Would this be appropriate?

[Tiberius Jim]

In my current job, I am a sales rep for a print company. One of my jobs is to support large accounts with their print projects. It's a good job but ive found that it has little no now room to advance and the internal BS I deal with day to day is getting to me.

I have a customer who thinks the world of me, mostly because I come through for her In the clutch all the time. It also happens that they are a company I wouldn't mind working for. So my question is...would it be appropriate for me to ask her about any openings at her office? I'd let her know that I have nothing against my current employer but am looking for somewhere where I can see a future for myself. I can how some people may find that inappropriate, but this customer really likes me so she may not have a problem. Thoughts?

 

[RoJoHen]

I don't think it's inappropriate at all. There's nothing wrong with seeking out different employment opportunities. Even if they don't have any openings now, just knowing you're interested might help you out down the road if something ever does open up. Just don't let your current employer catch wind of it. I have a friend who just got fired because his boss found out he was exploring other options.

 

[Robert Maxwell]

As long as you don't think word will get back to your current employer, go for it. This is called "networking." It is a great way to find jobs. It is not at all inappropriate, although if you signed a non-compete agreement, you might be in legal trouble. I'm assuming you didn't.

 

[Tiberius Jim]

The only thing I agreed to when I was hired was some sort of Conflict of Interest agreement, basically stating that I can't solicit services of my own that my employer provides. Since this customer is In a completely different industry I dont see any violation there. Also I would hope that sice she likes me that she wouldn't turn around and make a call to my employer.

 

[RoJoHen]

I would just make it clear that you're simply exploring opportunities and not making a conscious effort to leave your current company. If something comes along, you'll take it, but you're not really looking to quit.

 

[Robert Maxwell]

Yeah, that kind of policy makes sense. And you aren't offering your own services on the side, you'd be leaving to work for her company, so yeah, you'd be in the clear.

 

[Deckerd]

Am I the only one who was a bit disappointed after reading the thread title?

 

[RoJoHen]

Am I the only one who was a bit disappointed after reading the thread title?

After seeing that Flux was the thread-starter, this is exactly the type of thread I was expecting.

 

[Mr. Laser Beam]

I admit the title did prompt a MB flashback, yes.

 

[doubleohfive]

Am I the only one who was a bit disappointed after reading the thread title?

After seeing that Flux was the thread-starter, this is exactly the type of thread I was expecting.

Agreed.

I admit the title did prompt a MB flashback, yes.

No.

Flux, if you're interested in taking advantage of a possible opportunity, I say go for it. Even if its just to explore your options. Sure, it can be politically dicey if you aren't careful but if this lady is as good a customer as you say, and you have helped her as often and as well as you say, I'm sure she'd be amenable to at least discussing the possibility of your working for her.

As my dad says, "They can't say "yes" if you don't ask."

 

[Tiberius Jim]

Am I the only one who was a bit disappointed after reading the thread title?

After seeing that Flux was the thread-starter, this is exactly the type of thread I was expecting.

Agreed.

Hmm...not exactly sure how I should take that.

Flux, if you're interested in taking advantage of a possible opportunity, I say go for it. Even if its just to explore your options. Sure, it can be politically dicey if you aren't careful but if this lady is as good a customer as you say, and you have helped her as often and as well as you say, I'm sure she'd be amenable to at least discussing the possibility of your working for her.

As my dad says, "They can't say "yes" if you don't ask."

Well, I went ahead and asked during a quick sample meeting. I prefaced the question by asking if her office was responsibile for hiring, and worked it into letting her know I was interested. She was very amiable about it, directing me to go to their website and apply. She was very understanding of me wanting to explore my options. I made sure to mention that my employer is great and that I'm in no rush to leave...although I more or less am. It looks like she would be aware of my application once it would come in, so I definitely asked the right person.

 

[doubleohfive]

After seeing that Flux was the thread-starter, this is exactly the type of thread I was expecting.

Agreed.

Hmm...not exactly sure how I should take that.

