Job search tips for the currently employed

Sometimes being discrete is the best job search advice
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Looking for a job while you are currently employed can be a difficult process. Some employers can be very cooperative with you during your job search, but other employers may start their job search to replace you if they feel you are on your way out, and some may perceive it as disloyalty to the organization that you are leaving. The best decision is to usually keep your job search private until you are positive you are leaving. Here are some tips for currently employed job seekers on how to proceed with their job search:

DO keep is a secret and be discrete
Keep your job search confidential. That means not confiding in your one, or several "close" friends at the office. Gossip easily spreads and your boss will not appreciate if they hear you are leaving from anyone but you. Be sure to monitor who you are sending your resume to, and who you are telling you are looking for a job outside of the office. Particularly in close-knit or small industries, people tend to know the competition and if you are looking at jobs with them it will be very easy for that information to get back to your current employer, so be cautious who you discuss this with and be sure that employers you are in discussion with understand your desire to keep this quiet until you have made any final decisions.

DO consider internal moves
Sometimes the desire to move onto something different is because you are stifled in your current position. Talk to your boss and HR at your company and see if there is an option to move to a different role. Sometimes if you express your feelings than arrangements can be made or you can be kept in mind for future possibilities.

DON'T use company time or resources
Do not use your company email, phone, computer or time for your job search. That means that you should not be doing any activity associated with your job search on company time. If you have an interview, express to the potential company that you are employed and see if you can schedule the interview after work hours. If that is not an option, take a vacation day and attend your interview then.

DO watch your appearance
If you are going to an interview from work and are going to be dressing up for the interview be mindful of your appearance to your present employer. If you are wearing a suit to your interview, but you do not normally wear suits to your current employer your intentions may quickly become obvious. Bring your interview clothes with you and stop off somewhere after leaving your present workplace to change.

DO be gracious to your current employer
Never talk poorly about your current employer. Your relationships with your past employers have a large effect on your future potential employment opportunities. It is a negative sign if a potential applicant talks negatively about a previous or current employer so always share positive information.

DON'T post your resume online
The internet has made it exceptionally easy for employers to search out candidates based on previous employers or skills. Since your employer hired you because of your skills it is best not to place your resume on resume banks or anywhere that your current employer could find it and determine you are looking for other positions.

DON'T update your social media
Many jobs are now found through social media, but many employers also monitor the social media accounts of their employees. Any drastic changes to these accounts can also signal that you are looking for new opportunities. Do not post on social media that you are looking for new positions, and do not drastically update your social media profiles. If you wish to make changes, make them slowly over time and well in advance of any job search.

DO watch who you provide as a reference
You likely will not be able to provide your current employer as a reference. However, at this point you may want to advise a trusted colleague or speak with your boss about your intentions. Some prospective employers will understand and provide your offer conditional on positive references that can be provided once you have had an opportunity to provide notice to your employer and discuss this with them.

DO give lots of notice to your employer
You do not want to burn bridges with your current employer and you can leave on good terms by providing them ample notice of your leaving. Any good future employer will appreciate your duty to your current employer and will provide you the time to serve out your notice. In most cases, it is recommended that you provide your employer with 2 weeks notice, however in management positions, positions where it will be difficult to replace you or where you are responsible for a project it is suggested that up to 4 weeks notice be provided. In this time be sure to organize all your information and make it as easy as possible for your replacement to get started.

All of these tips will help you to preserve your relationship with your present employer as you go forward to other employment options.

 

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