Searching for a new job while you are employed can be a bit of a catch-22. You are more attractive to potential employers. But, a wrong move could land you on the unemployed list, or at the very least, tarnish your reputation among potential employers.
These tips will help you avoid both scenarios and boost your efforts to conduct a job search while working.
Create opportunities where you are
The grass on the other side always seems greener. But before you start making moves, consider openings available at your current job. If the opportunities are not so clear, try creating new ones.
Are there any changes you need to make to your CV? Reach out to a CV writer for help. Is there something frustrating you? Perhaps you need to learn a new skill. Your resume will be more attractive when it shows you can create opportunities and meet your goals.
However, if there are limited or no opportunities at your current job, even after discussing it with your supervisor, use the following tips to boost your job search.
Keep the search on the low
It is not a crime to look for a new job. But it is also not public information. Not disclosing your job hunt endeavours to your manager and co-workers could be a necessary evil. Some companies have an ‘unofficial culture’ of letting go of staffers who explore alternative opportunities. A slip of the tongue could render you unemployed or ruin your reputation.
So keep your ambitions secret. If you must share, do it with trustworthy people. Also, work with external parties like a professional CV writer to avoid using company resources.
Consider shuttling
If your current job is not so demanding, consider working two jobs. You could give your current employer a few hours during the day, then shuttle to the new employer. Shuttling could be an excellent opportunity to learn about the new company and make an impression. Eventually, you will let go of the current job and settle in the new one.
However, your current employer should be open-minded and understanding.
Social media platforms like LinkedIn can be your best friend when searching for a new job. However, many people make the mistake of updating their profiles only when looking for a new job. If you do this, your current employer and colleagues will immediately know what is going on.
Update your profile regularly. Also, consider working with a professional CV writer to update your profile. They will help you to optimize the platform and boost your job hunt.
Post your resume wisely
Don’t be careless with your resume. Be careful about whom you hand it to, and explain that the job hunt is confidential. Also, don’t post your resume on public job boards. The chances of your job hunt going public and your employer finding out are high. Be very selective about where you post your resume and where you give it for circulation.
Don’t be quick to give referees
Give references only on request, and keep your referee list to people from different employers. If the potential employer requests details of your current employer as a referee, talk to your boss about it first. Likely, it will not sit well with him or her. But they should know about it from you than a surprise call from the prospective employer.
To conclude, for some reason, employers prefer hiring people who are currently working. If you have been thinking of shifting jobs, reach out to a CV writer and start the hunt while you are working. By following these tips, you can search without compromising your present employment.
