How to Conduct a Secret Job Search So You Don’t Jeopardize Your Current Job

Conducting a secret job search when you have a bloodhound boss or nosey colleagues isn’t easy. Yet, secrecy can be critical to both keeping the job you already have and landing a new and improved gig. Here are some of the best ways to keep your job search hush-hush:

• Don’t rely on office equipment. During your secret job search, the office computer, fax and phone are off limits. Your computer and e-mail at the office belongs to your employer; if she wants to search it, she can. Wait until you get home to make contact with a prospective employer, or, use your personal Blackberry or mobile phone if there’s any urgency.

• Zip your lips. When you’re on a secret job search, don’t let it slip to colleagues that you are looking for a job. If you have one colleague you’re thinking of using as a reference, wait until you’re pretty sure the job will be yours, then let your colleague know and ask her to keep it quiet.

• Don’t leave papers lying around. If you’re carrying a hard copy of your resume and cover letter to your current job because you have an interview later in the day, keep them inside an envelope in your bag. Never leave them on your desk or lying around your work area or your secret job search will be blown.

• Be style conscious. If you’re not used to dressing up to go to work be careful about suddenly doing so because you have an interview. Leave those “interview clothes” in your car or in a nearby locker so you can quickly put them on en route to your interview.

• Learn as much as possible about a prospective employer. Sometimes, a job ad may state that the company name is confidential; this might be problematic for your secret job search. Imagine if it’s your own company that’s hiring! If you can’t find out anything about the company posting the ad, reconsider applying for the position.

• Be upfront with prospective employers. Tell interviewers you haven’t told your boss you are looking for a job, and ask them to be discreet. Also, if you’re searching for a job within your industry, someone at the prospective company may know someone at your current job. Ask prospective employers about their confidentiality policy when hiring from within the same industry.

• Be creative about interview times. If your current job doesn’t allow you to work flexible hours, arranging interviews can be tricky on a secret job search. Try to arrange early-morning interviews; for instance, a 7:30 interview if you normally start work at 9:00. Or, try to arrange interviews for after work.

In some cases you might be able to schedule weekend interviews. Or, if your company has half-day Fridays during the summer months, these are also good days to go on interviews. Also, take advantage of an upcoming vacation to arrange interviews.

• Keep up a good front. Finally, maintain professionalism at your current job at all times during our secret job search. Uncharacteristic poor work quality, tardiness or absenteeism can raise suspicion.

Sometimes it turns out that your boss would actually be happy to hear you’re looking for a job — maybe he knows there’s little room for growth at your company, or he’s planning to leave as well. However, it’s better to be safe than sorry. A secret job search will help to increase the chances of landing your dream job.

Source: Core Content Media
Type: SEO Content
Primary keyword: secret job search
Keyword density: 2.2%