WWAD?
Let’s say, HYPOTHETICALLY, that you work at a company. You like this company and most of the people you work with. Let’s say that your particular job in this office is the least glamorous of all jobs in that office, and that certain tasks (and people) involved in that job have driven you bonkers and bored you to tears. Let’s also say that there is more or less nowhere for you to go in this office - or at least no one wants you to go anywhere else in this office. But this company has excellent benefits, and treats their employees reasonably well, and for what your particular title is, it’s pretty decent salary.
After many months, and maybe a surgical procedure or two, you decide that maybe it’s time for you to look elsewhere - that maybe your talents are being wasted at the front desk and that perhaps some other company might want to utilize them and not make you talk to jerky telemarketers all day who want to sell you toner. But you realize that you have a dilemma. Your company, while enjoyable to work for, takes it very personally when employees leave, and will treat you differently if they knew you wanted out. But you also realize that this company is the only office experience for potential employers to use as a reference because you worked as a nanny for ten years before you came to your current company.
Having decided to see what’s out there, and since no one is knocking on your door begging you to come work for them, one of your very concerned friends finds several interesting openings for you to apply for. So you create your resume, diligently listing all of your various skills and many duties performed each day. You work hard and write a beautiful cover letter that makes you look like the most educated and desirable candidate for their job, and after having read such a letter, could not possibly turn you away. BUT. At the end of the genius cover letter, is the sentence, “Since my current employer does not know that I am actively seeking employment elsewhere, I must ask that they not be contacted.” And as a result, you have received ZERO calls about your resume.
Now you have to decide. Should you bite the bullet, and express your frustration to your employer, and explain that you have no choice but to look elsewhere? Or do you keep sending resumes, knowing that you’re probably not going to get any responses?
Boy, I’m glad this isn’t my problem.
Because it’s not.
It’s hypothetical, remember?
Comment by Smed
October 22, 2007 @
Hon - and I’m being serious. DITCH THAT LINE!
I have been been a coach and presenter on finding jobs and writing resumes and cover letters. That line does make you seem disloyal and duplicitous.
You need to be proactive. Tell the people WHEN you will contact them. YOU are the one that should initiate contact.
Email me further….