[K]

I’m currently working in governmental accounting. My current job will not fulfill the work experience requirement for my CPA license. I recently interviewed at another agency. The position that I interviewed will fulfill the work experience requirement for my license. So I am keeping my fingers crossed that I am offered this position.

A promotional opportunity is currently available at my current agency and I have submitted my application for that position. My manager recently mentioned to me that he received a reference call from the other agency for the position that I have interviewed for (I’m hoping that the reference call means that I am a strong candidate for that position). After informing me about the reference call, my manager asked me if I am still interested in being considered for the promotional opportunity within my agency. I have been basically told to make up my mind about whether I want to stay with this agency and be considered for the promotion within my agency or if I want to seek employment with another agency.

Because I work for the government, I don’t believe my current agency can let me go just because I am applied for another job. But I feel that I have hindered my chances of getting promoted with my agency.

While my first choice has always been to accept a position which will help me obtain my CPA license, my backup plan is to continue my career with my current agency. How do I have my cake and eat it too? How do I make sure that I get considered for the promotion at my current work and also keep my option open about getting a job outside my agency. How do I ask my manager to still consider me for the promotional opportunity without being dishonest with him about actively seeking employment outside of my agency.

BEC 80
AUD 86
REG 84
FAR 80

DONE!

[Anonymous]

word to the wise, dont list your current employer as a reference for a job youre applying for

[K]

Been on several interviews over the past year, they all insist on speaking to the current employer.

BEC 80
AUD 86
REG 84
FAR 80

DONE!

[Never_Give_Up1]

If they want to speak with your current employer, make it conditional on an offer. Anyone that wants to speak with my current employer I tell them once an offer is in hand they can call my current one. Otherwise call the others first.

FAR - 81
REG - 81
AUD - 82
BEC - 81

Ethics - Done
State License Exam - Done

License - Licensed CPA in Utah

[Never_Give_Up1]

I am in the same situation as you are right now… I work for government and applied for a new position. The new place contacted my current employer and it forced me to discuss why I wanted to leave. Really your best option now… is to kick it into gear looking for a new position. They can't get rid of you… they just know you wont be around much longer so they will not increase your responsibility.

Sucks when they do that. And any employer that contacts without your consent you should question if you want to work there.

FAR - 81
REG - 81
AUD - 82
BEC - 81

Ethics - Done
State License Exam - Done

License - Licensed CPA in Utah

[mla1169]

Uh, no. If you tell them not to call your current employer until an offer has been extended, then they may not call your current employer.

If they are all willy nilly calling references for folks they're not prepared to make an offer to, they're certainly not the type of people you want to work for.

FAR- 77
AUD -49, 71, 84
REG -56,75!
BEC -75

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[K]

I explained to my manager that I am very intersted in both the promotional opportunity at my current job and the position that I have interviewed for. I explained to him that I have not received any tenative offer from the other agency. I also assured him that if I am offered the promotional job at my current work and I accept, I will not leave for another job. So now I am being considered for the job at my department (yay!). The interview process will begin next week for the promotional position avaliable at my work and my manager hopes to make a decision next week.

Is it appropriate if I contact the other agency to check where they are in the hiring process? Or is that a big NO-NO?? Should I inform them regarding the potential promotional opportunity here? It's not that I am trying to be pushy and pressure anyone into making a decision. I REALLY want the job with the other agency. It will suck if I accept the position here and then receive an offer from them. It would suck even more if I don't receive an offer from either place. 🙁

BEC 80
AUD 86
REG 84
FAR 80

DONE!

[Never_Give_Up1]

It depends on how long it has been since the interview. If it has been 1.5 week + then to reach out to the other agency and just ask if you are still being considered for the position is fine. Let them know you would like to be updated because you are also interviewing for another position and that they are your first choice. Most companies like that. It lets them know you want that position but you are also being sought after by another company. I would not call a whole bunch though. Call one time, either leave a message or talk to them and ask that they keep you updated or ask when they think they might have a final decision.

It looks real bad if you accept the position at one place get the offer at another and then leave… I know from experience. I still regret to this day I did that, especially since I hate working where I work now. It literally eats at my soul. I feel like I need to reach out to the partner again just to apologize again.

But the place wanted an answer right then and it was in 210 when the economy sucked so I didn't know if I would get another offer. Two days before I was suppose to start I got the offer from the place I wanted more and took it. Looking back now I have learned you need to communicate will all parties you are interviewing with and make it clear you wont make a decision until all offers/rejections are on the table and accounted for. Saves your face and prevents a really awkward situation.

FAR - 81
REG - 81
AUD - 82
BEC - 81

Ethics - Done
State License Exam - Done

License - Licensed CPA in Utah

[K]

Thanks, Never_Give_Up1 and everyone else for your advice. I just received a tentative offer from the other agency!!! I didn't even get to making that phone call yet ;-). Yay!!!

BEC 80
AUD 86
REG 84
FAR 80

DONE!

[Author]

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