 |
Conducting a confidential job search without jeopardizing your current role can be tricky. You have to be strategic but not sneaky, while remaining professional. Below are some practical tips to help you mask your job search and keep it private, while also maintaining your professionalism with your current employer.
8 ways to keep your confidential job search private
1. Don’t let the cat out of the bag
While you may be excited to share the news with your closest co-workers that you’re making a career change, it’s best not to tell even those you think you can trust. There’s always the chance they’ll accidentally let it slip, and then the news can spread like wildfire throughout your department, likely getting back to your boss. Keep your news to yourself until you’ve put in your notice.
Also, avoid using your company computer, email, or phone for conducting your confidential job search. Doing so can put you at risk of being found out, especially if your company monitors the usage of their resources. Instead, use your own devices and personal email account to conduct all job search activities so your plans won’t be exposed.
2. Use LinkedIn and social media strategically
LinkedIn now has some functions built into it’s platform to help keep your job search private so your current supervisor won’t find out. However, they’re not perfect. You’ll want to be careful in using LinkedIn while conducting a confidential job search.
Don’t do a complete re-vamp of your profile in one sitting. Instead, update it gradually so as not to raise any red flags. Also, only communicate your intentions to find a new job in direct private messages to your networking contacts, and never in the comments of any public posts on LinkedIn.
Don’t forget to take the extra step of going into your privacy settings and turning off the “Share updates with your network” option. You’ll also want to avoid using the “Open to Work” setting on your profile.
Take similar precautions on your other social media platforms as well.
3. Be cautious about references
Don’t include your references with your resume unless specifically instructed to do so in the job ad. If instructed, then only list your contacts from previous jobs who you know will give you a glowing review.
If the potential employer insists on a reference from your current employer, explain that you’re keeping your job search confidential, and you’d be happy to provide references upon receiving a job offer.
4. Network outside of work hours
Manage your personal time well during your confidential job search so you can have time to network outside of work hours.
Connect with friends on weekends and evenings, schedule informational interviews during lunch, take calls from recruiters when you have a break at work, and network at early morning breakfast events or at after-hours industry events. Use any free time in your personal life to network online via LinkedIn, email, and online professional organizations.
Doing the above will help keep from drawing your employer’s attention to your job search, and will help you maintain a professional image at work.
5. Try to time your interviews just right
The strategies in the above networking situations may not work so easily when scheduling job interviews. But try to schedule interviews as early in the morning or as late in the afternoon as possible.
If necessary, use vacation time or PTO for interview days, especially for second-round interviews which may take longer. This investment will pay off even bigger if you get the offer you’re seeking!
6. Don’t let your clothing give you away
Dress up for work every day. If you become known for always dressing up, then it won’t be obvious you’re interviewing when you come in late or leave work early.
If you must dress down and then change clothes for your interview, don’t change clothes at your current work site. Get dressed somewhere offsite so as not to raise any suspicion.
7. Don’t slack off in your current job
Letting your job search negatively affect your work performance at your current job is a dead give-away you’re looking to leave. Your employer will notice if your productivity drops or if you’re distracted.
Continue delivering quality work by meeting deadlines and producing results to avoid any unwanted attention.
8. Have an exit strategy in place
When you accept a new job, avoid burning bridges with your current employer when you make your exit. Instead, resign professionally by giving proper notice and thanking your employer for the opportunity.
Also, do everything you can to help your successor make a smooth transition into the role you’re leaving. This may include being available to train your successor when possible or necessary, tying up any loose ends on current projects, or typing up a list of instructions to help transfer your responsibilities.
Conclusion
Following the above tips can help you conduct a confidential job search without jeopardizing your current position. For more job search tips, check out the blog posts listed below.
