Job Search Tips for the Currently Employed

Job Search Tips for the Currently EmployedJob Search Tips for the Currently EmployedSeventy-eight percent of workers polled in a Robert Half survey said they would feel at least somewhat comfortable searching for a new job while theyre still employed. But that doesnt mean there is no risk in doing so.If youre thinking of following suit, you need to tread carefully You dont want to lose your current job until youve securely landed a new one. If youre feeling like a change is in store for you, the following job search tips can help you find your next gig and leave your current one on a good note.Check internal openings firstIf your dissatisfaction is more about your current position than the work environment, investigate openings in your company before looking elsewhere. When it comes to filling vacancies, many employers prefer internal candidates.Mind your social mediaLinkedIn is one of the first places hiring managers are going to visit, so be ready for them. Make sure your profiles, especially on LinkedIn, are complete and current. Include a professional profile photo and, if relevant, post samples of your work or links to an online portfolio. Make it sparkle and dont be afraid to sell yourself remember, your profile may be the first impression you make on a hiring manager.While youre at it, clean up your other social media accounts. Use privacy filters and keep all of your content professional.SEARCH OUR JOB OPENINGSKeep your job search out of the officeRemain discreet at your current job about your search. Needless to say, if your employer finds out, it could threaten your job security.On social media, closely monitor your notification settings so you dont inadvertently draw unwanted attention to your job search. Job seekers often rely on LinkedIn because employers access it when looking for talent, but this can backfire if your current manager is one of them. Also refrain from emailing or calling prospective employers from your desk at work. Even if you thi nk your office is private, your online activity may be monitored, and you never know who might walk in and overhear you.Dont use office equipment to submit resumes, as many devices save files to internal servers that can be monitored. Beyond that, its simply not ethical to use your current employers resources and time to job hunt.Try to schedule job interviews around your working hours. For instance, suggest a breakfast or lunch meeting, or see if the hiring manager is available to meet in the evening. If thats not possible, use a personal day or two for your interviews. Be conscious of your attire. If you show up at your casual office in a business suit, youll be sure to attract attention.Explain to prospective employers that your current company doesnt know about your job hunt so the hiring manager doesnt contact your teamberaterin or coworkers and spill the beans. Also, be careful about listing current coworkers as references - you never know whom they may tell.Connect with a re cruiterA key benefit of connecting with a staffing agency such as Robert Half is that a recruiter can practically run a job search for you while youre at work. Recruiters can quietly tap their deep networks of business contacts on your behalf to uncover leads and vacancies that havent been announced. And they can notify you right away when an open position fits your career goals and salary requirements.Respect your current employerDont let your work suffer because the prospect of a new job has distracted you. Even if youre unhappy with your current job, remember that youre still getting a paycheck, so you need to stay positive and focused on your tasks.When you do find a new job, you want to leave on good terms, with your manager and coworkers feeling positive about your contributions to the office. You never know when you might run into them again.Job hunting? Learn how Robert Half can help you today