What could be scarier than being caught red-handed getting an interview at a competitor company?
There are a lot of reasons why engineers leave their current jobs. It may be the salary, the team their in, the management, or the job itself that could be the reason. Once they’ve made up their minds, instead of resigning and look for new prospects afterwards, they would go search for a new company while currently being employed so that they won’t have any gap months (or years) between their current and new jobs. It’s a good strategy, but what if you’re caught by your company having an interview at a different company, and what’s worse–it’s at your current company’s competitor!
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It usually starts getting noticed when employees suddenly have way too many doctor’s and dentist appointments; or maybe they have extended lunches; or when they suddenly need to arrive late or leave work early on a frequent basis. Once this is noticed–and proven, employees will need to handle this matter.
So if ever you’re in a sticky situation similar to this, here are some things you should do when caught getting an interview at the competitor’s.
Relax
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It may seem bad at the moment, but it may not be as bad as you think. In every difficult situation, overthinking could bring you worse outcomes, so the best way to handle it is to relax. Stop overthinking and gather your thoughts.Go for a walk, go home a bit early to collect yourself, stay calm and persuade yourself to believe that this isn’t the end.
Discuss it with your boss
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No matter how deep you kept it as a secret, this matter will soon need to be addressed. So, better prepare and address the situation properly. If you won’t, it would be a very awkward environment between all the parties involved.
Have a chat with your manager, or HR to explain why you’re seeking for a new job. If you’re unhappy with your current salary, or you want to try a different career path. Depending on the circumstance you’re in, your current employer may let you have some requests, if it means you would stay in the company.
Create an exit plan
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If you’re really sure with your decision of leaving, go ahead and let your employer know. You could make a plan that would benefit both parties. For example, you could stay at the company until they hire a new replacement, or you could help guide the new recruit until your new job is ready.
If it gets to hostile, leave
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When the word about you going over to another company spreads out, it can be difficult. You can’t always guarantee that your employer will take your decision with grace, more so since you’re going to work with the company’s direct competitor. If the environment becomes too hostile, even with your team, don’t feel pressured to stay longer than needed. Your well-being is more important.
You may prefer to stay until you find a new job, but if the air is too heavy at your current company because of your decision, it may be better if you leave earlier. There will be ways to help reduce the financial strain. Try getting a part time job online, or find short term gigs that can help add to your savings while waiting for your new job.
Be careful with what you share at your new job
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Since you’ll be working at the competition, be very careful with information you share–you might not be allowed to divulge it. Review your original offer letter from your company, and read the nondisclosure and confidentiality agreements. It usually states that you need to keep certain proprietary information private. If these are violated you might be at risk of facing legal action. So read it carefully.
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