How to Look for a New Job Without Ruining Your Current Job

Career Management, Interview, Job Search, Networking, Resume and LinkedIn

There are some unique considerations when you’re searching for a job while currently employed. This happens frequently, so it’s important to consider opportunities to maximize your success. Keep these tips in mind:

 

Get Your Work Done

At the appropriate time, you will want to leave on a positive note with a strong reference so don’t burn any bridges. You are still being paid to do your current job, so be sure to give it your time and attention. Maintain your high level of performance. Don’t make people suspicious by suddenly losing interest and focus.

Keep your search confidential. It doesn’t pay to let your manager and colleagues know you’re looking to leave. It may take several months to land your ideal next position, so don’t self-identify as a lame duck. (Tweet this thought.)

Absolutely do not use your work email for your job search. It should not appear on your resume or any of your job search materials. Don’t let a potential employer think you use company time and resources to support your search.

 

Network

The single most important thing you can do to support your search is networking. Identify opportunities to network internally and externally.

Maximize your limited time by focusing your efforts. Define and prioritize a target list of companies. Identify contacts in those companies using LinkedIn and alumni networks. Attend relevant professional association meetings.

 

Leverage Your Network

When a position does appear online, reach out to your networking contact at that company. Let them know you applied online and ask if they would forward your resume and cover letter to the hiring manager. Busy managers are much more likely to review resumes forwarded by a trusted colleague rather than dig through the mountain of online applications. Keep your contact posted on your progress through the system and be sure to say thank you.

It’s critical that you also apply online so you’re officially in the system. Many companies don’t allow managers to talk to candidates who are not in the system.

 

Prepare Your References

Identify references from prior companies or former managers who have moved on from your current company. Ask permission to list them as a reference. Verify their current contact information.

Once you are asked for references, let them know. Tell them about the position so they can focus on relevant aspects of your past performance. Be sure to send your references a thank you note and let them know the outcome.

If the position requires management of staff, consider identifying someone you’ve managed. If there is significant peer interaction on cross-functional teams, consider identifying a colleague from a project team. To avoid listing your current manager, think about the types of contacts that are most relevant to this new position.

 

Manage Your Schedule

When scheduling interviews, try to avoid conflicts with critical work deadlines.

Attempt to schedule interviews first thing in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid excessive time out of the office. Be sure the work gets done even if you’re out for a few hours.

 

Giving Notice

Once you’ve successfully land the new position, you need to give your current employer notice. You should always give a minimum of 2 weeks, but if you’re in a more senior position and/or you’ve been there a long time, 3 or 4 weeks may be more appropriate.

If the new employer is anxious to get you on board, resist the urge to cut back on your notice. If you’re unprofessional with your current employer, they will worry you could be unprofessional with them as well. Notice is an accepted, standard behavior. You may offer to do some background reading in your personal time to prepare you to hit the ground running.

Looking for a job can be a time-consuming process, so be prepared for it to take even longer when you’re working full-time. By focusing your efforts and managing your expectations you can be successful.

What are your tactics for conducting a job search while still employed elsewhere? Share in the comments!

This post originally appeared on the Get To Work Blog.

Image: Flickr

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