Career Advice

Rosenberg McKay

It is better to conduct a job search while you are still working, if possible, since job candidates who are currently working are more desirable than those who are unemployed. Unfortunately, looking for a job while you have one is very tricky. You don't want your boss to know you're thinking about leaving. She could start looking for your replacement before you are ready to go. You have no way of knowing when, and even if, your job search will be successful. You don't want to lose your job before you find a new one. Here are tips for looking for a new job while you are currently employed.

1. Don't Discuss Your Job Search With Your Co-Workers
If you want your job search to remain a secret, don't talk about it. You can't expect other people to keep your secret if you can't keep it yourself.


2. Don't Use Your Work Telephone or Email to Job Search
Employers sometimes monitor phone calls and email. Use a personal email account at home and use your cell phone.

3. Don't Job Hunt on Your Boss's Time
Your boss is paying you to work for him. Use your own time, e.g., break time or lunch hour, to do anything related to your job search.

4. Don't Job Hunt on Your Boss's Dime
Use your own paper and your own printer to make copies of your resume. Use your own postage to mail them. Your current boss should not be financing your job search.

5. Make Job Search Related Phone Calls Away from the Office
Don't make job search related calls in an area where someone may overhear you.

6. Schedule Interviews Before or After Work, or at Lunchtime
If you leave the office during the day, your boss may know something is up. If a prospective employer can't interview you during those times, take a personal day. Don't take too many days off at once though.

7. Be Careful About How You Dress
If you normally dress casually for work and then suddenly come into the office dressed up for a job interview, your boss may be suspicious. You may have to find someplace to do a quick "Superman-style" clothing change.

8. Use Former Employers as References
Explaining to a prospective employer that you can't use your current employer as a job reference because you want to keep your job search confidential for now should not harm your chances of getting a job offer.