The Do's and Don'ts of Job Searching While Still Employed

So, you’re ready for a new job? Most career experts would tell you to start looking while you’re still employed. But when you do—keep in mind, you must tread those waters carefully.

On one level, when you’re currently working, your professional network is actually helping you because you’re constantly interacting with your industry connections. They are able to inform you about jobs you may not be aware of. If you’re not working, it becomes natural that you’re out of sight and out of mind.

The reality is that—having a job while looking for a job makes you that much more attractive to a potential employer. Companies are looking to hire the best of the best and they strongly feel those candidates are usually employed.  In addition, when companies work with Recruiters at Staffing Agencies, they are paying anywhere from 15% to 25% in most cases, as a referral “finders” fee for identifying the top talent and conducting all pre-screening and qualifying, before hand-picking the best candidates to forward over to them.  Typically, they don’t fork over these fees for those who are un-employed.  It’s a harsh reality, but true.

In addition, quitting your job before having a job is a big risk that you should avoid. Most people do not have endless streams of income, and you’re eliminating yourself from receiving un-employment paychecks, therefore it’s wise to remain in your position until you get that firm offer for new employment.  If you don’t currently have a job, it raises a lot of questions such as: “Was this person laid off?  Companies don’t let top talent go.  “Were they fired?”  “Underperforming?  “Always late?” “Have difficulty getting along with co-workers?” Do you notice how this automatically puts you in a defensive position, and you won’t be coming at them from a position of strength.

Furthermore, when you look for a job while you still have a job, there tends to be less pressure on you. Having a job gives you a certain confidence to be strategic and conduct your search without coming from a desperate situation. No one wants to hire needy or desperate.  The same is true job search as it is in the dating world.

Another reason to start looking while you’re still employed: Having a job while searching for new employment gives you leverage when it comes to negotiating terms for the new gig. You’re in a greater position to make demands and get what you want. Without a job, this leverage goes out the window.

While I highly advise against quitting or waiting until you’re fired to start your job search—there are risks associated with job hunting while you’re still employed.

I would say that the biggest obstacle of looking for a new job while you have one is that someone at your company finds out and tells someone. If your boss finds out, they could take it personally and view it as a lack of loyalty to them and the company. They will assume that you’re not happy and in the worst case scenario, may start taking steps to terminate you and find your replacement so that they don’t feel they get “sucker-punched” with a two week notice from you. They may start analyzing your performance and looking for ways to find out if you are taking time out during office hours to conduct job searches, leave for extended lunches, i.e.: interviews, etc.

They might seek ways to punish your efforts, such as freezing you out of discussions and advancement opportunities. And obviously, if the new job you are seeking is with a major competitor, then certainly ethical issues will arise and even legal issues around conflict of interest.  Depending on the job and environment, you may even be perceived as a security threat. In other words, it can create a certain level of paranoia with your Supervisor.

So, to avoid these potential consequences and to ensure a successful job search while you’re still employed, here’s what you should and shouldn’t do:

Don’t tell anyone at work. Keep quiet.  Do not tell anyone, including your best buddy / co-worker of your search.  They could start vying for your job, accidentally mention your search to a spouse over the phone and risk being over-heard, or even worse, tell your boss.  “Loose lips sink ships!”

Make sure your LinkedIn profile is 100% complete.  More and more people are realizing the benefits of having a completed LI profile whether looking for work or secure and happy in your current position.  For example, if you are in sales, you are able to locate names of clients, etc. If you are in HR and/or a Recruiter, it’s a highly necessary tool for finding top talent.  Of course don’t indicate on your profile that you are looking.  And make sure your headline doesn’t say, “Seeking new opportunities.”  No one searches for that.  Your headline should be a selling point that is searchable. Reach out and get those recommendations on there.  Make sure your picture is professional and pleasant and not one where you are seen at your local bar with a cocktail in your hand.

Don’t bad-mouth your current employer.  Remember the movie, “The Devil Wears Prada?”  Even if your boss is a tyrannical maniac, it’s best to take the high road and use this as an opportunity to demonstrate class and dignity – and most of all, don’t burn any bridges.  Focus your thoughts in a positive direction, and think of yourself as—strategically planning your escape.

Make sure your prospective new employer keeps your search confidential. This includes not giving out any current references from your company until a firm offer is on the table that has been negotiated and the terms of agreement agreed upon. As in, you have a signed contract.  If the position backfires and your current employer finds out, this could backfire on you big-time.

Schedule interviews during non-work hours.  Don’t make it obvious that you are going on too many “doctor appointments” or “long client lunches,” etc. Most companies are going to understand your need for discretion and will be willing to conduct interview very early in the morning or after work hours.  Especially if the interview process has you going through multiple channels.  You can take a half a day off if you are have reached a final stage in your process and it looks as if an offer is imminent.  Don’t raise the red flag. 

Don’t use your company’s computer, internet, fax machine, or phone for your job search. Many employers track your Internet usage so anything related to your job search may raise un-wanted suspicions. Conduct your research from home in the evenings and on the weekends.  If at all possible, utilize your phone to send forward resumes if time is of the essence and your phone carries that capability.

Don’t forget to remain focused on your current job. It’s imperative that you continue to perform at or above your current performance level.  Remember, they are still the ones providing you with a paycheck and deserve your highest level of job performance.  You never want to give anyone an opportunity to say anything negative about you.  Keep your head held high and your reputation intact.

Don’t dress differently than normal. It may seem obvious, however, many people fall short in this area. If you show up to work in a suit and tie because you have a job interview that day but in actuality you never wear a suit and tie to work, this is going to raise suspicions. Bring a change of clothes in your car and plan to arrive at your destination early and change in the bathroom.  Or stop at a local Starbucks on the way and change there. Make sure you have all the necessary grooming materials you need to make sure you are polished.  Shine those shoes, bring the hair product for those days filled with humidity, and always—I mean, always have an umbrella handy.   

Don’t mention your job search in social media.  Even if you think your profile on FB is on privacy settings, you should not be surprised to learn that many companies are able to finds ways to access it.  We’ve all heard those stories in the media where a teacher posts something about his/her students online and ends up fired.  Also, make sure your friends and family aren’t making posts that say, “How was your interview today, honey?”

Slow down the search if you realize you’re happy where you are.  If it comes to light after a few miserable interviews that you are better off staying put, and you really are fortunate to be where you are, just take it easy.  Don’t be impulsive because of one negative thing that might happen at work prompting you to throw your hands up and say to yourself, “I’m outta here!  I’ll show them!” Sometimes the grass isn’t always greener on the other side—the frustrations just might have better fertilizer!

Stacie Renna is an Internationally Certified Advanced Resume Writer and Job Search Coach.  For more information on her services, she can be reached at srenna73@gmail.com or visit her website at www.renna-executive-resumes.com.