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.

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.