How to Look for a Job While Employed

The secret to finding your next big career move while still employed is all about discretion, strategy, and a bit of finesse. In today’s fast-paced job market, career opportunities don’t always come when you expect them. Many professionals find themselves in the tricky situation of wanting to explore new opportunities while still employed, either to escape a stagnant job, pursue higher pay, or simply grow professionally.

But how do you look for a new job without jeopardizing the one you already have?

There are numerous considerations when conducting a job search while you’re still working. Unlike someone who’s unemployed, you have to handle things more delicately. Maintaining your current role's stability while actively seeking a new one can seem daunting, but with careful planning and an understanding of the process, it’s possible to navigate this transition smoothly.

Be Discreet

The very first rule of job hunting while employed is to keep your search under wraps. You do not want your current employer to find out prematurely. Start by ensuring your job search activities are carried out discreetly:

• Don’t discuss your search with colleagues. Even if you trust them, office gossip spreads quickly.
• Schedule interviews outside of work hours. Ideally, this should be early in the morning, late in the evening, or during your lunch break.
• Keep your LinkedIn activity minimal. If you suddenly start connecting with recruiters and updating your profile, it may raise suspicion. Instead, use LinkedIn’s “Open to Work” feature discreetly by sharing your status only with recruiters.
• Be cautious with your online applications. Avoid using your work email address or applying for jobs while on company time.

Craft Your LinkedIn Profile Carefully

Your LinkedIn profile is a key asset in job hunting, but it’s also visible to your current employer. Here’s how you can fine-tune your profile for a job search without making it obvious:

• Update your headline subtly. Instead of announcing you’re looking for new opportunities, craft a headline that highlights your achievements and skills. This can attract recruiters while keeping your job search under the radar.
• Adjust your privacy settings. Ensure your network doesn’t see updates to your profile. This can prevent raising any red flags with your current employer.
• Join industry groups and follow relevant companies. This will increase your visibility to recruiters in your desired field, but won’t signal an active job search.
• Connect with recruiters outside of your industry. If you connect with professionals or recruiters from your current industry, your employer may notice. Expanding your network to adjacent industries can help maintain discretion.

Timing is Key

While searching for a job, timing is everything. You want to ensure you’re not burned out from your current job, but also have enough energy to dedicate to finding your next role. Consider the following tips:

• Schedule job search activities during your personal time. This ensures you’re not distracted from your current role, and helps maintain professionalism.
• Create a schedule. Set aside specific times each week dedicated to job hunting. This allows you to stay organized without feeling overwhelmed.
• Don’t rush the process. Job hunting can be stressful, and the pressure of staying employed while searching can make it more so. Stay patient and keep your long-term goals in mind.

Use Recruiters Wisely

Recruiters can be a valuable resource for job seekers, but they must be used carefully when you’re still employed. Here’s how to work with recruiters without risking exposure:

• Engage recruiters privately. When you connect with recruiters, be clear that your job search is confidential. Good recruiters will respect this.
• Let recruiters do the legwork. Instead of applying for roles directly, leverage recruiters to identify opportunities that match your skills and interests. This can keep your job search more private and efficient.
• Use a recruiter’s expertise to negotiate. Once you receive an offer, a recruiter can help you negotiate salary and benefits, providing a buffer between you and potential employers.

Navigating Job Interviews

When you’re working full-time, managing job interviews can be particularly challenging. Here are some strategies to help you balance your work commitments with job opportunities:

• Schedule interviews during non-work hours. As mentioned earlier, early morning, late afternoon, or lunch breaks are ideal times for interviews. Be upfront with prospective employers that you’re currently employed and may need flexibility with scheduling.
• Use vacation or personal time wisely. If an interview can’t be scheduled outside of work hours, consider using paid time off or personal days to attend interviews.
• Dress appropriately. If you’re heading to an interview before or after work, change your attire to avoid suspicion. Showing up at your office in formal interview attire can raise eyebrows, especially if your normal office dress code is casual.

Networking Without Jeopardizing Your Current Role

One of the most effective ways to find a new job is through networking, but when you’re employed, it becomes a bit trickier. You don’t want your current employer to see you attending networking events or actively seeking new connections that could signal an impending departure.

• Network discreetly. Attend industry events that are relevant to your current role, but also offer opportunities to connect with professionals from other sectors.
• Leverage online platforms. Use professional networking sites like LinkedIn to engage with others in your field, share articles, and join discussions. This can boost your visibility without making it obvious you’re on the hunt for a new role.
• Reach out to trusted connections. If you know people in your industry who have changed jobs recently, reach out privately to learn about their experiences and ask if they know of any openings.
• Use informational interviews to explore opportunities. These are low-pressure conversations with professionals in your desired field, allowing you to learn more about potential roles without explicitly stating that you’re job hunting.

Managing Offers and Your Exit Strategy

Once you start receiving job offers, it’s time to think about your exit strategy. You want to leave your current role on good terms, even if you’re not happy there. Here’s how to manage this process:

• Evaluate offers carefully. Don’t jump at the first offer that comes your way. Take the time to assess whether the role aligns with your long-term career goals.
• Keep salary negotiations private. If your current employer finds out that you’re negotiating a higher salary with another company, they may question your loyalty.
• Give proper notice. Once you’ve accepted a new offer, give your current employer adequate notice—typically two weeks. Maintain professionalism and avoid burning bridges, as you may need a reference in the future.
• Offer to help with the transition. If possible, offer to assist with training your replacement or wrapping up projects. This demonstrates professionalism and helps maintain a positive relationship with your current employer.

Navigating the waters of job hunting while employed requires tact, discretion, and strategic thinking. If done correctly, you can land your dream job without jeopardizing your current one. Keep your search private, utilize your network, and don’t rush the process. Remember, the goal is to move forward in your career, and that requires careful planning and execution.