How to Search for a Job While You're Still Employed: Tips to Find Your Next Job or Career Opportunity

When it comes to looking for your next job, it can be difficult to know where to start. If you're currently employed, you may not want to leave your job until you have a new one lined up. Or, you may not want your employer to know that you're looking for a new job. In either case, there are plenty of ways to discreetly search for a job while you're still employed.

One of the best ways to search for a new job discreetly is to use your network. Talk to family, friends, and acquaintances about the type of job you're looking for. They may know someone who is hiring or may be able to put in a good word for you with their own employer. If you don't feel comfortable talking about your job search with people you know, there are other options.

There are many websites and online resources that can help you find a new job without your current employer finding out. For example, LinkedIn is a great platform for networking and connecting with potential employers. You can also sign up for job alerts on websites like Indeed or Glassdoor. This way, you will be notified as soon as new position opens up that matches your criteria.

You can also work with a local staffing agency to help you find a new job discreetly. Staffing agencies can be completely confidential and can even possibly help you find positions that are not yet advertised. They can also give you insights into the local job market and what employers are looking for.

In this blog post, we will discuss some tips on how to find your next job without putting your current one at risk!

Use a Staffing Agency to Help You Find a New Job

A local staffing agency is a great resource in your job hunt. They can help you find jobs that match your skills and experience.

Additionally, many staffing agencies have exclusive relationships with companies, which means they may be able to get your foot in the door at a company that may not be actively hiring.

The best part is that recruiters, like TEC Staffing Services, provides free services to job seekers.

Be sure to let the staffing agency know that you would like to be discreet in your job search, and they will be sure to make sure you remain confidential throughout the process.

Be Respectful of Your Current Employer

During your entire search, do your best to not burn the bridge with your current employer. This means being discreet about your job search and not using company resources or time to look for a new job. For example, don't use your work computer to update your resume or search for new positions online. You never know if your current employer might find out and it could cost you your job.

Just because you are planning on leaving, doesn't mean you should stop working hard at your current job or that you shouldn't maintain a positive attitude at work. In fact, it's even more important to do these things when you're searching for a new job. This will make the transition smoother if you do end up leaving and it will also help you in your job search. Employers value hard workers who are a positive force in the workplace.

Job Hunt Outside of Business Hours

One of the best ways to search for a job while still employed is to do your job hunt outside of regular business hours. This way, you can avoid using company resources and time to search and apply for new positions. 

If you have a flexible schedule, take advantage of this and use your free time to job hunt. For example, if you don't have any meetings or projects during lunch, use this time to check your email for new job postings or to fill out applications.

You can also use your commute to search for jobs. If you take public transportation, use this time to read job descriptions or research companies you're interested in.

Keep Your Job Search Private

When you are job searching while still employed, it's important to be discreet and keep your intentions private. This means not talking about your job search with co-workers or using company resources to look for a new job.

If you have to discuss your job search with someone at work, make sure it's with someone you trust and who you know won't say anything to anyone else. The last thing you want is for your current employer to find out about your job search and think you're not committed to the company.

Use Your Personal Email and Phone Number

When applying for jobs, use your personal email address and phone number. This way, your current employer won't be able to see that you're job searching and you can avoid any awkward conversations.

You can also create a separate email account just for your job search. This way, all of your job-related correspondence will be in one place and it will be easier to keep track of.

It's also important to have a professional voicemail message on your personal phone in case potential employers try to reach you.

Don't Search for New Jobs on Company Devices

As we mentioned before, you should avoid using company devices or resources to search for new jobs. This includes your work computer, phone, and email.

If you're caught searching for jobs on company time or with company resources, it could cost you your job as well as burn that bridge with your current employer. So, it's important to use your personal devices and only search for jobs during your free time.

Schedule Interviews Outside of Business Hours or Take a Personal Day

If you do get called in for an interview, try to schedule it outside of business hours or take a personal day. This way, you can avoid using company time to interview for new positions.

Of course, this isn't always possible and you may have to use some vacation days or take a half-day off from work.

Use Former Employers as References

If the goal is to be discreet, it is best to not use your current employer or co-workers as your references. Instead, you can use former employers or people with who you've worked with in the past.

If you are really adamant about using a current co-worker or employer as your reference, ask your new company to wait until you have had a chance to tell them before they contact them. This way, you can have a conversation about your new job and ask them to keep it confidential.

Update your LinkedIn profile but Turn Off Notifications

Your LinkedIn profile is a great way for potential employers to learn more about you and your professional experience.

However, if you're not careful, your current employer could find out that you're job searching. To avoid this, make sure to update your LinkedIn profile but turn off the notifications. This way, your current employer won't be alerted every time you make a change to your profile.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, there are a number of ways to be discreet when job searching while still employed. By following these tips, you can avoid any awkward conversations or confrontations with your current employer.

Additionally, using a staffing agency is a great way to find new opportunities without your current employer finding out. If you're looking for a new job but don't want to risk losing your current one, be sure to follow these tips.

Do you have any other suggestions for job seekers who want to be discreet? Share them in the comments below. Until next time, happy job hunting!