5 Tips for Job Searching While Still Employed 

5 Tips for Job Searching While Still Employed 

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The prospect of job searching is daunting for countless reasons.

But one of the most difficult aspects to navigate is how to do it while still employed. Most people worry about rousing suspicion. After all, it’s not something you want to announce over the PA system. The unavoidable “sneaking around” that has to take place is enough to make any self-respecting employee question their integrity.

So, how do you launch a job search while still employed, without hurting your standing with your current employer and without feeling like a criminal? Here are a few suggestions.

  1. Don’t Job Search on Company Time

This one should go without saying. However, when you’re pressed for time and feeling antsy to move on, it can be tempting to take care of job search activities during work time. Don’t indulge in that kind of behavior. Don’t use the company computer, company email address, fax machine, scanner or anything else, and avoid taking calls from prospective employers on company time. These things might seem relatively harmless, but they amount to time theft, and no organization will look kindly upon those who do it.

Also read: The 5 Most Common Job Search Mistakes & How to Fix Them

  1. Use Vacation Time for Interviews

One of the biggest concerns around job searching while still employed is about how to take time off for interviews without calling attention to yourself. We’ve all known someone who had a “sudden dental emergency” and had to take multiple mornings off to deal with it—and then resigned a week later. We’ve also probably all felt suspicious when a normally casual co-worker suddenly showed up in a suit.

Avoid raising suspicions by informing your prospective employer that you’re currently working and would appreciate meeting in off-business hours if possible. Most people engaged in the hiring process can respect that, and they’ll often try to work with you by arranging breakfast or lunch meetings or scheduling time in the later hours of the day.

If the only meeting times are available during the workday, consider taking a full vacation day instead of calling attention to yourself with multiple appointments. If that’s not feasible, you can simply say you have an appointment and need to take a morning or afternoon off. No further explanation is needed—so don’t bother creating an inventive story to cover your tracks. And remember: you can change clothes outside of the office if you’re worried.

Regardless of how you manage the time off, be sure it’s worthwhile. Only agree to an in-person meeting for roles you are seriously considering. If a position doesn’t appear to be a reasonably good fit, it’s probably not worth the hassle to investigate further.

  1. Ask Prospective Employers to Maintain Confidentiality

It’s always a good idea to inform prospective employers that you’re keeping your job search confidential at the moment, and you’d appreciate their discretion. This kind of clear disclosure lets them know you don’t want them calling your current company for references or sharing your candidacy publicly until things become official. It doesn’t guarantee that they’ll oblige (though most will), but you’ll have done your best.

  1. Turn Off LinkedIn Notifications

If you’re scrambling to spruce up your LinkedIn profile, be sure to hit the little button under “Settings & Privacy” that says “Sharing Profile Edits / Choose whether your network is notified about profile changes.” When you turn that off, you can make changes safely without anyone receiving direct notification. Someone might still stumble over your profile and notice updates, but the likelihood of that is minimal.

Also read: Don’t Get Busted – 3 LinkedIn Privacy Settings You Need to Know for Job Search

  1. Be Honest…But Only If Asked Directly

Whether or not to disclose your job search is a matter that requires good judgment based on your situation. You don’t ever want to volunteer the information, but if asked directly by an immediate superior, “Are you job searching?” it’s often a good idea to be honest. Say something simple like, “I’m exploring some opportunities,” or “I’m not closing any doors at the moment.” Don’t offer more information though. If anyone tries to dig deeper, it’s perfectly acceptable to say, “I’m keeping things confidential for the moment.”

Sometimes, the inquiring leader will use this as an opportunity to find out more about why you’re considering a move and to take steps to retain you. But be careful not to assume this will be the response.

If you’re concerned that disclosing your job search will lead to retaliation or possibly even termination, it’s also okay to say, “Not at the moment.” That way, should you accept a new role in the near future, you can say it was a quick opportunity that just recently appeared.

Finally, it’s important to recognize that you do have the right to change jobs. You shouldn’t feel like you’re doing anything wrong by exploring other opportunities. Don’t allow your sense of loyalty to get in the way of your success. Respect your current employer—and respect yourself too.

Chrissy Scivicque
About the Author
Chrissy Scivicque

Chrissy Scivicque is a career coach, corporate trainer and public speaker who believes work can be a nourishing part of the life experience. Her website, Eat Your Career, is devoted to this mission. Chrissy is currently a contributing career expert for U.S. News & World Report and the author of the book, The Proactive Professional: How to Stop Playing Catch Up and Start Getting Ahead at Work (and in Life!), available on Amazon.

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