They say it’s always better to start searching for a job while you already have one. But looking for a job while you’re already working can be rather tricky, particularly in the age of social media where privacy is scant! In a market where jobs still haven’t rebounded, you don’t really want to do something to risk your existing job—let alone jeopardize your chances of getting a new one.
So what happens when you already have a job and something better piques your interest or you just feel you’ve outgrown your existing job? Also in times when employers are poaching top performing workers from other organisations, you don’t really want your present employer to know that you’re looking for a new job!
So just read a few tips on how to look for a new job while keeping your current one secure:
Carefully choose people to confide in:
Keeping your intent to yourself can be the best thing that you can do to start with. Word gets around, and if a co-worker or your boss gets the wind of this then they may start looking for your substitute, even before you’ve actually scheduled for an interview. So for all reasons and intents, avoid slacking off, behave normal and stop ranting about how much you would prefer being somewhere else.
Network with Caution:
Your social media profile can be a brilliant tool for searching a job, but not essentially in the way you might think. Revamping your online profile suddenly and uploading your resume can draw unwanted attention. Rather, you should quietly explore your network of connections for job opportunities. And in case you have several connections, you can look for people who have the same skills as yours and see what companies they work for. This can give you some really good clues for your future job search.
Do it in your own time:
Steer clear of taking calls or scheduling interviews during your working hours. Try doing them on weekends or after office hours. If it is unavoidable, then take a day off, but do it with discretion. Taking too many days off without any valid reason can set the alarm bells ringing. It’s always good to talk to your potential employer about scheduling your interview after office hours. Not only will they appreciate but also value your commitment towards your existing work.
Be selective about your references:
It’s quite possible that your references are a part of your close-knit network, so let them know that you are searching off the record. And of course – if you wish to keep your job search confidential from your existing managers, make sure that you don’t list them as a reference. Instead, give the names of previous managers or trusted colleagues from your present company who are aware of the scenario and can talk about your performance.
Don’t burn the bridges, leave on a positive note:
Till the time you at your existing job, keep working hard and doing the best that you can. Do not check out psychologically before you actually make an exit. Make sure you follow the appropriate protocol for resignation and not abscond without tying up any loose ends. You never know when you might require the recommendation of your current manager someday!
On the flipside, in case your manager gets to know that you are looking out, it’s always better to come clean and talk about it. Denying can make the situation awkward in the workplace. Best case scenario- it could be the opening point for some discussions for keeping you on board!
