Ways to help find a job during employment

If you can find a job and get paid during employment, it is the best of both worlds for job changers, but it also adds some additional challenges to consider.

Recruiters and companies often prefer to work with still-employed candidates, since they are more likely to have up-to-date skills.

However, applying for a job while on the job may be a nightmare for you, unless your boss warns you of recent layoffs and authorizes you to use the company time to find a job, otherwise you will need to keep it confidential.

Now, Here are some ways to help find a job during employment.

Ways to help find a job during employment

1. Don’t post your resume on job boards.

Nothing kills a discrete job search faster than receiving 15 messages from recruiters, including three voicemails on your work phone. Don’t post your resume on job boards. The best new opportunities come from networking, and the risk of missing a great job on a board is more than offset by assurance that your boss won’t come across your resume online.

2. Update your LinkedIn profile.

A recruiter or a potential employer will check your LinkedIn profile when your resume shows up. Don’t wait until the last minute – update your profile now!

3. Stealth helps.

If the interview is scheduled during working hours, consider taking a vacation or personal day. Some might say that calling in sick is an option, but I would advise against it. Your boss might still expect you to jump on an 11 AM conference call from home, and you would have more explaining to do. Bite the bullet, and take a day off so you won’t be distracted or expected to work.

4.Schedule interviews outside work hours as much as possible.

You can only have so many 9 AM doctor appointments in a week before you raise suspicion! Consider breakfast and lunch meetings, or ask for a slot after work – many companies will accommodate your request, especially if you are upfront about your need for discretion.

5. Don’t drop hints.

It can be frustrating and unsatisfying to stay quiet about your search. You might want to commiserate with your co-workers if an interview did not go well, or hint to your boss that you do not care about a recent reprimand because you are virtually out of there already. Fight the temptation, and keep quiet. Telling one co-worker is often the same as telling them all!

6. Ask your prospective employer to be discreet.

Most hiring managers and recruiters assume that your current employer does not know you’re looking for a job while employed. I recommend being clear and specific about your need for discretion. If you are keeping your cards close to your chest, and your recruiter is unwilling to honor that preference, pick another professional to help in your search.

7. Don’t sabotage yourself.

All too often, a job search that is meant to be undercover is revealed through self-sabotage. Don’t be that person who checks out from daily responsibilities, or picks fights with a “could not care less” attitude. Stay focused on your work, and keep conflict at bay as much as you can.

While there are tips to help you find a good job during your career, if you find yourself highly fond of your current job, then canceling the search and staying the same is no problem. There is no love for finding a job, then the interview is just a waste of time. After all, no job is perfect. If the status quo is good, then it is.