No one should feel stuck and unhappy in their job. If you’re not excited about going to work every day, it may be time for a change. But how do you navigate a job search while you’re still employed?
Here are a few do’s and don’ts of job hunting while you still have a job.
Keep It Confidential
If you’re currently working, never tell anyone at your current company that you’re looking for a new job. Even if you trust your coworkers, you never know how that information can get back to someone in a decision-making position, which could end your tenure much sooner than you expected. Keep your search to yourself.
Update LinkedIn
You can update your LinkedIn without raising suspicion, and you should. You don’t have to select the option to publish on your status with the changes, but it’s also accepted that LinkedIn should be regularly updated, even if you’re currently employed.
Develop Your Narrative
Next, you’ll need to know what you’re going to say to potential new employers about why you’re looking for a new job. It’s crucial that you stay positive and don’t fall into the trap of staying negative or disparaging things about your current company, boss, or coworkers. Keep it simple, such as “I’ve reached the highest level in my company without additional room for growth, so I’m looking to expand my experience.”
Plan Your References
You also don’t want to include your current employer on your list of references. Choose previous bosses, or other people you feel can keep your job search confidential. Never give reference information without asking permission first.
Stay Focused on Your Current Job
It can be easy to let your current job slide while looking for something new, but it’s imperative that you don’t. Keep up with your current workload and perform to your usual performance standards, so you don’t create a worse workplace situation.
Don’t Use Employer Equipment
While looking for work, it’s also essential that you don’t use your employer’s equipment to facilitate your search. Don’t log into your personal email from their computers, don’t use the printers or copiers for your resume, or use the phone to conduct interviews. You do not have any level of privacy when using employer-owned equipment.
Schedule Your Interviews Well
Finally, work with the hiring companies to schedule your interviews around your current employment. It’s widespread for job seekers to be employed, so many companies are willing to work within your timeframe. Schedule interviews after work, or you can take time off from your job as if you had a medical doctor appointment without providing details.
Are you looking for your next job? Start your search today.
