Balancing Job Hunting with Current Employment

Finding a job is a full-time job in itself. You have to create resumes, fill out job applications, build connections, and prepare for interviews. Doing this with your full-time job is even more difficult. You don't want to lag at work, but you also need to make time for your job search. To be successful, you have to be strategic and organised.

In this blog, we'll discuss whether it's a good idea to find a job when already employed and explore effective job search strategies for employed professionals. Let's get started! 

Is it Better to Look for Another Job when Employed?

Looking for a job while being employed does have its advantages. Firstly, you don't have to worry about your financial situation. This means you don't have to rush to find jobs. You can take your time to find a role that aligns with your goals and values.

Secondly, having a job while job hunting makes you more attractive to potential employers. In fact, companies feel more confident about your value. A National Bureau of Economic Research study revealed that employed candidates have a better chance of getting new positions and higher salaries than their unemployed counterparts. Not just employers, employed professionals are often more confident when they have a job, too, as discussed in the Consulting Bowl: 

Also, having a job can give you more leverage in salary negotiations. When you are already employed, you can enter negotiations from a position of strength. Companies are more likely to meet your demands as they know you're not vulnerable and can afford to stay with your present employer. 

Should You Be Discreet in Your Job Search? 

Yes, it's best to be as discreet as possible when job hunting while still employed.

Companies want employees who are committed to the position. If your employer finds out you are looking for a job, they might assume you're unhappy with your current role. In some cases, this could even lead to termination.

Also, if your seniors find out you're looking to leave, they will likely exclude you from prime projects and responsibilities, which can hamper your professional growth. Thus, maintaining confidentiality while searching for a job is crucial for your career.

How to Look for Another Job while Employed: Key Strategies 

Managing a job search with a full-time job takes a lot of work. You want to be open to new opportunities, but you also don't want to upset your current employer. In this section, we'll discuss job application tips for employed candidates.

1. Set a timetable:

Finding a job requires time and effort, which can be difficult to manage with your professional responsibilities. To do this, set up time slots outside your work hours or on weekends to dedicate to your job search, such as writing resumes, contacting hiring managers, or upskilling. Building a routine to accommodate job search activities is important.

2. Use personal resources:

Always use your private resources to maintain discretion in your job search. This means that for your job search, you should always use your personal email address, laptop, and smartphone rather than company devices. Also, be careful not to use the company Wi-Fi to conduct job-related activities. Companies could be monitoring your activities.

3. Update online profiles carefully:

While job hunting, updating your online profiles like LinkedIn is important as it helps attract opportunities. But you should do this discreetly so you don't draw your current employer's attention. Start by updating your skills, achievements, and experiences in your profile.

An important tip: adjust your private settings to control who sees the changes. LinkedIn has the option to turn off notifications for changes you make. This will ensure your updates don't appear on others' feeds.

4. Request discretion from prospective employers:

Most companies understand you want to be private about your job search. You can ask them to be considerate of contacting you at your personal email address and outside of business hours. Also, request them to take your consent before contacting your current workplace or supervisor for references.

5. Avoid discussions at the workplace:

While employed, keep your job search hidden at your workplace. Talking about it with colleagues is risky, no matter how much trust you have. Even the best colleagues can, in a moment's thoughtlessness, disclose that you might be looking for a job. A casual comment could trigger a flurry of managerial inquiries about your commitment to the company.

6. Network with caution:

Networking is a great way to find new job opportunities, but it's important to be strategic when you are still employed. Attend relevant seminars, events, and workshops outside your business hours. Engage on Linkedin, share your comments, and post relevant content to build visibility without directly saying you're looking for a job. Contact your connections privately and convey your interest in new roles, but ask them to respect your privacy.

7. Schedule smartly:

Interviewing while currently employed has its own challenges. To maintain confidentiality, set up interviews or calls outside your office hours. You can choose to speak before or after work or during lunch breaks. If required, use your leave to attend interviews. 

Is it Bad to Look for a Job while being Employed? 

Some job candidates worry if finding a job while working for someone else is ethical or appropriate. The truth is, job searching while being employed isn't inherently wrong, but you must maintain professionalism during the search. Most importantly, don't slack at your present job - continue to do your work duties effectively. Maintaining good performance at your company is a sign of your professional integrity and will also help you leave the company on a good note. 

Conclusion 

Finding a new job while being employed is demanding, but it's also a great way to progress in your career without worrying about financial stress and pressure. The biggest challenge? You don't want your current boss to know! 

The Glassdoor community is a great place to get some inside scoop discreetly. Whether you want to learn more about a company's culture, discuss day-to-day work happenings, or find referrals, you can do so all while maintaining your anonymity.

If you do it the right way, you can move to a new job role without hampering your relationships with your previous employer. Best of luck!