Even if you are working with a recruitment agency, you still have to take the lead when looking for a job.
Q: Jill, I’m looking for work but I’m currently employed. I don’t want my current employer to know I am looking for another job. Can I say “no” when they want to check references from my current job? Will that ruin my chances of getting this new opportunity?
— M.L.
A: Michael, you’ve got the right to decide what jobs you list on your resumé from the start. Therefore, if you decided to start your job hunt while still employed and you don’t want your employer aware of this plan, then you’d need to keep your current position off of your resumé. Once it’s listed your interviewer has the right to ask you about it and/or to request a reference. Should you decide to remove your current position you must have a solid explanation as to the gap in your work history should it come up during the interview.
I should warn you though it is incredibly unprofessional to bail on an employer without at least two weeks notice — and even that is a small amount of time considering the crunch this could place an employer in to replace and/or retrain your replacement. I’m not suggesting you spill your guts to your current employer before you’re ready but I do suggest being as considerate as possible.
You’ve got to consider that the interviewer might offer you the job on the spot. Then what? Are you prepared to walk out of your current position without even a days notice? Are you prepared for any fallouts this might cause? I’ve realized the world is really a small place and especially if you are negotiating new work prospects within the same industry — gossip about burnt bridges can travel like lightning.
At the end of the day if you’re able to share your plans with your employer at the appropriate time (i.e. towards the end of your contract for instance) you might find your employer more receptive to offering you a reference or to even discussing possible promotions within your current department. Fair employers aren’t unrealistic. They know everyone has to look out for No. 1 and they likely won’t have you forever. I’m just encouraging you to think first before you find yourself in a sticky situation.
Q: I am looking for career opportunities in the financial industry and I’m currently working alongside some recruiting agencies. Results have been so-so. Have any tips you can offer me to help me achieve a win/win situation?
—Matt Maslowski
A: I’ve always found that even when working with recruitment agencies, you’ve still got to take a leading role in seeking out your job. Being registered with an agency shouldn’t be the sign for a job seeker to start waiting around for the phone to ring. Consider them a buddy helping you along, but you’re still the principal performer. I’d visit all the major banks and credit unions. Ask to speak with the manager on duty and find out about any junior opportunities. You might be further ahead than entry level, but sometimes saying this — appearing less demanding — is the way to get your foot in the door. Many of the banks also have student internship and job shadowing programs should you fall into that bracket. There are many additional strategies you can try in conjunction with the recruiting agencies. For now, my best advice would be to research the bank websites. There are online recruitment tools on every site.
Jill Andrew CYW, BA (Hons.), BEd, MA ‘08 is an award-winning journalist and educator with additional expertise in the performing arts, public speaking, PR, media literacy/awareness, fundraising and entrepreneurship. www.jillandrewmedia.com, or www.curvycatwalk.com.
| jill’s tip of the week |
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The day or two before a presentation should be spent copying, stapling and reviewing the presentation; testing all multi-media aids and programs; and rehearsing your presentation. Keep in mind your timelines and try to stick to them. It’s better to have a shorter presentation with information presented clearly, factually and interactively than to ramble on, giving yourself more room for error. Never end without including a question and answer period. Build that into your presentation outline.
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