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Conducting a Job Search while still
Employed
Searching for a new job can be stressful
regardless of the circumstances, and the situation gets much
more complicated if you’re still employed. It’s often very
difficult to hide your job search from your boss and colleagues,
but still somehow find the time to attend interviews. Keep your
job search quiet—and honest—with these simple tips.
Don’t tell Anyone
The number one rule is, if you don’t want the
secret to get out, don’t talk about it. Don’t tell any
co-workers about your plans to find a new job unless you know
without a doubt that you can trust them to keep your secret.
Even then, be cautious—news like this has a way of getting found
out, and the more people you tell, the less safe your secret is.
Don’t use Email or the Phone at Work
Some employers may monitor email messages or
phone calls made using company equipment. If you must make phone
calls at work, use your personal cell phone, and be sure you’re
in any area where nobody can overhear you. Use only your home
computer and a personal email account for online contact with
employers.
Schedule Interviews Carefully
Try to schedule interviews either before or after
work, or during your lunch hour. Be careful, though—if you don’t
normally go out for lunch and you suddenly start doing that
several times a week, your boss may notice and become
suspicious. If you really can’t interview at these times, try to
schedule several interviews for the same date then take a
personal day off. Again, avoid suspicion by keeping those
personal days to a minimum.
If you don’t usually dress formally for work,
consider bringing a change of clothes on interview days—suddenly
dressing up for no apparent reason may also cause suspicion.
Choose References Carefully
Naturally, you won’t want to use your current
employer as a reference—make your selections from previous
employers. Explaining why you chose older reference to any
potential employers should not reduce your chances of receiving
a job offer.
Don’t Look for Work during Work
Finally, be honest when searching for your new
position. You’re still being paid to work for your current
employer, so don’t use work time to hunt for a new job.
Also, please review our Tools
to Find a Job section. If you need more help, please
consider using a Career
Counselor.
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