Should You Tell Your Boss You Are Looking for a New Job?

employee talking to her boss
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Are you thinking about your next career move? If you’re actively looking for a new job, chances are that you are keeping your job search confidential. According to research from Indeed, two-thirds of job seekers are concerned about keeping their job search private—and one-third are so secretive, they say that they feel like they’re living a “double life.”

Of course, eventually you’ll have to tell your boss that you’re looking for a new job. But deciding when to reveal that you’re making moves can be tricky. Should you keep it quiet until you have a job offer in hand—or tell your manager earlier in the process?

What to Consider Before Talking to Your Boss

The answer is that it depends. It depends on you, your boss, and what your workplace is like. It’s a decision not to be made lightly because it could put your current job in jeopardy.

In most cases, your manager can fire you if they find out that you’re looking for another job. That’s because, like most U.S. workers, you are probably an employee at will. And, being employed at will means that your employer can terminate your job at any time, for almost any reason.

Note

It’s illegal for an employer to discriminate against an employee or candidate based on a protected characteristic like race, ethnicity, religion, sex, or age (over 40). But your manager can still fire you for almost any other reason—or no reason at all.

When You Should (or Shouldn't) Disclose Your Job Search

In short, it’s often safest to keep your job search to yourself until you’re ready to hand in your resignation letter. But everyone’s situation is different, and you should consider your own specific circumstances before deciding. Keep the following in mind:

1. Understand Your Motivation

If you are leaning toward sharing this potential career opportunity, ask yourself why and be honest. Are you compelled by a sense of loyalty to your staff, CEO, or company—or are you hoping the news might provide useful leverage at your current job?

Your boss might offer you incentives to stay, such as increased salary or a promotion. But this is a risky game to play. Many companies have a policy of not making counteroffers to departing workers.

Note

Don’t threaten to leave unless you’re prepared to do so.

2. Think About the Worst-Case Scenario

How anxious you are to leave your current position—are you miserable in your role or just curious about the potential elsewhere? Disclosing that you are a candidate at another company may put your current job at risk. It is vital to keep in mind that if you aren’t selected for the new position, you might lose your job and face continuing your job search while unemployed.

3. Evaluate the Climate at Work

The decision to tell your boss about your job search depends greatly on the company culture. Circumstances are different in every company, with each boss, and even from day-to-day. Has anyone else in the company lost their job after being honest about their search? When an employee does leave, is the general mood one of celebration for a new opportunity or resentment about perceived disloyalty?

4. Consider Your Relationship With the Boss

Do you have a respectful, trusting relationship with your superior, or do you fear retribution? Some bosses truly support the growth of their employees and understand that it may sometimes require a job switch. You could receive encouragement and support, not to mention a terrific reference to share at your interview.

Consider also whether the mood in your current office would change if you are not selected for the new position. Even the most supportive boss and colleagues might be concerned that your focus is directed toward leaving the company, rather than toward the work at hand.

5. Choose the Right Time

If you decide to be honest, particularly in the early stages of interviews, your potential employer might view this transparency as a red flag. Perhaps you are using your candidacy to leverage a better position at your current job.

Timing is everything in this decision: If you are being seriously considered for the position, it may be the time to divulge the news, particularly if there’s a risk of it becoming public whether you like it or not. Again, the smartest approach is often to wait until you’ve accepted the new position and signed on the dotted line.

The Bottom Line

Above all, use your common sense when evaluating your role, your company, and your future employer. It’s rarely an easy choice, but it is a chance to flex your decision-making skills. It’s also a good opportunity to remind yourself that your most important professional loyalty is to yourself and to your career. 

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Sources
The Balance uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. Indeed.com. “Global Survey: Why Privacy Matters to Job Seekers.” Accessed June 14, 2021.

  2. National Conference of State Legislatures. “At-Will Employment Overview.” Accessed June 14, 2021.

  3. U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. “What Is Employment Discrimination?” Accessed June 14, 2021.

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