What is the best response to give a nosy boss/manager?

[NY Disney fan]

I am currently job hunting. I am interested in finding a job outside my company, even outside my field. When I give 2 week's notice, my manager may ask me where I will be going. I do not want him to know anything more about me or my personal life. What is the best response to give him so that I don't sound like a jerk?

 

[kwelch10377]

I would just say something along the lines of "a small local company" or a "company closer to where I live" or you could just make up a name of a company.

 

[sue1013]

Doesn't sound like you have a good relationship with them anyway so why do you care if you sound like a jerk? Tell them you'd prefer not to say.

 

[Eeyore'sthebest]

Say what I said "I'd prefer to keep that private for the time being. Thank you for respecting my decision." For some I added "I'll provide my contact information once I have it."
Some people would respond "No, really. Where are you going?"
Others would just say "Wow. Fine." with attitude.
Others just accepted it and said "Well let me know where you end up."

Good luck. It's a hard line to take but in this type of economy there are industries where it is truly prudent to keep your mouth shut.

 

[NY Disney fan]

Doesn't sound like you have a good relationship with them anyway so why do you care if you sound like a jerk?

I don't believe in going out with guns blazing, that's why.

 

[Pumbaa_]

Don't burn any bridges, not worth it

when you give your notice, be professionalwant to say where, just indicate you have a great opportunity in the blah blah field, smile and thank them for hte opportunity. Then wrap up with how do you want to go about transitioning my responsibilities

Why not leave on a positive, professional manner? Heck you are getting out!

 

[puffkin]

Why would you feel uncomfortable telling them? I have been called back to two different companies for positions they created and thought of me when searching. Both places I had left on good terms. You never want to burn bridges!!!!

I would just say something along the lines of "I accepted a position at a small local company" or "I decided to try something in another field". No reason to give more info, but no reason to lie either. IF they ask the name of the company, does it really hurt to tell them The only time I could see this being an issue is if you are leaving for a competitor. I don't think they need to know all the nitty gritty details, but there is no need to lie either.

 

[pearlieq]

I like the idea of "a small local company" or "I'm actually going in a whole new direction--I'll be doing nursing" (or tree surgery, interpretive dance, whatever). That might end the discussion.

If they really press, I like the idea of giving them a made up company name. Something bland and generic. Then steer the discussion in another direction and move on!

 

[AKL_Megs]

When I left my last job, one which I had been at for 5 years, I felt the same way. I didn't want to burn that bridge, but I didn't want them to know at the same time.

I told them I was going to a similar, but different, company.

 

[jlewisinsyr]

Don't lie about where you are going by making up a name, it's unprofessional. You're better just using a very generic response as you never know who knows who in this world.

 

[chloelovesdisney]

I supervise a small group. If someone left and didn't say where they were going I'd find it quite strange. I wouldn't recommend putting him down as a reference in the future. Even if he doesn't say anything bad, it always comes through loud and clear that something was off.

 

[kimmar067]

...tell him you'll be working at Vandelay Industries, wherre they do importing and exporting....


.

 

[Tinkermommy]

In my industry you have to sign confidentiality agreements and such. An employer may be concerned you are going to work for a competitor, so I would be clear on that point if it is an issue.

Otherwise, vague and generic descriptions are the way to go.

 

[padams]

If you have a confidentiality agreement, your current employer has a right to know where you are going. Don't burn any bridges. Why not just tell them where you are going? They are not likely to follow you there. I would think it was really weird if one of our employees didn't want to say what he/she was doing next.

 

[happygirl]

Won't they have to call your boss to check references? So he/she will find out anyway.

 

[sbell111]

I have around thirty people working directly and indirectly. When someone gives me a letter of resignation, I invariably ask them where they are going and what they'll be doing but here's the thing - I don't really care 95% of the time. I likely am not even going to remember their answer thirty minutes after they tell me. However, if they give me some shady dodge, I'll remember.

I supervise a small group. If someone left and didn't say where they were going I'd find it quite strange. I wouldn't recommend putting him down as a reference in the future. Even if he doesn't say anything bad, it always comes through loud and clear that something was off.

Agreed.

Won't they have to call your boss to check references? So he/she will find out anyway.

In reality, that rarely happens and when it does they most commonly contact HR, not the department that the person worked in. For most run of the mill jobs that I hire for, I have little or no interest in shecking their references. After all, self-reported reference contacts are rarely people that would say anything negative about the applicant. The only times that I actually check references is if the job entails supervision or some other position of great responsibility.

Also, if they checked references with the manager, he already knows so doesn't need to ask.