Here's a familiar scenario: there's a job out there that you want. You're already working someplace else- maybe even in the same company. You want to apply, but you don't because you're terrified that someone, somehow, somewhere, someway is going to find out about your application and that information will flow up the gossip trail to your boss. And, you're afraid if your boss finds out, there will be h-e-l-l to pay.
I'm here to tell you to just r-e-l-a-x.
I just spent some time talking to a boss who has an opening and a potential applicant who was not going to apply because of the aforementioned scenario. As "the Coach" I talked to both sides starting with the boss. Admission: I've been working with the boss ever since she was a college student and she's now moved into management. This manager is working hard to be a good boss and building a great team. The potential applicant is a former student of mine as well and is eager to stretch herself and willing to move great distances to do so. The boss and the potential applicant do not know each other.
In our conversation, the boss said the one thing that made this problem an easy solve, from where I sit. First I asked her, "Are you happy with the quality of your applicant pool?" She said, no. We talked about what they had done to tell people the job was open and it turns out they haven't done nearly enough. People who manage staff and do the hiring are going to fall short in one crucial area and often it's recruitment that takes a back seat, if it is in the car at all.
The second question to the boss was, "Do you do your own recruiting?" In other words, can she contact people as potential applicants and encourage them to apply? The boss confirmed she does and added said if the potential applicant wanted to talk, I could give her a phone number and the boss and applicant can communicate directly. Would it be that all issues were resolved so easily.
But, here's the real takeaway:
Managers: There are many acronymed associations out there that will post your job openings for free. To attract the best possible talent, they have to know you are looking for them. And most importantly, go outside of your own circles. Don't just talk to people you already know. Take some time out of a day and make sure you are doing what you can to attract a diverse pool of applicants who understand what the job is truly about.
Applicants: Decide if a potential job search is worth the risk and make that decision early. Assess your current
situation and if you are not growing as a professional, ask yourself why you are still there. Too many people go to work miserable. Don't be one of those people. In regard to your supervisor finding out about your job hunt, if he/she wants to retain your talent they will ask, "What can we do to keep you here?" Talk to hiring officials directly and request discretion. A great job needs to be in a great company and vice-versa. Those places won't rat you out.
In the end, it's really up to you.
*Chantal de la Rionda edits this blog
