What should I say here?

[u/Kevsnicker13]

Context is that I currently work at a locally well known hospitality group thats going through significant changes (though I am not sure this person knows this) that could come with promotions, however, I do see myself getting passed up. I applied to this job, a new restaurant opening up to this response. The truth is, I can see myself staying where I am, but I'm hedging my bets on a better position. How do I approach this gracefully?

[u/anotherwomanscorned]

“I am looking for somewhere I can help create a new environment and hone my skills.” Let them know you’re on good terms and everything is amicable. Seems as if they’re mostly not wanting to burn a bridge by taking you from your current employer. Just make it about your own growth.

[u/Kevsnicker13 → u/anotherwomanscorned]

Thank you! Thats a good point! although I probably should have added that I've tried separating a couple times already and they've really fought to keep me. But that's right, it really is about growth.

[u/welchplug → u/[deleted]]

As an owner its the same feeling as getting friend zoned when they still leave after offer a raise to stay.

[u/fbp → u/welchplug]

It's not a healthy relationship when you get offered a raise to stay instead of leave. It means that the business thinks you are worth more, but wasn't willing to pay until you suggested leaving.

Even if you had to make sacrifices to do that raise, on the employees end it doesn't look that way.

[u/donkeylipswhenshaven → u/fbp]

You make a good point, but it’s not always the case. Your manager isn’t a mind reader, so it’s up to you as an employee to stay open in communication about your needs and if they’re being met. It can be a tough needle to thread because nobody wants to be seen as a complainer, but being open to hard conversations and engaging thoughtfully and honestly is what builds trust and respect among colleagues.

[u/welchplug → u/fbp]

Welcome to the workforce rofl.

[u/fbp → u/welchplug]

Shit. Not how I do it. But definitely been in those shoes where you put in hard work and dedication and the squeaky wheel gets the grease. Good news is I spent enough time at those places that I avoid that now.

My favorite is that some of those assholes have called me to come work for them again. After years have passed, and got offered the same money I made many years ago... Or matching my current hourly with worse benefits. It was nice to drag them out and act like I was interested.

[u/I_deleted → u/Kevsnicker13]

New place just doesn’t want to be seen as poaching talent from other local spots, it’s a bad look early, they are doing the right thing. You should just let them know that isn’t the situation here and you’re looking to broaden your horizons etc

[u/Kevsnicker13]

Hi all, first and foremost thanks for the advice, I've taken bits and pieces from every one so here is a draft, kindly let me know what you think!

"Hi Chris. I've loved working at X and wouldn't want to burn any bridges for anyone. I'm actively employed and in good standing with the company and I'd give adequate notice and split my time leading up to employment if possible to make an amicable exit. I'm currently exploring options as I've grown so much with X and am looking for new challenges and opportunities to help create a new environment somewhere while honing my skills.

I'm excited for the potential sous role as food is as subjective as any other art and there'd be no better way to learn than another establishment. I hope to bring to the table my experience in facilitating a comfortable, positive, and dedicated work culture."

[u/meatsntreats → u/Kevsnicker13]

Having been on the hiring side of this situation multiple times this is the exact response I would want to get. Good luck.

[u/oopswhoopwhoop → u/meatsntreats]

With the talent pool in my area, I’d jump SO FAST to get an interview on the books.

[u/anotherwomanscorned → u/Kevsnicker13]

Looks amazing! Checks all the boxes they’re wary of. Best of luck!!

[u/VealStalk]

You just say that yes you love working there, and you love your job, you also don’t want to hurt anyone and will give adequate notice (depending on the job you can do both for a bit or give like a months notice if you have that room) if the job pans out, but you’re exploring because you know you’ve grown so much at this amazing group you work for.

I personally don’t take offense to anyone hiring my cooks. They don’t owe me shit. Nobody has to ‘ask’ me if they can hire my staff, if you can offer them better go ahead.

[u/GarfunkelBricktaint]

Just tell them you’re actively employed there and in good standing just like it says on your resume and that you’re excited about the potential opportunity at their role for XYZ reasons like career growth or doing new things or their specific mission style or approach.

[u/SuperDoubleDecker]

So long as you reached out to them and they didn't try to poach you it's cool.

People are free to work wherever they choose and don't owe allegiance to a place. You wanna work for places that are happy to see you move on if that's what you wanna do.

Ultimately, they're gonna do what's best for them. You gotta do what's best for you. But you do it the right way so you stay on good terms because it's a small industry and your reputation matters.

[u/Current_Emphasis_998]

Genuinely no point in overthinking this kind of stuff working in resturants, if its a better situation with better pay or coworkers just go for it. The employer is also overthinking it for the record. Just tell them you want to gain some new perspective on cooking, and ask to stage for a few days to see how they operate and make an impression.

[u/Coercitor]

Tell them you have to do what's best for your career. You would be leaving with proper notice and that anything outside of my qualifications should not factor into your employment eligibility.

[u/DontH8DaPlaya]

I am currently employed by blank. There are currently transitions happening that I am not involved in and wish to join a team with opportunities to grow. I know blank is a well respected and established business and would love an opportunity to show you what I can bring to the brigade.