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If you’re already employed, but considering a change, you may be wondering how to go about conducting a job search without causing problems with your current job — or worse, getting busted by your boss.
A recent survey conducted by the employment professionals at Accounttemps revealed that almost half of the respondents said they are comfortable looking for a new job while they’re already employed, which can be a great thing for their career advancement. People between the ages of 18 and 34, though, nearly half said they were at least somewhat likely to engage in job-search activities at work, which could cause career problems.
When you’re in the market for a new gig, it’s important to remember to conduct your job search in a way that’s both ethical and responsible. To help you avoid tarnishing your reputation and inviting a backlash from your boss, take these tips from the professionals at Accountemps on the best way to look for a new job while you’re still employed:
- Decide if you want to stay inside your current company. When you’re feeling the desire for a career change, decide if you want to change roles within your current company first. Many companies prefer to promote from within rather than bringing in someone totally new.
- Search on your own dime. A great way to avoid getting busted by your boss is to conduct your job search on your own time and on your own dime. Getting caught searching for a new position while on the job is often grounds for termination. Worrying about that on top of the stress that comes with searching for a new job is something we could all do without.
- Work with a recruiter. Recruiters work to fill open positions for companies, government agencies and other organizations. Working with a recruiter can help you to search discreetly and may result in quick connections with potential employers.
- Be mindful of your online activity. When using social media for a job search, be mindful of what you are sharing and posting. You never know who is looking at what you post online, so double-check your security settings.
- Consider keeping your online resume anonymous. If you post your resume online, you run the risk of your current employer stumbling across it. You can avoid this by taking advantage of the option to post your resume anonymously.
- Mum’s the word. Don’t discuss your job search with your co-workers. Regardless of how close you are with your coworkers, it’s in your best interest to keep things to yourself until a new job is yours and you’ve officially announced your resignation.
- Interview outside of office hours. When setting up a meeting with a potential employer, avoid lying to your boss by scheduling your interview appointments on your lunch break or otherwise outside of your office hours. If that proves too difficult, take a day off to knock out a few interviews at the same time.