When do you tell your boss you're posting for an internal position?
I expect it isn't straightforward like an external job (when you've accepted the other companies offer and are prepared to be escorted out the door).
In my situation, I have good relationship with my boss. He values the work I do, and he's aware of my career goals. The positions I've been considering and been considered for are in alignment with those goals. While I work for a large corporation, everyone at this level knows each other at least by name and general function.
Our corporate process includes posting resume/cover letter on the internal system which gets forwarded to hiring manager who goes through the decision process. I when in the formal process there's a notification to the applications direct manager, but I think it's rather late in the process. I would prefer to be the notifier, instead of letting the "system" do it. On the other hand, I don't want my boss to develop a negative opinion if I post for positions more frequently than he would expect.
So any thoughts/experiences?
-Jazz
Depends on the relationship
At my company we have a policy where you need to inform your boss at the point you've been selected for an interview. This could be a good time for you as well.
For me personally, I have a good open relationship with my boss and I discuss new opportunities in advance of even applying. I like to get her opinion on whether it would be a good move for my career and development. This is really only possible because I've got a good relationship and have been open about career objectives. I also trust her judgement here.
I find it enormously helpful to have these discussions openly with my boss. She has a better sense of politics, how potential doors may be opened, etc. Additionally, she may have inside knowledge of potential organization or personnel changes that would make a possible move either better or worse than I otherwise would know.
Try to cultivate that kind of relationship if you can. A lot will depend on your boss though, so use some caution if you have someone who doesn't really seem to have the overall organizations best interest in mind
Ditto!
JIB88 and I must have the same boss. I totally agree.
Strong Relationship
Thanks for the responses. I think that's great to hear.
I do think I have a strong relationship with my boss. It's been the best relationship I've had with a boss so far. Though, as Mark often points out, I still see that "BOSS" sign tattooed on his head. :)
To add a bit to the back-story, about a year ago, I did as JIB88 first suggests. When I was scheduled for a first interview, I told my boss. I think it freaked him out. Right away he was very much asking what he could do to make sure I'm getting the experience I'm looking for within the division instead of leaving to another. Even though I didn't get the other position, that was (and continues) to be a theme ever since.
As much as I like working with the group I'm in today, I do think I eventually need to change. It definitely changed our relationship and not all positive. I wouldn't say my boss isn't considering the overall organization's best interests; I would say that his point of view changes how those interests are considered.
All that said, without other guidance, communication when starting the interview process still seems the best course. The consequences may be unfortunate, yet better than other alternatives in my case.
Thanks again!!
-Jazz
Companies want to keep good employees,
Companies want to keep good employees, and if you're interested in a job change, but don't want to switch companies, checking out what options are available can make good sense.