If you're currently employed but looking for a new job, job hunting can feel like a delicate balancing act. You want to make progress towards finding your next opportunity, but you also want to ensure that you're not putting your current job in jeopardy. Here are some tips for job hunting while employed:
Be discreet
One of the most important things to keep in mind when job hunting while employed is to be discreet. You don't want to risk your current job by being too vocal about your job search. This means avoiding talking about your job search with your colleagues, as well as refraining from posting about it on social media. You may also need to come up with a plausible explanation for your absence if you need to take time off work for interviews. If possible, try to schedule your interviews outside of your work hours.
Use your personal time
When you're employed, time is a valuable commodity. One way to maximise your time is to use your personal time for your job search. You can use your lunch breaks to work on your resume and cover letters, search for job openings and reach out to contacts in your network. You can also set aside some time after work or on the weekends. Same goes for your interviews, try to schedule them to be in your own personal time to avoid having to explain yourself for taking time off during the day.
Be selective
Don't apply for every job that looks interesting. Be selective about the roles you apply for and make sure they're a good fit for your skills and career goals. This will help you avoid wasting time on applications that are unlikely to lead to an interview. It will also help you stay focused on the jobs that are most relevant to your career aspirations.
Be honest
When you do land an interview, be honest with your potential employer about your current employment status. Explain that you're looking for new opportunities but that you're still employed. Most employers will understand this and won't hold it against you. In fact, many employers appreciate candidates who are currently employed because it suggests that they are in demand.
Stay professional
Even if you're unhappy in your current job, don't badmouth your employer during interviews or in your application materials. This can make you look unprofessional and may put off potential employers. Instead, focus on what you're looking for in your next job and how your skills and experience align with the job description.
Consider your timing
Timing is everything when it comes to job hunting while employed. If you're in a particularly busy period at work, it might be best to put your job search on hold until things calm down. You don't want to be distracted or overwhelmed during a job search, and you don't want your current job to suffer as a result. On the other hand, if you feel that you're not being challenged in your current role, it may be time to start your job search sooner rather than later.
Keep your options open
Finally, don't quit your current job until you've secured a new one. Even if you're unhappy in your current role, it's important to have a steady income while you're searching for a new job. Plus, having a job while you're job hunting can make you a more attractive candidate to potential employers.