It’s often said that finding work while you’re still employed is easier. You may want to look for a new job for many reasons before quitting your current one. If you’re interested in exploring new opportunities around you without alerting your boss, we are breaking down our best tips. Here are a few things about looking for work while still employed.
Update Your Online Presence Cautiously
When updating your LinkedIn or other professional social media profiles, turn off notifications that broadcast your changes to your network. Make gradual, not sudden, updates to your profile to avoid drawing attention. Use settings that allow you to be visible only to recruiters on job search platforms. Avoid posting publicly about your job search or dissatisfaction with your current role.
Schedule Interviews Around Your Current Job
Schedule interviews during your off-hours, such as during lunch breaks, before work, or after hours. Use PTO or vacation days for lengthier interview processes if needed. Take advantage of virtual interviews, which can often be scheduled more flexibly and attended discreetly compared to in-person interviews.
Network Smartly
Engage in networking outside of your current workplace and working hours. Attend industry events, conferences, or meet-ups to expand your professional network without raising suspicion at your current job. When reaching out to contacts, explicitly request discretion. Ensure your job search is confidential to prevent word from returning to your current employer.
Be Careful with References
Instead of listing your current boss or colleagues as references, opt for contacts from previous jobs, mentors, or other professional connections who can vouch for your abilities. Inform your references that you are job hunting while still employed, and that discretion is essential. This helps ensure they are prepared and cautious if contacted by potential employers.
While still employed, job hunting requires careful navigation to ensure it doesn’t adversely impact your current position. You can conduct your job search discreetly and effectively by updating your online presence cautiously, scheduling interviews around your current job, networking smartly, and being careful with references. While searching for new opportunities is perfectly acceptable, it should be done with tact and respect for your current employer and role.
If you’re based in Minnesota and are looking for a change of pace this year, start your search with The Vision Companies!
