and have they not shared this information with anyone?
If you really know they can keep a secret, then tell them (but don’t forget to tell them that this information is not public). Sometimes it’s helpful to talk to someone who knows you very well about finding a job.of.
But if you are not 100% sure if they can close their mouths, if you have doubts, it is best not to tell them that you are looking for a new job. You don’t want to be secreted by them before they are ready to leave.
2. Can they help?
Your colleagues may be gold mines with useful job search information: they have contacts with other companies, industry knowledge, social activity recommendations and other insights. Another advantage is that they are familiar with your work and know from the first-hand experience that you are a good colleague (yes?), so if they pass your resume, you are in a leading position in the competition.
If there are tangible benefits, and you absolutely believe they will not tell the rest of the company, then do it.
But first, prepare your questions. Don’t vaguely say that you are looking for something new. Instead, build a conversation, tell them a new job that you are interested in, and clearly suggest what you want, whether by emailing them to a friend who works in your ideal company, or knowing what the hiring manager likes to see. Qualification information.
If they can’t help, you’d better keep quiet while you work. Talk to other people – friends, your partner, your mother or former colleagues (they may be as helpful as their current colleagues, but not at the same risk).
3. Are you really ready to leave?
The worst case scenario is when a colleague tells the boss that you are looking for a job, either by chance or for your own benefit – and your boss reacts strongly or will find a new job. It has always made you miserable, or even shut you out immediately.
So, if you have a specific exit strategy, you have a deadline, and if you leave anyway, the risk of sharing will be much lower. However, if you want to keep the job until you apply for and interview a new position, find a job that is suitable for both parties, accept the job, and set a date for starting work, then it is best not to tell others. The fun of sharing is not worth your dismissal before you are ready.
4. What kind of person is your boss?
Some bosses want their direct reports to spread every gossip in the office, or at least share some information with them first. Employees who do not comply with the regulations may be affected.
This may mean that your boss has found out that you are looking for a job, dismissed you in advance, or if you don’t leave, you will refuse to promote or invest in you because they still think you are about to leave.
What about your colleagues? Is your boss the kind of person who hates them once you leave? Can you imagine your manager discovering your best?Colleagues always know, and then say to them: “Why don’t you tell me that someone is looking for a job?” If your boss is resentful, protect them by keeping silent.
5. Can this information really help others?
Maybe your departure will mean someone’s promotion, or it will give them a chance to finally take on new responsibilities. If they know in advance that you want to go, can they take over?
If you are about to start a new job and know that an extra week or two will help your favorite and trusted colleagues – give them time to redo resumes or prepare for a promotion, give them a reminder It is a kindness.
However, if something goes wrong, you finally choose to stay and stay the same, you may meet a disappointed colleague who may want to help you when you leave (such as suggesting to the boss) You want to leave). Before letting them know, you have to be 100% sure that the new job is really going on.
It’s tempting to tell your colleagues about finding a job, not only because they might be helpful, but because it’s a big change, sharing something that you’ve been hiding for a long time will make You feel relieved. There are certainly some benefits, but in many cases, the risk will outweigh any potential benefits. So think carefully before sharing and make sure you are protected.
Translator: Yoyo_J