Brie Weiler Reynolds* shares tips on conducting a job search while maintaining the stability of your current job.
Job searching is inherently stressful, but throw a full-time job into the equation and it can suddenly feel like you’re running a secret mission—Operation: Land a New Job.
If you’re currently employed, conducting a job search without your employer knowing is tricky.
But it’s not impossible. With some careful strategizing and intentional scheduling, you can find job search success while maintaining the stability of your current job.
Conducting a stealthy job search
It’s a professional conundrum. You are trying to catch the attention of hiring managers that are out scouting for recruits while flying under the radar of your current employer.
And most recruiters prefer to engage with currently employed professionals, not to mention that you probably need the income until you land your next gig. You can balance both priorities, however.
— Create strong boundaries
Being successfully sneaky at your job search means not being obvious about it. So, no updating your resume on company time, no scouring job boards during lunch breaks, and no scheduling interviews during work hours.
Not only does multitasking work and job search tasks increase your chances of getting discovered, but it’s also considered time theft and grounds for dismissal in many companies.
Admittedly, it can be hard to wait until you’re off the clock, but it’s worth the wait if you don’t want your current employer to discover your job search. Plus, you’ll be better able to focus, and your performance at work won’t suffer.
— Maintain your job performance
Speaking of work performance, letting yours slip is almost a guarantee that your current manager will pay closer attention to what you’re up to.
If you’re looking for a new job, planning your departure from your current employer might be more exciting than completing your tasks, but that’s a red flag to your employer.
Keep up with your responsibilities, stay engaged with your coworkers, and proceed as you usually would. You can’t estimate how long your job search might take—so don’t have one foot out the door prematurely.
— Don’t use company resources
Always use a personal email address and phone number, rather than your work contacts, for job search activities as a best practice.
Recruiters and current employers alike will raise their eyebrows if you use your work resources for personal endeavours. Even if you don’t have a personal computer at home, you should avoid using company technology in your job search.
Instead, invest time in going to the local library or coordinating with a friend or family member where you can borrow computer time.
— Take advantage of PTO and hybrid work options
Create a day or block of time for your lengthier job search activities whenever possible. Perhaps you can line up several interviews and phone screenings for the same day and take a vacation day to cover it.
If you have a hybrid or flexible schedule, take advantage of flex time to respond to recruiters and submit resumes before or after your current scheduled hours.
— Be mindful of your Linkedin updates
LinkedIn is a great way to connect with your network, request recommendations, and show potential employers your value. But if every one of your new moves is broadcast to your whole network, it can be evident that you’re actively looking for a new job.
Review each of LinkedIn’s privacy options to ensure your job search activities are kept quiet. Turn off alerts to your network, and use the private message system to communicate.
Networking, in general, is an excellent career development strategy and can expand a company’s reach organically. Your current employer often looks at continued networking efforts favourably, so you don’t need to hide all of your professional growth.
Some of the best ways to use LinkedIn for your job search are simply ensuring that your profile is up to date and that you’re actively engaging in your networks. Just ensure that those explicitly related to job searching are behind the scenes.
— Consider alternative reference options
It’s nice to have a good reference from your current employer when searching for a job.
But if asking your manager is out of the question, think about which coworkers you work closely with—those who could speak to your qualifications and keep your job search private.
Be very cautious about whom you choose to confide in though.
If current coworkers aren’t an option, reach out to previous managers, professors, and coworkers who can speak well about your experience working together and know what you’ve been doing since you changed jobs.
— Avoid posting to job boards
Remember that your company most likely has recruiters and managers actively mining for candidates at the same time as you’re trying to move on.
The job boards you post to are likely visible to both your current employer and prospective ones. Instead of posting to job boards, do your research on dream companies to work for and create targeted submissions that only they can see.
Conducting a covert job search
It’s entirely possible to fly under the radar if you maintain good boundaries between your current job and your job search.
Staying productive in your current role, checking online privacy settings, and enlisting the help of only your most trustworthy colleagues will help you find success.
With the average job search taking several months, you’ll enjoy maintaining that steady income. And while most recruiters understand not wanting to alert your current employer while you’re actively searching, many will want to verify employment as a final step in your background check.
Maintaining excellent job performance helps you count on a positive review when it’s time to notify your current employer.
*Brie Weiler Reynolds is a former career services manager and career coach at FlexJobs.
This article first appeared at flexjobs.com
