Looking for a job when you already have one
can make you feel like an undercover agent, sneaking around and keeping
secrets. However, it’s usually easier to find a job while you're
still employed. To manage this juggling act, consider these do’s and don’ts:
·DO
explore your options before jumping ship. If
you want a change, but like your organization, talk
to your manager, mentor, or HR professional about possible opportunities.
A new project or position might re-energize you.
·DON’T
tell your boss you are looking for another job. Your manager
may view your desire to depart as a betrayal, so it’s best to keep quiet.
As soon as your boss knows you're looking, you will be viewed as a
short-timer and may lose out on valuable opportunities, like promotions,
raises, assignments, or training. .
·DON’T tell your coworkers either.As soon as one person knows, you might as
well assume everyone does, including your boss. Quickly, you will
become the "outsider" in the
office. And should you decide not to leave, people will always
assume you're still looking. So if you want to discuss your job search,
talk to friends and family.
·DO
organize your job search.
Because you have a job, your time is limited, so you must be organized and focused.
Finding new employment has now become your part-time job, so develop a
plan, keep detailed records, and set up a specific "job search area" in
your home.
·DON’T
use company resources. "Resources" includes email, fax machine, telephone, copier, postage meter,
and any business supplies. Not only is it unethical, but you also
risk getting caught.
·DON’T
use company time. This is like stealing
money from your employer, since they are paying you for this time.
Also, many companies monitor employee
activities, including phone calls, email, and websites visited. Do your research during “off” hours from your home computer.
Make phone calls during lunch from your cell phone (in a private location).
·DO
consider using recruiters. By contacting
recruiters who specialize in your field, you can save time and increase
contacts. Be sure to tell them that they need to keep your search confidential.
·DON’T
post your resume on job boards and websites. It’s quite possible that someone
from your organization will see it and tell people that you're looking.
·DO
interview on your own time. Try to schedule interviews before or after work
or during lunch. When that's not possible,
take vacation. Most interviewers will
understand the restrictions posed by your
job and will appreciate the respect shown to your
current employer.
·DON'T over-explain.If your
boss asks why you need time off, just give a simple, general response
like "I have to meet with someone about some personal business".
Then leave it at that. If you are one of those people who feels a
need to explain everything, you will have to curb that tendency.
·DO
dress appropriately.If your normal work attire is not appropriate
for interviewing, then you need a quick-change plan. If you
typically wear casual clothes to work, showing up in your Sunday best
will immediately invite questions. Likewise, business casual may
be too laid-back for an interview. So put appropriate attire in
your car and find a place to change on the way .
·DO ask interviewers not to contact your employer. This requires
balancing the interviewer's needs with your own. A potential
employer needs current reference information, but you need to protect
your job security. So here's the reasonable compromise: ask the
interviewer not to contact your current employer unless they plan to
make you an offer. Also ask them to let you know before any
contact is made. That way, you can give your manager a heads-up
about the situation.
·DON’T
say anything negative about your present employment. Never criticize your boss, your
co-workers, or your company. In the interviewer's eyes, this will
just make you seem like a negative person and a potentially difficult
employee.
·DO
give appropriate notice in writing. When it’s time to leave, tender your resignation in writing
and give a reasonable notice (two weeks or whatever is standard in your
field). Recognize that your boss may be shocked and unhappy with your news. Be professional
and offer to make
the transition as smooth as possible. Make appropriate
arrangements to train or assist your replacement.
·DO be
prepared to leave upon resignation. Unless you have a legal
contract, your employer doesn't have to accept the notice that you
offer. In some situations, employees are asked to leave as soon as
they resign. If that could happen to you, you would be smart to do
a little “housecleaning” at your desk before turning in your notice.
·DO leave in professional manner. It's been said that you can
judge the true character of a person by the way they leave a job.
Even if you are deliriously happy to get out of there, leave your work
in good shape for the next person and bid everyone farewell in a
pleasant, friendly manner.
