Job Hunting Tips for the Employed
People who are employed often want or need to change jobs. Our job hunting tips for the employed aren't difficult concepts to master. We know this job search isn't the only task on your plate. These tips for job seekers are for those individuals who have busier schedules than the average job hunter since they are already employed.
Are You Employed While Job Hunting?
In this job market, it's not uncommon for employees to search for positions while they are already employed. As long as you do it tactfully, you can make a smooth transition from one position to the other. If you think about it, playing the market this way is very advantageous to you. You have the opportunity to search for the perfect position while still having a job to fall back on if something doesn't work out.However, although there can be benefits to this process, searching for jobs while you are already employed could lead you into some trouble if not done correctly. You may have some success when it comes to job hunting by following these tips.
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Smart Job Hunting Tips for the Employed
- Keep the Search Quiet in the Office
It would be best if you didn't discuss your thoughts about leaving your current company in your workspace. Nor should you conduct any searches during work time. Not only are you stealing your company's time by not completing your work, but you are leaving yourself vulnerable to snooping employers. The IT department can track where you surf on the internet.
Keep your searching to local coffee shops, or the safest alternative, your home. You want your job search to be effective and efficient. By sharing your work time with job hunting, you are taking time away from both tasks diminishing the overall quality. Being discrete is key in this situation. You wouldn't want to deal with any potentially awkward situations at your current place of employment. - Exclusions of References
You will be asked to provide a list of references and whether or not the company you are applying to can contact them. Unless you have a very comfortable situation at your current company and do not feel like you would have a problem if they found out you were leaving. Do not let the prospective company contact your current employer.
It would be best if you listed all of your other previous employers as references. However, it is important that your current boss remains unaware of your potential career change. You want to secure your references, contact them via email or LinkedIn to ensure that you have a current connection with them. - Monitor Your Social Media
Make sure that all of your social media pages are free from indications of your job search. Even if you didn't connect with any of your current work colleagues, you don't know who might be looking at your pages.
You may feel as though you set the privacy settings to the point where no one would see your interactions with various companies to which you are applying. However, you can never be too careful. It is better to avoid including any of this information altogether. - Interview Should Not Interfere With Work
No interference may be difficult. People who work full-time typically work eight hour days, five days a week, so it may be a challenge to schedule an interview. If the company insists on interviewing you during your regularly scheduled work hours, make sure you take a vacation or personal day. If possible, avoid using a sick day because upon your return, you may have to explain your alleged sickness and you shouldn't lie in the workplace. - What to Do If You Are Discovered
No matter how subtle your job search is, there is a slight chance that your current company may find out about your plan to leave them. Your boss or coworkers may confront you about your decision. If this happens yourself keep calm.
Do not lie about your job search. If you decide to lie, they will find out the truth, and your reputation, as well as your connection with that company, will be damaged. It would help if you asked to sit down with your manager and explain yourself to them. Give your boss a respectful reason as to why you were considering leaving; they may appreciate your honesty. - Have an Effective Exit Strategy
No matter how long you have been with your company, it is a part of your employment history. You do not want to burn any bridges no matter what the circumstance. Once you have received and accepted an offer, it is important to handle your exit with grace.
It would be best if you gave the company at least two weeks' notice. Also, if asked to do so, properly complete their exit interview as respectfully as possible. You still want to remain on good terms with your current employer.