Honesty/Ethics In Job Applications?

jt007 writes "I am a student in the UK who graduates from a computing course in a matter of weeks, and am starting to look for graduate jobs. One problem though, a friend and I are going travelling in about 15 months (obviously I need the job to pay for the trip!). Do I tell my employers this before I start work and potentially harm my chances of getting the job, or do I just shaft them in 15 months time? I would be interested in finding out in particular how IT managers out there would react to being put in a situation like this? Would it harm any chances of a reference for a future job? So the question is: is it best to keep quiet about my plans, or is honesty the best policy?" Look at it this way: if the company planned to close your office in 15 months would they tell you? If you were leaving in a much shorter period of time I'd think you should tell them, they might be rather annoyed to train you in a job and then have you depart and you might not be able to use them as a reference in the future. But 15 months? If you tell them, not only would you risk not getting the job because of it, your plans might change before then and you'd have lost the job for nothing.

Comments

Re:Two questions

[Deagol]

Most companies these days seem to have no qualms about tossing good workers out on the street when it suits their needs. Why shouldn't the employess be able to enjoy this as well? There is no loyalty by employers anymore, folks. All but a very very few will go out of their way to make room for employees when times are tight.

I once worked for a small software house where the owner took out a 2nd mortgage to make payroll. This guy deserved loyalty. I havn't heard of a company since then that would make that kind of sacrifice for its employees.

To the original poster: Make those 15 months worth it for your employer. If you have a good relationship, they may want you back when you're done travelling. If not, say goodbye and don't look back.

Just don't offer the information

[Hammerikaner]

If you feel that volunteering this informatin would jeopardize your chances of landing the job (or subsequently losing it), then you shouldn't do so. If you are directly asked whether you will be takin vacation time, it's a much clearer ethical problem--you should probably inform them.

This most likely isn't a concern for the company, but if you offer the information and show that you yourself are concerned about it, they might in turn become very concerned and think twice about your standing with the company.

Fifteen months in the future is a long way off. Get yourself settled in at the company before you announce your plans. If you do it well enough ahead of time, your prudence will probably even be appreciated.

Simple.

[SuiteSisterMary]

If they're offering you a two year contract, you speak up. If they're employing you 'at will' then it's none of their damn business.

Oh, the possibilities...

[joshjs]

People are going to talk each other in circles a lot over this one. The bottom line: you can decide not to tell them, which will improve your chances in finding a job, but which is also not the "right thing to do," or you can tell them, which will hurt your chances, but which is the ethical choice.

Look at the job market, and you make your decision, mister.

FWIW, you might not go on this vacation in 15 months. Maybe you'll be so into the job you'll want to work more. Maybe you'll decide to go earlier. Perhaps you'll knock some young lady up and have other things to deal with in 15 months. Maybe your friend will be abducted by sheep.

You just never know. (and so maybe it's better not to shoot yourself in the foot, no?)