Top 5 tips for finding a new job when currently employed
It is said that searching for a new job is a job in itself. With the average worker typically spending as much as 70% of their waking week at work, time is increasingly a precious commodity for many people.
So, how can you look for a new job when you already have a job to do? It’s a dilemma, but one that can be overcome by following the tips below.
Tip 1: Keep it confidential
Telling your colleagues that you’re looking for a new job, or that you’ve managed to secure an interview is very unprofessional. No matter how close, and friendly you may be with your team. You can’t risk your employer finding out about your search, if you’re unsuccessful in the process this will only leave a sour taste in your employer’s mouth and their confidence in your loyalty and work enthusiasm will be shattered.
Tip 2: Keep your job hunt OFF social media
However tempting it may be to tell your friends and family that you’re thinking of starting a new career, or that you’ve managed to secure an interview with your ideal Employer, don’t broadcast! The last few weeks have shown how posts on social media can scupper the job prospects of even the most senior and influential people in the land, so be mindful of what you post online. Remember, your current employer has access to social media too and if they see that you’re actively seeking a new role, you may be shown the door before you have the chance to say, “I’m thinking of leav..”
Tip 3: If you have holiday, use it for interviews
Don’t ring in sick or make up a poor excuse to get the day off - employers are not daft and will smell rat, especially if you do so on a Monday or Friday. Instead, treat them with the respect that you would wish for if you were in their shoes and use some of the holiday time you have available.
This will help with two things. First, you’ll find you’re a lot less stressed as you have the entire day off. And secondly, you don’t have a guilty conscience about lying to your employer, or have to uphold the lie you’ve informed your boss. If you don’t have any holiday left ask for a day’s unpaid personal leave.
Tip 4: Dress code is key
They say you should dress for the job you want, not the job you have. Unless, that is, you have a casual dress code at work and suddenly show up dressed to the nines when you have that morning or afternoon off…the old ‘grandmother has passed away’ story is unlikely to hold much sway. Even if your boss doesn’t suspect anything, your colleagues will. Don’t forget, your new employer will probably ask for a reference. So, don’t jeopardise your chances of job success by making it obvious you have been for an interview.
Tip 5: Searching for jobs at work is a total no-no (even in your lunch breaks)
Logging on to the internet to search the various job boards and recruitment agency jobs pages is risky - you don’t know who’s watching and it can break your focus from your working day. Some employers have a policy in the employment contract that forbids their employees from using company property (computers, phones, photocopiers etc.) for personal use and they can legally access your computer to see what sites you have been visiting if they become suspicious.
Looking for a new role does take time, but by registering with a recruitment agency like us our consultants can do much of the leg work for you. Plus, we also have access to many positons that may never get advertised.
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