All I meant was that usually threads started by you are those in which a problem has presented itself to you and you query the board for suggestions and opinions on what happened and how to react/resolve it. Courtroom drama with RadioShack, girlfriend's boss flirting with and kissing her, someone using your driveway for U-turns, and now this. I meant no disrespect, just that you have a pattern for posting and I think, if I may be so bold to speak on RoJoHen's behalf, we both recognize it. Its kind of become your "thing" here, and its not all entirely or necessarily a bad thing, just something that has developed.

Flux, if you're interested in taking advantage of a possible opportunity, I say go for it. Even if its just to explore your options. Sure, it can be politically dicey if you aren't careful but if this lady is as good a customer as you say, and you have helped her as often and as well as you say, I'm sure she'd be amenable to at least discussing the possibility of your working for her.

As my dad says, "They can't say "yes" if you don't ask."

Well, I went ahead and asked during a quick sample meeting. I prefaced the question by asking if her office was responsibile for hiring, and worked it into letting her know I was interested. She was very amiable about it, directing me to go to their website and apply. She was very understanding of me wanting to explore my options. I made sure to mention that my employer is great and that I'm in no rush to leave...although I more or less am. It looks like she would be aware of my application once it would come in, so I definitely asked the right person.

Excellent. Sounds like there's potential for a good, lateral move that will offer more options to you in the future.

 

[sojourner]

She didn't mention whether they had any openings? Then the direction to the website was a brush off.

 

[Tiberius Jim]

Not really. Upon checking the website, there are several positions open in my general area. Her actual reply to whether there were openings was along the lines of, "Yes, go ahead and apply on our website; you'll see all the openings there."

 

[RevDMV]

Just about everyone will point to the website for the available positions.

The real question is can you use here as a reference. Knowing someone inside is the golden ticket everywhere at this point. Not a guarantee mind you, but a big plus. Helps to already be employed, as sad as that is...

 

[Ar-Pharazon]

It sounds like she's taking a neutral approach, so as not to be accused of "stealing" you if it came down to it.

Is it possible to request that they don't check with your current employer unless seriously interested?

 

[doubleohfive]

There are competing interests here to be considered:

On the one hand, Flux, I'm sure, wants to make the overture as genuinely as he can to secure the best chance at getting the new job, in a classy and ethical way.

On the other hand, I don't think he wants to look like he is just trying to jump ship from the current job (because it sucks and goes nowhere). And even if he is (which I doubt), I'm sure he doesn't want it to look that way.

My advice: Now that you've spoken to her about this, follow through. Apply for the job on the website you want, and a day or two later send her a thank you card. If it gets to the point where they call you in for an interview and want to check your references, list her as one of them (she's your point of contact at the company after all) but also make sure to clear this with her beforehand.

 

[RoJoHen]

Agreed.

Hmm...not exactly sure how I should take that.

All I meant was that usually threads started by you are those in which a problem has presented itself to you and you query the board for suggestions and opinions on what happened and how to react/resolve it. Courtroom drama with RadioShack, girlfriend's boss flirting with and kissing her, someone using your driveway for U-turns, and now this. I meant no disrespect, just that you have a pattern for posting and I think, if I may be so bold to speak on RoJoHen's behalf, we both recognize it. Its kind of become your "thing" here, and its not all entirely or necessarily a bad thing, just something that has developed.

Indeed. I didn't mean it to be a bad thing at all. I saw Flux was the OP, and I assumed that the thread would be about a real-world dilemma with an interest in finding a genuine solution and asking the people here for their mature, honest opinions.

Frankly, I wish there were more threads like this.

I was also kind of expecting to see a picturing of Flux in a snazzy vest.

 

[Tiberius Jim]

I actually just bought me a nice suit. Nothing fancy since I was on a budget but I felt no 25 year old man should be without a suit. The brand may or may have not been a factor in my decision..

"Enterprise - by Haggar"



I'm glad my threads are held in that regard. I guess it was a matter of time until I acquired a "thing" having been here since 2001. At least I'm not know for getting it on with my cousin...