10 top tips: How to balance job search whilst employed
You’ve heard people say searching for a job is a full-time job, so what happens when you’ve already got a full-time job? Well in this blog are 10 top tips on how to balance job search whilst employed!
1. Update your LinkedIn profile
This social media platform is one that potential employers and recruiters will check. This will be either when your CV shows up or if you look like a potential fit for the role. Some things to check when updating your profile, consider turning notifications off – nothing like your boss seeing you’ve applied or been talking about getting a new job. On that note don’t tag that your “looking for a new job”. Lastly keep your skills up to date, whether these are skills from your current job or additional learning.
2. Don’t post on job boards
Nothing worse than having 3 voicemails and 20 messages off recruiters, very discrete. One of the best ways will also be networking. It’s better to miss an opportunity than your boss finding outright?
3. Stay quiet about your search
We all know how hard and frustrating it can be to stay quiet about your job search. Telling one co-worker regardless of how close you are is like telling them all. This also includes your social media. Even if your employer doesn’t monitor yours and some do! You never know who is connected through the network. Don’t post about it whether it’s an obvious or cryptic post, it’s not worth it if someone does find out.
4. Interviews
There’s only so many excuses you can make before your employer starts to become suspicious. If possible, ask for lunch or after work interviews – most place will accommodate, especially if you are honest about discretion.
If you cannot get out of work hours then consider booking the day off. Some say to just call in sick, but this can lead to complications. What if you’re needed on a call or a doctor’s note is required etc… Best bet is to just book it off, you don’t have to worry about the extra stress.
5. Stealth helps
You normal wear jeans and t-shirt to work but decided to wear a suit and tie? Might cause a bit of stir in the office, people will start to ask questions. Take in consideration whether your interview clothes will be a big difference to your work attire. If so, maybe consider changing into your interview just before your interview.
6. Sabotaging yourself
Always stay focus with your work, even if you’re leaving. Keeping conflict at bay will allow you to keep bridges with your employer, just cause your leaving it doesn’t have to be on bad terms. Having a ‘couldn’t care less’ attitude or picking fights cause your leaving can leave you in some sticky situations when leaving. Also, don’t use the work phone or network to look for a new job. 1 this can be found by your employer and 2 getting fired over inappropriate use of resources won’t help your search.
7. References
It might sound obvious but might be a good idea not to use your boss or co-workers for references. How embarrassing for your potential new employer to ring your current boss who doesn’t know? An awkward situation you can avoid.
8. Ask your potential employer for discretion
Be honest and clear with the potential employer about your situation with your current employer. Most will assume they do not know, but it is always best to confirm this. If you are keeping your search discrete and your recruiter is not willing to honour that, maybe pick another professional who will.
9. Efficiency and organization
How do you find the time to find a new job whilst staying focused and productive at your current role? The key is planning and organization. Update everything before you start your search, this includes online profiles, CV and cover letter. However you decide to organize you should always know prioritized tasks, deadlines and know when you are free, so you aren’t doubled booked.
10. Don’t act too soon
Stay away from rash decisions. You don’t have a position until you have a job offer that is signed, anything can happen regardless of how good your interview was. Stay patient and discreet.
Sometimes this search can make you realize how much you enjoy your job and what you get in it. If this is the case, there is nothing wrong with calling your search off. Don’t feel like your search was a waste because it made you realize what you wanted.
Check out our latest blog on Things to know before signing your new job contract
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