Ready for your next career adventure? Most experts recommend that you start your job search while you’re still employed. But if you do there are a few things that you will need to keep in mind.
Follow our easy steps to make sure that you land your dream gig without burning any bridges with your current employer.
1. Don’t use your office email, phone or printer for anything job related
Obvious, we know, but you’d be surprised how many people forget this simple rule. I once witnessed a colleague frantically run around the office because she had accidentally printed out a job application and was not sure which printer she had sent the document to. The moral of the story? Don’t use work technology to help you with your job search, it will likely backfire.
2. Don’t search for jobs while you’re at work
When you’re at work, your employer is paying you for your time. It’s as simple as that. You should respect them enough to give them your full attention. Wait until the end of the day or even the weekend to conduct your search. This also prevents your fellow colleagues from finding out that you’re looking elsewhere which brings me to my next point…
3. Don’t tell your coworkers
No matter how close you think you are. If you tell even one person in your office that you are searching for a new job you run the risk of your news becoming office gossip. The last thing you want is for the news to trickle back to your employer. Keep quiet and things will go much more smoothly.
4. Be aware of your clothes
Nothing screams ”I’ve got an interview today” like a brand new outfit or fancy smancy suit. If your office attire is usually very casual then it might be worth changing your outfit at home or even in a cafe before the interview so that you don’t give yourself away.
5. Don’t interview on work time
If at all possible, try to arrange your interviews for either lunch time or after work. There are only so many, dentist, doctor and optician appointments you can have in a short period of time before your employer starts to get suspicious. Many companies will accommodate your request if you are up front about your need for discretion.
6. Don’t use your current boss or co-workers as references
This is a massive no-no. If you’re providing references make sure that they are from previous employers and not your current one. This will save any awkward phone conversations that may arise when your interviewer decides to give your referees a quick call.
7. Stay focused
Don’t check out mentally or start demonstrating a ”devil may care” attitude at work. Until you officially leave your job then you should give it your full attention. You never know when you might meet your coworkers again. Don’t leave a bad impression.
