Looking to reposition yourself is often a full time job. But when you are still employed you need to conduct this search without your colleagues noticing or causing any waves at work. To successfully do that, we’ve compiled some tips to help you.
The best time to quit your job is when you already have a new one lined up where you can start out soon. This way you are making sure that there are no gaps in your CV and you don’t need to give up on your salary while waiting for a new gig. This isn’t as self-evident as it might seem though.
Looking to reposition yourself is often a full time job. But when you are still employed you need to conduct this search without your colleagues noticing or causing any waves at work. You need to reach out to your inner spy and be the most discrete job hunter history has ever known.
To successfully do that, we’ve compiled some tips to help you.
Keep it on the down low
Some companies will let you go if they know that you’re looking for a new job, or any promotions lined up might be blocked for you because you want to leave anyway. Your boss might even start the process of finding a replacement. And if they do find someone before you even got a new job, you might end up with the short end of the stick. If you don’t want to end up unemployed, it’s best to keep your job search on the down low.
To keep your job hunting a secret, first of all, don’t tell anyone. If you can’t keep your secret, how can you expect other people to? Be aware of the clothes you’re wearing. When going to interviews you want to dress less casual, but changing your style from one day to the other will result in co-workers starting to ask questions.
If you are updating your LinkedIn profile, make sure the notifications (which alert your connections of your activities) are turned off. When going to interviews, ask the recruiter for confidentiality. Also ask them to wait to call to your current employer until you had the time to inform them yourself. Make sure there are enough other references they can call.
Unfortunately news travels fast, and if the word does get out, make sure you are the first one to inform your boss, not the last.
Read: “How to keep your job hunt a secret"
Stay professional
You don’t want to count your chickens before they’re hatched. You haven’t landed a new job yet, and your current boss is still the one paying you, so you owe it to your current company to maintain your work ethic. You need to stay focused on your responsibilities and try to finish strong.
You don’t want to leave the company on bad terms or offend your colleagues in any type of way. You never know who you will be working with in the future. Burning bridges at your current job is never a good idea. Managers within the same sector often know each other and you might be jeopardising your chances without even realising it. Plus, leaving on good terms means you’re always be in the back of the mind of your boss for new job openings at your firm, or for good references when you’re applying.
Keep your job search and your work separate
Your current job should be your primary focus, especially if you don’t want to tip of the whole office that something is going on. Try to schedule calls and interviews before or after work or during your lunch break. List the specific times when recruiters can reach you on your resume. Most of them are understanding and are willing to keep to those hours.
Always use your personal phone number and email address on your social media accounts and on your CV. You want to be in control of your communication and that’s not always possible on work devices. Your boss will most likely not admit it but a lot of company devices are monitored. If your company finds out that you have been looking for a new job on their time, using their equipment, the success of your job hunt might become more urgent.
Read: “How not to let people know you’re resigning”
Be honest about it when asked
If someone at the office realises your intentions and asks you about it, be honest. Lying about it will make everything even harder. Make sure your boss is the first person you tell about it, and do it personally. You want to be the employee with morals and credibility. Your honesty will most certainly be appreciated. And after all, if you followed the tips above, you haven’t really done anything wrong.
Try to put things nicely. Say, for instance, that you’ve tried to look for possibilities within the company first. The fact that you have been professional may make them willing to accommodate you in your concerns and they may offer you a new opportunity internally.
