Does a long notice period harm applying for new jobs

KiNgPiN83

KiNgPiN83

KiNgPiN83

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Hi all.

A bit of background. I'm 38 and only ever had two jobs so my experience of moving and changing jobs is pretty much zero...

1st job was my part time job as i did my A-Levels which turned into a full time job when i didn't know what to do with my life. This was at Staples and was basically shelf stacking and warehouse work.

My 2nd and current job is IT Infrastructure Engineer. I've been here for 15 years and worked my way up from the helpdesk to where i am now. With this job I've got a 3 month notice period which sounded like a good idea at the time but now I'm looking for a new job, not so much...

For those in the know or have been through a similar situation does/did it cause harm trying to find a new job? Would i be better off handing my notice in now and then applying for lots of jobs over the next few months to get a head start? (This sounds scary from a paying the bills standpoint if it goes wrong.) Thanks in advance. :)
 
montymint said:
Apply for some jobs and be honest with the employers.

Some will be fine, as for a lot of jobs there can be a long notice period (which turns to garden leave) to cover their backs against you going to competition etc.

Don't ever hand in a notice without a confirmation of new start if I were you, but I am more cautious by nature.
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I definitely wouldn't try to hide it as its just too long a time period to somehow try and blag. My place have also been pretty strict with recent leavers so its not like I'd just leave after doing 2 months for example because even though I'm not happy here anymore i still wouldn't want to burn that bridge if that makes sense? ]

I was just worried i could miss out on a good job but it is what it is i suppose and down to whether the guys hiring are prepared to wait.
 
Shadowness said:
Very relevant thread for me.

I've been at my job for 13 years, and without sounding cocky, I'm literally the only person who can do the job. I've felt it's been time for a change, but I know the company would really be in a difficult position (in the area I work) without me. I really need to check my contract as I can't remember if there's a longer notice period for people who have worked there for that long.
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I signed my contract increasing mine from 1 to 3 months when the company were scared of losing me due to other people leaving at the time. Not sure if yours being extended would still be binding if you haven't signed it but don't trust/believe me as I'm not an expert.. It could well be in whatever contract you have that after x it changes to y.

In your position maybe its worth taking your concerns to them as they can't do anything to change it unless they know you aren't happy? (I know how tough that can be though as I'm a don't rock the boat, don't like changes kind of guy myself.)
 
Just as a follow up to this I handed my notice in yesterday and start at my new place in 3 months time. :)

Other than for contracted/urgent positions 3 months notice seemed fine for everything else I applied for.
 
EVH said:
This is my experience, after seeing a few colleagues hand their notice in (with a 3 month notice).

How I approach the question if asked at interview - You tell the new employer/recruiter that you have a 3 month notice period but explain that you're confident your existing employer would be willing to compromise if they need you urgently.

In reality, what usually happens is your existing employer will allow you to leave early (4-6 weeks) as they know trying to keep you when you're already set on leaving isn't fruitful. Helps if you can have that conversation with your boss beforehand and don't just drop a letter on their desk mind :p
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I was hoping to go earlier but my current employers seem to be a bit bitter and twisted judging from past leavers... And they haven't even replaced two of them a year later!!!

My boss seems sad to see me go, his boss doesn't seem bothered and the Director hasn't said a word. Which is odd after 15/almost 16 years but there we go.
 
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