The challenges of job hunting while you're employed

Let’s face it, most of us will be job hunting while we are currently still working. Looking for a job requires a lot of time and effort on your part and it isn't something you should enter into lightly. When you consider that no job is fwhileorever while you’re still working, and the fact that the average employee will have between 10 and 15 jobs in a career, it's wise to take action to positively influence your chances to land a new job, even if you don't think you need one right now. That said, job hunting can present its own set of prickly problems.

So what do you do when you've decided it's time to move on? Most of us have been there at some point in our careers. Do you tell your boss or not? How do you handle interviews and references? We offer some advice:

Need to Know Basis
If you don’t want your boss to know that you’re looking for a new job, don’t talk about it to anyone in the office. Talk about it to your spouse, your best friend, or your dog. Don’t talk about it to the receptionist or anybody at work.

Don’t Use Company Resources or Time
Conducting your job search on company hours is never a good idea. When you are at your current job, it should be your primary focus. Underperforming is surely something that will tip off your boss that something is going on with you. It's unethical and not likely something that will get you a great recommendation from your present boss when the time comes.

Schedule Interviews Strategically
Be honest with potential employers about the need for an interview before or after regular business hours. They’ll appreciate the integrity you show by continuing to take your present employment seriously. If they must interview you mid-day, suggest your lunch hour. If that will not work, take a personal or vacation day.

If Time is Limited, Get Help
Because you have a job, your time is limited, so you must be organized and focused. By contacting recruiters who specialize in your field, you can save time and increase contacts. Working with a specialist recruitment agency will provide you with the added benefit that you will have consultants assist with your career search that understands your industry, the unique trends, and have experience and a relationship with potential employers.

Job searching while employed full-time can be tough. But it’s not all bad. It offers you the opportunity to negotiate salary and time to consider all options without being tempted to take the first offer that comes along just to make the mortgage payment. Job search ethically and you’ll even be able to turn your current manager into a positive future reference.

Looking for success in your career? We can help you untangle the steps to your next job opportunity. Communicate Recruitment has several exciting new career opportunities which include Finance jobs, IT jobs, Engineering jobs, Supply Chain Jobs, and Freight jobs. Visit our website and apply today!