6 Tips for Job Hunting While You're Still Employed

Looking for a new job while still employed in another makes you more employable; however, it can backfire if your current employer finds out. Workers have various reasons to continue the job search. Perhaps your current job is too far away from where you live and commuting costs are pecking away at your salary, perhaps your salary is on the low side for your job description or maybe you want to work your way up the ladder faster. Whatever the reason, job hunting while employed is common. A few tips on how to do it can help.

1. Keep Quiet About Your Job Search

If you are looking at job ads for a new position, don't tell your co-workers. That's the fastest way for word to get around and eventually your boss will hear about it. Although some employers don't care if an employee is wanting to change jobs, the knowledge of it can keep you from getting pay raises or responsibilities that you want.

2. Don't Quit Your Job

It's easier to get a new job if you are already working. In addition, don't get lazy in your current job because you are hoping to get a new one. You still owe your current employer a good day's work for your pay.

3. Think Before You List Character References

While your first inclination may be to include your current boss or co-workers as references on your job application, don't do it. Obviously, if you get called for an interview and the hiring manager calls your references, everyone in the office will know you are job hunting. Surprisingly enough, many of those seeking a new job don't think to leave these references out of their resumes.

4. Don't Bad Mouth Your Boss

Your current boss may not be all sweetness and light, but bad mouthing your employer is always a bad idea. It may give recruiters the impression that you are a complainer or difficult to get along with. Focus on your qualifications for the job application and the good opportunity it offers for your advancement.

5. Scheduling Job Interviews

Hours when you are supposed to be at work are not the times to schedule job interviews. Missing work hours can make your boss suspicious and does not look good to other employees. In addition, it looks odd if your office dress is casual, and you show up for work dressed up for an interview. Instead, schedule interviews outside of office hours or on weekends when you aren't at work. This is another no-no when searching for a job while still employed. People who have Facebook or other social media accounts often have friends in the same office. Those friends also have friends who may learn of your job search activities through social media. Job boards are the same problem. Since posting your resume or interest in other jobs on these sites could end up with you pounding the pavement looking for work, keep your job search private.

6. Don't Use Office Equipment

Don't use office equipment, such as phones, computers and fax machines, to conduct a job search or send in resumes. First of all, many companies monitor use of their machines to ensure that employees are not spending company time on personal affairs. Second, you are actually supposed to be working, so keep your mind on the business at hand. There are easier ways to find a new job, no matter what the field, whether healthcare jobs, computer jobs or other types. TheJobNetwork makes it easy and does the searching for you. All you have to do is list your qualifications and the type of job you are looking for, and we do the rest. When appropriate jobs pop up, you receive an email when you sign up for job match alert. This way, you will be among the first to apply for those jobs, and opportunities will no longer slip by.