Basically, one of my team leaders is looking to get out (after a lot of controversial movements higher up, bit complicated but doesn't affect me), so there may be a chance for me to get the position should it arise. However, I am looking at getting out myself and have been actively searching for a good couple of months now (hard work, innit?!), so my question is - If the position becomes available and I apply, should I make it known that I'm looking elsewhere myself, or not and just dump them if and when?

The old dear thinks the latter, but I don't think it's a good idea to be so dishonest about my intentions, or am I just being soft?

Don't tell them you are looking at moving! are you mad man

Go for the job, you may get it and like it!
Tell them you are looking elsewhere and you will certainly NOT get the job.

Surely letting them know is self defeating as they will then probably prefer someone else for the promotion.

If you are promoted and then leave soon afterwards, you can claim that you are disillusioned with your new assignment.

But that means that you can't start looking until after you are promoted unless you don't need a reference. Swings and roundabouts!

Lol, me mum may as well have typed that, exactly what she said. Do not be confused - I do not hold much residing respect for this lot except for the fact they pay me, my only concern is for references, that's pretty much it.

Well, indeed. I'm not pinning my hopes on her finding something straight away anyway, unless she sets he sight quite low which seems unlikely considering she has a mortgage. It just makes me laugh that it's taken her (and others) this long to recognise that if you're not in the 'it' crowd, you can only get so far there

do NOT tell them you are looking elsewhere.

For what it is worth, the biggest reference of yourself, that you can give to a future Employer is the current job you are in. So you're better off applying for jobs as this new team leader than as one of the team. So keep your head down and if the chance comes up and you get the opportunity as TL, take it. In the meantime, if you find another job to go to, you've lost out on nothing.

These are not the current economic times to be giving your Employer a reason to try and get rid of you. Telling them you are trying to find a new job, is a good excuse for them....

It is also illegal for any Employer to give a bad reference. All they can do is give your employment dates and whether you had a good attendance record.

Thanks stu. Update - have an interview tomorrow elsewhere, more of a sideways movement but better pay, I could walk to work it's that close, and on the face of it better prospects.

They will only be asked for a reference if you are going to be offered the new job and you give them permission to ask.

If that happens then-

If you have been promoted, your current employers can try and give you a bad reference but you can always say 'why did they promote me then?'
If you failed to get promotion, they may be understanding and sing your praises
If they are undecided on your promotion by that date, this will make them either offer you big money or just say goodbye.

I can't see a 'lose' in keeping it secret and, unless you feel you morally owe your bosses (small friendly company??), then **** em. Go for it.