Looking for a new job while you’re still employed is like walking a tightrope. You want to keep moving forward so you can quickly get to the other side, but one wrong move and your career could plummet to the ground! There’s a lot to keep you busy: sneaking out for interviews and updating your resume while keeping up with the demands of your regular job.
It’s nice to keep collecting that paycheck. And most recruiters and hiring managers like to see that you’re still employed. It means that you’re desirable and have up-to-date skills. Here are some tips to starting a job search while you’re still employed.
Utilize a recruiter 
One of the easiest ways to begin your job search while still working is by meeting with a recruiter. Recruiters will keep their eyes and ears on the job market for you while you’re working and present opportunities to you that fit what you’re looking for. Recruiters are completely free of charge for candidates, so why not have someone in your corner to help out? They take a lot of time and energy off your plate while you’re still working.
Don’t publicize your resume
As soon as you post your resume on a job board, recruiters and hiring managers will start calling, which doesn’t help you remain discreet. And you never know who might see it up there. Think: your current boss.
Shh! Keep it a secret
Don’t tell anyone about your job search! Especially your current boss or co-workers. In fact, you might want to ask hiring managers and recruiters you meet with to keep your search discreet. They understand that request and will do their best to honor it.
Avoid scheduling interviews during work hours
Even if you refer to your interviews as “dentist appointments” as you tiptoe out of the building mid-morning, eventually your co-workers are going to wonder what’s going on. Try to schedule your interviews late in the afternoon when they’re less noticeable, even if it means doing a phone interview in the evening or on a weekend.
Be sneaky, no sudden wardrobe changes
Don’t make the mistake of wearing a suit to work when you typically wear business casual because you have an interview later. This is a red flag to everyone around you. No one can know what you’re up to!
Stay engaged
Don’t check out of your daily responsibilities at work. It’s tempting to ignore your work obligations because you just don’t care anymore, but stay focused on your job and complete as many of your current projects as you can. You don’t want to risk getting fired or being remembered as lazy or incompetent. You never know who might be called as a reference in the future.
Don’t include colleagues as references
This one is probably obvious, but it’s not a good idea to have your current colleagues or bosses find out about your job search when they’re contacted for a reference. It’ll make things extremely awkward at work and it makes you seem underhanded to your potential employer.
Stay calm and composed
Don’t quit your job until you’ve received and accepted a job offer! Just because the interview went well and everything just feels right about a prospective job, you don’t want to act too quickly. Lots of little details can slip through the cracks in the hiring process and you want to make sure you truly have a job before you leave your current one.
For more tips on optimizing your job search, check out our website at https://www.chiefofstaffkc.com.
Blog written by Erin Greenhalgh