STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

Suasoria · Chanel

Would you fire someone for this?

Starstuff · Kenneth Cole

I doubt it's firable -- maybe the employee just saved a copy of their res on their computer (and didn't update it at work? who knows). But, I think its awfully naive of your boss to be surprised that an employee has a copy of their resume on their computer. I think this is pretty standard. Headhunters contact you, you see an intriguing job listing, etc. A mis-use of company property and time, granted, but a slight offense, as far as I'm concerned. As long as this person is doing their job, I don't think any action should be taken.

Farrah · Marc Jacobs

If you are in an employment-at-will state you can be fired for anything. Even having a copy of your resume on your computer.

Of course, it is possible that she may have been working on it during off hours so it isn't cutting into company time. She may also be looking for a second job to supplement her income. A lot of people do that. I think that your boss is being ultra paranoid. JMO.

honey · Gucci

i wouldn't fire the person. i honestly don't think it's worth it. if she's a low-level employee, then it doesn't sound so surprising that she's looking for another job. if her work is fine, then keep her. if you're at all friendly with her, it would be nice to pull her aside and tell her that she shouldn't keep such things on a company computer.

if you look at it from a cost/benefit analysis (sorry that's how my mind works) firing her means scrambling to find another employee and probably having to pay unemployment benefits. if she quits, at least you have the advantage of time to find a replacement and the liklihood that she might stick around long enough to train a new person.

cahabo · Kate Spade

Doesn't seem like a big deal to me.

pollyjean23 · Marc Jacobs

I, personally, would not fire someone for that, but some employers would. Employers have been known to post want-ads as "company confidential." People who already work for the same company have applied unwittingly and have been let go for it. Some employers do it on purpose to catch people. It's stupid, but it happens.

Kitty · Hermes

cahabo wrote:

Doesn't seem like a big deal to me.

Same. Seems like it's jumping to a lot of conclusions. Plus, with any low-level position, you kind of have to assume people aren't going to be staying around for a super long time. Most people are in those positions to pay their dues.

AllieGurl · Marc Jacobs

Kitty wrote:

cahabo wrote:

Doesn't seem like a big deal to me.

Same. Seems like it's jumping to a lot of conclusions. Plus, with any low-level position, you kind of have to assume people aren't going to be staying around for a super long time. Most people are in those positions to pay their dues.

my thoughts exactly.

lynnie · Chanel

not a big deal. its a low level position- did they think that this person would work in that position for the rest of their life? i think the boss needs to get over themselves- the employee does a good job and seems happy- whats wrong w/wanting to move up?

jrhampt · Kenneth Cole

I don't think it should be an issue, either.

Suasoria · Chanel

Honey, that would have been my approach too - pull her aside, talk to her about how uncool that is, and probably start looking for a replacement on the assumption that she is just marking time here. Generally speaking, it takes about three years to be promoted to the next level, two if someone is really great. I was clear with her from the beginning about that.

She actually did get fired, which struck me as extreme. On the other hand, it seems her job hunting was taking up more company time than I initially thought, including sending out inquiries from her work address, which to me is too tacky for words.

My boss says if this person had been up-front about wanting to leave, she would have been happy to keep her employed part time to do interviews or whatnot until she found something better.

I guess I wish her luck, since she'll need it based on the track record she's building.

kenzie · Chanel

In a word, no. Maybe having her resume on her computer isn't the smartest thing, but it's hardly grounds for firing if her work is meeting or exceeding requirements. Most low-level positions don't stick around long anyway because most people are looking to move up the corporate ladder, not stay stuck at the bottom.

sydney · Kate Spade

No really a firable offense - except misuse of company resources, if your company has a policy about such things in writing. Otherwise, I'd pull her aside and give her the what's up?

ViViDogWear · Kate Spade

I also think it is really naive of a boss to get worked up over (any employee really) for a subordinate having their reaume on their computer at work. If their job hunting is wasiting company time and resources, I agree then it is reasonable to fire someone. but the fact that this person is "low-level" as you put it, and"unqulaified" I can see why the employee would be looking to better herself. Opportunity for growth already sounds impossible for her, and everyone wants to be appreciated and valued more.