Maybe you’ve heard whispers at the office that layoffs are coming. Perhaps your last performance review was less than stellar. Or maybe you’re not happy in your current role and want to pursue a job somewhere else. The question is: Is it OK to look for another job when you’re currently employed?
There are two trains of thought on this question. On the one hand, some argue it’s easier to find a job when you have a job (the idea being that if you’re already employed, then you appear more desirable). On the other hand, if you’re not employed, you can be more accessible and responsive to potential opportunities, thereby increasing the likelihood of being hired.
Assuming you’re gainfully employed now, here are some tips for finding a new job:
1. Give 100% to Your Current Job
While you’re being paid for work, focus on doing that job to the best of your ability. Now is not the time to slack off and risk being terminated. Show up with the same level of professionalism and commitment that you did when you first started your job.
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2. Set up Searches on LinkedIn, Indeed.com and Monster.com
These and other websites can feed you job openings that meet your criteria. This way, the searches will come directly to you (as alerts), reducing the time needed to scour sites in hopes of finding something meaningful. If you find the jobs referred to you are not what you’re looking for, refine your search criteria until you get it right.
3. Be Cognizant of When You Schedule Interviews
Whenever possible, arrange phone or video interviews during your lunch break or after/before work. Remember, your current employer trusts you to work for them when you’re at work. Try to handle your search on your own time, not your employer’s.
4. Take Time Off if Necessary
If you need to do an in-person interview during your regular business hours, take time off work. Take personal time off (PTO) or even sick leave to do in-person meetings or handle applications that require more attention and must be done during your workday.
5. Plan What You’d Say if Your Boss Finds Out You’re Looking Elsewhere
It may be tempting to lie and create a story to explain the situation (“Someone must be using my same profile to look for work! Not me!”), but your integrity is tied to your word and your name. Protect your reputation by thinking through how you’d handle this in advance:
- How much will you disclose about your job search?
- Will you ask for their help and/or references?
- Can you use this as an opportunity to discuss what’s not working in your current job?
Navigating a job search while you’re employed is never easy, but it is workable. Recognize that protecting your income and career is important, and your reputation can be damaged if you don’t prioritize your time and goals accordingly. Speak truthfully, avoid oversharing (especially with current work colleagues who might become aware of your job search) and refrain from damaging the reputation of your current employer as you search to make a change.
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