Can I Apply for a New Role at My Current Company While Serving My Notice Period?

Dear elite members,

I would like to know if you are entitled to apply for an opportunity in the same organization where you are serving a notice period. In plain words, I have resigned and am serving a 90-day notice period in my current organization, ABC. Now, I have come to know that there is an opportunity available in the same organization, and I am also interested in pursuing it.

Am I entitled to apply for the job, and will HR consider my candidature?

I know you might have questions about why I resigned and am willing to join the same organization. I was not comfortable in the current role that I was performing, and hence I resigned. However, the new opportunity looks like a better prospect (it might also be at a lower grade). I am still interested in pursuing this opportunity, but I would like to know if there are any rules that can prevent me from applying for this opportunity, which is available in the open market.

I request you to share your varied thoughts and views on the same and provide me with some clear guidance.

Thanks,
Regards, ragav.kutta

Considering the candidature of an employee who is on the eve of his notice period for some other post in the same organization is purely a matter of subjectivity of the employer. Generally, there are no hard and fast rules in this regard.

The feedback given by your immediate superiors about your performance in the present job, your general behavior, and the nature of responsibilities associated with the post you are applying for are the factors for consideration.

Hi,

If your HR or employer is willing to consider, then you may request to cancel your resignation and continue as it is. However, please note that HR will review your application based on any negative points shared by you at the time of resignation.

Hi Raghav,

Nobody can stop you from applying for the post. But when you are called for an interview and if you fulfill the required job description, you may have to face embarrassing questions about your current position. Who knows, if feedback from the evaluators of your current role is very good, you may even receive an offer. I hope you have prepared answers to justify your decision in choosing a lower-grade job.

Since you are in service until the completion of your notice period, you should go and discuss with the department head where the vacancy exists. Convince the department head that you are the best option for the position and can deliver better results, as you are familiar with the organization, its people, and its culture. The HR department will not have a problem if the department wants to reappoint you. It all depends on the credibility you have established with the organization. No organization wants to lose good employees.