You’ve finally decided it’s time – you want to move on to a new job. The only problem? You’re still working for your current company. Don’t worry! There are thousands of other people in your shoes. Finding a new job is tricky enough, but having to navigate the waters of job searching while still working is tough.
Make sure you are prepared not only for a new job, but job searching while still working.
Update Your Resume and LinkedIn
First things first: you’re applying for a new job. That means you need to make sure everything is up to code. Bring out the copy of your old resume and add your current position and responsibilities. You can also update the skills and key responsibilities of past jobs to match the kind of position you are going to be looking for. You want your resume to reflect the skills necessary for the job.
On that same note, whatever you change on your resume is what you should also change on your LinkedIn profile. A lot of recruiters and hiring managers scour LinkedIn looking for potential candidates for their open positions. You can also apply for jobs straight from LinkedIn, but any job that you apply for will likely look up your profile – whether you applied through LinkedIn or not.
Explore Your Options
Even you if you like the type of work you are doing, it’s never too late to explore other career paths. Don’t limit yourself to doing the same type of work you are right now. If you’re already thinking about switching jobs, analyze the reasons why – a new career path altogether could make sense for you. Take a look at different types of companies, too. Give yourself options. The sky’s the limit.
If you are unsure about which direction to go and still want to leave your job, contact a staffing agency and see what types of temporary work they offer. Because they are temporary work assignments, if you don’t like it, you won’t have to stay there for long. If you do like it, now you know what type of career you’re interested in.
Keep It on the Down Low
Now comes the hard part: managing the job search all while still working.
Chances are that your boss will not be happy if he or she finds out that you’re looking for another job. The last thing you want is to burn bridges in the process of searching for a new gig, especially if you don’t land a new job and stick with your current job. How do you keep your search on the “down low,” then?
The main thing is that you want to limit the amount of people who know. It’s probably best to not tell anyone in the office at all. It only takes one employee informing someone else before it spreads like wildfire in your office. Not only will your boss be upset, but you could end up terminated.
Most importantly, you should never hunt for jobs while you’re at work. Leave that for when you get home.
Be Productive at Work
Even if you’re looking for a new job, it doesn’t give you permission to stop working. You need to make sure you’re still giving your all because people tend to notice when you aren’t. People might wonder where your lack of productivity came from – and they could start asking questions. That’s the last thing you want (remember: keep it on the down low).
Also, you want your manager or supervisor to be a good reference for you later down the road. If you continue to do your work, the better the chance that your company will provide you with a reference. Keep your professional life in good standing by staying productive even when you’re job searching while still working.
Be Professional
At the end of the day, it is up to you to keep your image intact. You aren’t the first person who is leaving one job for another and you won’t be the last. What separates you from everyone else is how you handle the situation. If you keep it on the down low, schedule your interviews appropriately and stay on top of your work, you will likely not burn any bridges along the way.
And if you do get a new job, make sure you give your company the heads up and put in your full two weeks’ notice. You want to leave on good terms.
Need help job searching while still working? Contact us today and a recruiter can match you to your next career without your current job noticing!
