Find a New Job While Employed
Don't get caught. Get hired.
Common wisdom says it’s easier to land a new job while you’re still employed. Potential employers won’t be wondering why you left your last position. And unemployment saps both confidence and energy, making it harder to present yourself with poise and enthusiasm.
But looking for a new job while working full time is both risky and complicated. It’s hard to balance your current job responsibilities with the demands of a serious job search. You run the risk that your current employer will find out and penalize you. At times the process can feel very cloak-and-dagger.
Here are some best practices for managing the challenge – and some common pitfalls.
Keep up the Good Work
Even though you have one foot out the door, continue to do your best in your current job. It’s the right thing to do. Even if you’re dissatisfied, you owe the company your best work as long as they’re paying you. Besides, it maintains your self-esteem as a high-achieving individual who honors her commitments. Slacking off will call attention to you just when you’re trying to fly under the radar. And if you don’t find another job right away, your inferior performance may lead to unpleasant consequences. Who knows – you may even change your mind and decide you want to stay. So keep on giving your best.
This also means no job hunting during your work hours. Use your own time for your job search – before or after work, breaks, lunch hours, personal days.
Don't Tell your Co-Workers
Most of us have friends at work. It’s natural to want to share your decision to look for another job and the progress of your search. Don’t. Every person you tell increases the risk that the news will leak out to people you’re not ready to inform.
Don't Use Your Work Telephone or Email
Many employers track your web surfing and your e-mails, even if you’re dumping the history of your Web site visits and deleting personal e-mails. Don’t ever use your employer's computer to visit job boards, or send or receive job-search-related e-mails. Similarly, employers can monitor your phone calls. Use a personal email account at home and your cell phone. Never use the company fax machine or letterhead.
Pay Your Own Way
Use your own paper, printer, stamps, et cetera. It’s dishonest to use company resources for your job search.
Protect Your On-Line Resumes
You don't want your current employers to find your resume when conducting their own searches. Only post on job sites where you can keep your employer and contact information confidential. Many large sites have confidentiality settings to block parts of your resume or to prevent particular companies from seeing it. Or use a generic company name (“prestigious public relations firm”) and job title. Include only your private email address and cell phone number.
is Principal of Chicago’s Gail Golden Consulting, LLC, a management psychology firm specializing in helping companies to select and develop their senior leadership talent. Dr. Golden has more than 20 years of experience in consulting and clinical psychology. She is currently coaching a number of Chicago’s senior executives, consulting with both for-profit and not-for-profit firms about strategic leadership development, and leading workshops on innovation, negotiation skills, and a variety of other topics. Her website is www.gailgoldenconsulting.com.
