[Fr0nt0ffice]

I haven’t really been applying to places, I currently am interning and I like it very much. But I have been getting recruiting emails from a big4 firm, and I decided to apply for a position, plus I went to a networking event and I made some good impressions, and I’ve been going back and forth by email with a recruiter.

1. If I were to get selected for a position, that starts a year out, how soon should I tell my current job that I am leaving for another firm? Cause I would know in a few weeks, but wouldn’t actually start until next year. I would feel bad about acting like I’m gonna stick around for several months, when I know that I am leaving. Also, would they kinda know that I was lying the whole time? I feel like its common knowledge in accounting that big 4 hires several months/a year out.

2. If I’m even selected for an interview, how would I even be able to get out of work to go and meet these people? I would have to pray that I got a time slot after 12:30 but before 1:15, so I could take my lunch at a normal time and still go somewhere, change, Uber to their office, hope for a short interview, not rush them because I have to get back to work soon, Uber back, change in the dudes car if he doesn’t mind, and go back to work all sweaty cause I rushed and act natural like I just went to grab a bite with a friend.

How does interviewing for another job work when you work full time? Seriously. You work 9am-to at least 5pm everyday, and most other similar companies interview around 10am-3pm. How tf am I supposed to find a new job when interview hours are in between business hours???

[Fr0nt0ffice]

Of course telling the job, especially an internship, “oh, can I have a day off so I can interview for a bigger/better firm?” is gonna adversely affect their hiring decision, or at the very least, make them treat me very differently because they know I'm wanting/willing to jump ship at any time. So I don't really know how to go about this, any advice appreciated.

[ultrarunner]

You are just an intern, and nothing is wrong that you are looking for a more stable job. Just do not tell them that you are going to take a time-off to do an interview. If someone asks (I doubt they will though), just say that it is personal. Or you could say it is a family matter or doctor's appointment etc. People are always looking around for a better opportunity. So it is perfectly fine. But just don't tell…

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[Tim]

I would keep your current employer out of the loop. While they may just keep you around until it's time for you to leave they are under no obligation to do so. If the situation were reversed and they knew they were getting rid of your position in 6 months they wouldn't tell you until the time came.

I was recently in your situation. Scroll through the topics and you will see my “leaving a small temp opportunity for a global one”. On Monday I gave my two weeks notice at my small temp opportunity, I wrote a formal resignation letter but I approached my supervisor and told him I needed to have a conversation. I explained that while I haven enjoyed my time with them and very thankful for the opportunity to learn I have accepted another position in my case in a different city which is long term and I've decided to relocate. I was open and honest and he was in turn open with me and said you know they understand. My advice is don't give to much detail about your recruiting process and when exactly you signed the offer. Anything can change .. give the standard two weeks notice and do what you can to help them with the transition of losing an employee. It's business, it's not personal.

[BoyNextDoor]

Some recruiters do interviews on the weekend for this exact reason. Find out if you can get an interview on a Saturday if it is impossible to fit into the week. All they can do is say no, but you might also get a YES.

[ultrarunner]

I came to work this morning and found out my company was laying off some people including my best friend. The management said that it was all business. When the company doesn't need you, they will let you go like this. So please do not feel bad about leaving your current job or looking for other opportunities. It is all business.

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AUD 80 (Roger)10/15
BEC 80 (Roger)4/16
REG 63,78 (Roger+Ninja MCQs)5/16

[Missy]

If a potential employer is interested in you, they'll interview you in the evening after work hours. Most of my interviews have been after work hours. If you absolutely must interview during the day just tell your current job you have an appointment, which you do.

Please don't EVER let on to a current employer that you are searching or have accepted an offer until you're ready to resign because they can let you go right then and there with no reason. Sometimes even when people give a 2 week notice the employer asks them to leave immediately (its rare but of the employer doesn't desperately need you they see no reason to bother anymore). Its not lying its not disingenuous, you're not indentured to them or vice versa.

Licensed Massachusetts Non Reporting CPA since 2012
Finance/Admin/HR Manager

[aaronmo]

Most of the advice here is good…but…if you're just an intern, I think you can tell them more like a month out. You should have an idea about what these folks are like…and how they'll take it. You DON'T want to stick them less than 2-3 months before tax season unless you think they've been really gross. I'd try to give them as much notice as would be safe for me.

[Author]

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