How to Navigate the Job Search While You Still Have a Job

The time has come. You need a new job. But with only so many hours in the day (and the best job search and interview hours dedicated to your current job) it can be tough to lead the charge while you have a job. But it’s not impossible.

But doing so will require some finesse on your part, because most times, having your boss know you’re in the market for a new opportunity doesn’t bode well. It’s not uncommon for companies to let employees go if they know you’re looking for a job. They could see your hunt as a lack of commitment to them. It could also burn bridges and good reviews you could have had.

One survey from Accountemps found that 3 out of 10 workers were doing job search-related tasks while on the job. And 45% of seekers are utilizing their smartphones to search for jobs at least once a day. While we don’t advocate using company time to search for and apply for jobs, there is a way to gracefully handle the other necessary parts of the job search process.

So how can you check emails, take interview calls, and move seamlessly in and out of interviews and your job (dressed to impress) without raising suspicion? It could be easier than you think.

Follow these tips for searching for and landing a job while currently employed.

1. Print interview material at home

You can reduce the potential of being “found out” by avoiding using public work printers to print resumes and other interview-related material. Doing so means you won’t have to be constantly wondering if you accidentally left anything behind.

2. Send your resume, don’t post

Your HR person is likely scouring employment sites looking for potential candidates, so you don’t want them to come across your newly posted one in the process. Search out opportunities and apply to them directly, or get in touch with companies via LinkedIn.

3. Keep it discrete

Speaking of LinkedIn, don’t make any sudden changes to your profile to announce your interest in new opportunities. While 79% of people use social media in their job search, employers are also checking social media. So don’t post anything online that you don’t want to be known by all.

4. Note your attire

Unless you dress formally at the office on a daily basis, you’ll have to change before you head to an interview. But rather than showing up to work dressed to the nines, keep a change of clothes with you so you can change after your interview and show up to work dressed like your normal self. If your interview is during lunch or after work, keep a change of clothes so you can quickly dress to impress at the next door coffee shop without being seen.

5. Use your lunch wisely

Instead of using up valuable company time (or being accused of sloughing on the job), dedicate your lunch hour to responding to emails, searching for jobs, or taking phone calls.

6. Keep doing your job

This is key to the job search process. Even if your boss gets wind that you’re looking for another job, you can be blameless in the process if you dedicate yourself as much as ever to doing your job right. Stay committed to your current employer for as long as you’re there to avoid burning any bridges and generating bad reviews down the road.

The job search process can be a challenge without the right tools or the know-how to do it properly. Follow these steps to simplify the job search—and when you’re ready, reach out to a recruiter to up your game.