NationStates Jolt Archive

As the title suggests, I am trying to get myself a better job, but within my company. I am currently considered a contractor, because I was hired out by this company. However...my job is not exactly what I have been looking for (at all). The hours are ridiculous (4pm-midnight), and I am responsible for many things that I wish I didn't even have to worry about. Also, my benefits SUCK.

Last week, while I was angry at some fellow contractors in my dept, I decided to fill out an application with the company itself, for an executive admin job. Today, one of the HR people asked a coworker (who happens to be my best friend and roommate) if I was hirable for this position. She of course told her yes, and when I got to work I had an e-mail from the HR person wanting me to contact her about the position. So hooray, right? Got my foot in the door! BUT....

How do I go about trying to get this job, without putting my current job in jeopardy? I have not told any coworkers about this, because I do not want my supervisor to find out I am looking for another position with the company. How would I go about having an interview, and if offered, how would I explain this to my supervisor?

(Keep in mind, for the contractor position I currently have, there was small print that mentions not using the position to try and find a job with the company. It has happened before with other employees...but it just makes us look rude).

So what is the most delicate way of handling this? Any advice?

Suck up to your boss. And I don't mean that as a metaphore. :p

My roommate told me that my boss will probably just be happy for me...but I know we are already short staffed, and they will have to scramble to fill my position. But she already knows I am unhappy with what I am doing.

bump? help?

Most companies hire inside people for non-entry jobs - although they are required to advertise these openings to the public. Go for it, no one is going to feel betrayed.

I just hope I can get it and it will all be okay...it pays much better too I think... :D

I just hope I can get it and it will all be okay...it pays much better too I think... :D

But will you still be able to post on NS? That's the real question.

But will you still be able to post on NS? That's the real question.

This I do not know...it would depend how much actual "work" is required of me. I'm sure I could get away with it. But I wouldn't be here at night with you fine folk. (Although I'm sure to some of the people here-it may not be night. Eh.)

MK:Why not go for an interview/brunch with the HR on your off time if they are willing?
You could explain your fears about applying to the HR and see what they say.Maybe they will save/have a future position for you, once your current contract is up.
As a sub-contractor myself,I'm considered self employed and when I take a job I don't necessarily have to complete the job.I'm not sure but if you signed a contract for the job your doing,maybe you are obligated to complete it.I wouldn't know.And for the small print-" no using position to apply.."can you get into trouble ie. legal/termination of job? I again wouldn't know.
You could also talk to your current superviser about your unhappiness of your situation,and find a compromise.Maybe working at a reduced role at your current contract until the super finds a replacement,or even at a part time role if you still want this job too.
Good Luck Peace n Love Palmyra Hippy

MK:Why not go for an interview/brunch with the HR on your off time if they are willing?
You could explain your fears about applying to the HR and see what they say.Maybe they will save/have a future position for you, once your current contract is up.
As a sub-contractor myself,I'm considered self employed and when I take a job I don't necessarily have to complete the job.I'm not sure but if you signed a contract for the job your doing,maybe you are obligated to complete it.I wouldn't know.And for the small print-" no using position to apply.."can you get into trouble ie. legal/termination of job? I again wouldn't know.
You could also talk to your current superviser about your unhappiness of your situation,and find a compromise.Maybe working at a reduced role at your current contract until the super finds a replacement,or even at a part time role if you still want this job too.
Good Luck Peace n Love Palmyra Hippy

Yeah, i am planning to speak to the HR rep tomorrow and suggesting we meet somewhere not on the hq campus. I am contracted out...but my job will never technically "be done," this is a job that will need to be here until the end of time...if I'm not here they will just find someone else. I don't think I would legally lose either job...because I know of at least one other person in my sitch who did the same thing, and things worked out for her. My supervisor would be understanding enough not to try and screw me over I think. I am just scared of how I would approach her about it-I am such a wimp.

How do I go about trying to get this job, without putting my current job in jeopardy? I have not told any coworkers about this, because I do not want my supervisor to find out I am looking for another position with the company. How would I go about having an interview, and if offered, how would I explain this to my supervisor?

First of all, you're absolutely right not to mention to your supervisor that you're looking for another job. That's considered professional suicide by a LOT of people in the know about career issues. What I usually do if I'm going on a job interview is take leave (usually that means I go offsite) and tell my supervisor I'm running errands. It's not exactly a lie because you can call an interview or a meeting an errand and be right about it, but you don't need to divulge the exact nature of your errands.

Secondly, I would get three references (probably three people who aren't in your company) who can vouch for you as a worker. The person interviewing you may ask for your supervisor's contact information anyway or ask if they may speak with your supervisor. This can get tricky if you are worried about your boss finding out you're looking for work, but usually if a company is calling references or your supervisors, they're serious about offering you the job. Incidentally, there's not a lot that bosses can say about you except for stuff like how long you've worked there by law.

Finally, if you're offered a new job, I would write a letter of resignation in which you give two weeks notice and explain that you have been offered a new position. If that happens, the best piece of advice I can give you is do not burn your bridges. You never know when the ass you want to kick today will be the ass you have to kiss tomorrow. Make sure you leave on good terms and you just may have a new person to use as a reference.

Yeah, I definitely want to leave on good terms. Thanks for the advice. :)

From what I understand, you have already gone against the rules specified in your current position. This might piss off some people, and you may end up getting screwed in the end. Otherwise, just be professional, and if given the promotion, simply be honest with your supervisor and put in your 2-3 weeks before moving on. However, I would not allude the HR person of your fears and hesitancy in pursuing the promotion. This will only serve to put doubt in the interviewers mind and probably bar you from being hired. Never, under any circumstances, appear negligent or unsure about a position you are interviewing for. Simply, insist that you would love working for this/that company and are the best person for the job...and, of course, give examples. In the corporate world, however cruel or evil it may sound, in most situations you should always put your needs before the company or co-workers. You are trying to make a living and a career for yourself, and cannot succeed in making everyone happy at the same time. There will always be positions available, so try to be sure that you're happy with your employer, salary, and benefits before making a decision. They key is not to be taken advantage of by companies/corporations. Hope this helps. FYI, I also agree with what Sarzonia suggested.