The Do's and Don'ts of Job Searching While Still Employed
The Do's and Don'ts of Job Searching While Still Employed
If you're already employed, finding a new job can be tricky as not only does it require time you may not have, but you have to keep it all under the radar. It's smart not to reveal any clues that may lead your current employer to suspect that you're on the hunt for a new job. Though it won't be easy to find another job, it is certainly doable but you must play it smart. As with anything else in life, there are do's and don'ts you need to take into consideration while job hunting.
DO keep your LinkedIn profile updated.
LinkedIn isn't just a great way to find new work, but a solid way to build your social network of professionals in your industry. Many people are scared of updating their LinkedIn profiles while working for someone else for fear of their boss misunderstanding their intentions. You shouldn't be afraid to keep your profile up to date as it won't raise red flags with your employer, but it will certainly better your chances for getting approached by a recruiter with work in your industry. If you prefer not to broadcast changes within your profile to your entire network, just change your privacy settings to reflect your secrecy.
Don't share your intentions with co-workers.
Even if you have a close relationship with some of your co-workers, it's best not to tell them about your hunt for a new job. Word can spread around the office and it may hinder your ability to work on projects while you're still employed. Of course, telling people about your change of heart can also impact your relationship with your boss if he or she should find out.
DO schedule interviews with respect to your work hours.
Make sure that when you're hunting for a new job, you don't raise red flags by scheduling your interviews during normal work hours. Most companies that are hiring will understand your need for discretion and will accommodate your request. Of course, if the company isn't willing to schedule an interview at an appropriate time, take a holiday day off from work as those days will become meaningless once you leave your current employment.
DON'T dress or act differently.
It's understandable that if you're on a job hunt, you will need to dress differently for interviews than you would for work. However, if you normally go to the office wearing casual outfits, dressing differently can call attention to your actions. If you must dress a certain way for an interview, take a change of clothes with you and change into them after work hours.
DO keep networking yourself.
Knowing people is what ensures that you actually get hired for a certain job. In fact, the more people that you know in your industry, the better your chances of finding a new employer or getting recommended to a leader in your industry. Networking can be done online, so make sure to dig out those old contacts when job hunting. If you don't know enough people, attending industry social events can help you find more acquaintances.
DON'T hunt for jobs while at work.
It may seem tempting to spend every moment of your time hunting for that perfect job, but never do so during work hours. Most companies monitor emails and Internet use while employees are at work, so it's easy to get caught off guard. You also need to take into consideration that job hunting while on paid time is unethical and really doesn't make you look good. The urge to search should be kept at bay until you have free time.
DON'T post your resume online.
It may seem like a good idea to take advantage of job boards and to post your resume online, but you could be caught by people working for your current company. It's okay to search for jobs posted on these sites, but don't create a profile where you market yourself.
DON'T talk about work on social media.
If something negative happened at work that ultimately led to your need to search for a new job, don't mention it on social media. A momentary lapse of judgment can negatively impact your career and cause trouble for you at your current job. Use social media to network yourself on the down low, but don't be too obvious.
DO follow proper notice protocol.
All employers have established a proper form of handing in notice if you choose to leave work. However, some people are so proud to have found a job, they simply forget the common courtesy of letting their former employer know about it. When choosing to leave a job, write your notice down on paper and formally file it with your employer to avoid any misunderstandings.
DO be professional in your departure.
You may be glad to be out of a certain job, but don't burn any bridges because you never know when fate puts you in contact with your old company again. You may need to also ask your old boss for references in the future or you may have the opportunity to deliver a new business proposition. Don't do anything you will regret later on, and if you have a short temper, know when to walk away from confrontation and be the bigger person.
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