Just about to sign a contract but have another job interview!

kevthecelt

Hi guys

In a bit of a pickle here. Ive just started a new job this week and while the money is decent, it is not what i want to do at all career wise. I have to sign a contract tomorrow however I have an interview for a job that I really want to get, next week, and I think I have a very good chance of getting it.

So getting to the point,hypothetically speaking, once I sign the contract and I get offered the other one next week that I really want, can I just say 'see you later' to my current employer without giving notice?? (I know I will be blacklisted by both the company and the recruitment company who got me the position but I dont really mind at all)

Would really appreciate some input on this one as its quite a delicate situation as you can imagine

Cheers!!

tunney

At the very least I know that if there is a reduced period of notice in your contract for during the probationary period that it works both ways.

jimoc

Your contract should state that you are working a probationary period during which time the company can let you go without a reason.
This works both you.
You can leave the company without giving a reason or notice during this period also.

When they give you the contract to sign, don't just sign it there and then, have a read through it first and check the section on probationary period.
It should specify what you need to know.

kevthecelt

Thanks very much for the replies guys, I have had a thorough read through it and it states that either party may terminate the contract by giving the other party one months notice...what if I dont give them that notice...are there ever any repercussions in situations like these?

jimoc

If there is no mention of a probationary period then it does look like you will have to give the months notice.
Repercussions of not giving the notice period vary depending on what the employer wants to do, I've seen cases where an employee leaves without giving notice and they were forced to pay the employer for the moth of notice they didn't give, also cases where both sides have just agreed that notice is not required.
Its really down to each individual case.

Eoin

And there's nothing about a reduced notice period during the first 3/6 months?

Technically, if you were to leave before the month is over without their permission, you would be in breach of contract. In reality there isn't much they can do, but personally I would try to never be that unprofessional - but that's ne; some people wouldn't think it's a big deal.

The chances are that the other job would be expecting most candidates to have to give a month's notice anyway, but even then, there's a good chance that your current company might cut their losses and agree to waive the notice period.

Furious-Dave

Also bare in mind that a contract is a legal document. If you break the contract the employer can take you to court. It wouldn't be worth their while financially, but it's something else to consider.