Job Search: Find a New Job Without Loosing Your Current Position

My last employer was wonderful, making the decision to quit all the more difficult. However after my employer's reaction to my two week notice, I couldn't wait to get out of dodge. I was ignored, moved to a remote desk in the back, and even denied my last paycheck until the decision was later overturned by a little thing I call the law.

Now, not all of us are secure enough financially to withstand a gap in employment. This can make it difficult to avoid a situation like the one I went through. Too often people end up missing out on employment opportunities for fear that their current employer might find out. While there are no guarantees that this situation can be avoided, here are some tips to ensure that the situation is less likely to occur in your life.

If however, you know for sure that your employer is not going to be so petty, I would suggest being straightforward. Let them know that you are looking for other employment and that you will let them know in advance that you will be leaving. This will allow you to give potential employers a reference and let them know that you handle your business in a mature way.

Be Selective

The beauty of having a job while you are looking for a better position is that you still have an income. This means that you don't have to feel rushed because all of your bills are still getting paid, at least theoretically.

If you don't want to get caught searching for better employment than avoid plastering your resume on every job board you see. Without being deceptive, you should still be discrete. When scheduling interviews try to set times outside of working hours, however, this won't always be possible. In those cases, take a personal day, but don't give excuses. Remember, it is best not to burn any bridges.

Be Prepared for Hard Questions

A new line of questioning is open to potential employers when they find that they are speaking to another member of the workforce. The following are examples of some hard questions that might be asked at your interview:

• Does your current employer know that you are looking for another job?
• What do you like and dislike about your current position?
• Do you plan on giving your employer two weeks notice?
• Why do you feel the need hide the fact that you are looking for other employment?

These questions can send a bad message if you are not careful. For example, you don't want to be caught in the trap of speaking badly about your employer. If you must say negatives keep them professional rather than personal. If you told your employer that you were sick, this will make you seem dishonest. That is why it is good to tell your employer you are taking the day for personal reasons. In the end, the point is to be aware of the questions and what message you will want to send.

Multi-task

Looking for employment can end up being a full-time job. This can mean the feeling of working two jobs at once. You have to find time to send resumes, schedule interviews, send thank you cards, and create cover letters all while keeping up with the demands of your job. Be prepared, and remember that it is better to give on item 100% than it is to give two items 50%. If you decide that one aspect is lacking than you may have to choose.

Use Your Own Resources

Sneaking around applying for jobs is enough stress. Don't try to use company resources or company time to apply for other positions. It doesn't look good to other employers to receive a resume through your current employer's fax machine. It will also get you fired for your boss or another co-worker to find you searching internet job boards during work. This shows a lack of professionalism and could leave you with a really bad reference.

In addition, do not try to use company contacts. This may not be the case if you were able to be honest with your employer, but in this case your employer might find it a horrible betrayal to secretly use company contacts to further your career.

Don't Assume

Don't assume that you have a job until you actually get the offer. Even if you have an informal yes, wait until you get the offer in writing before you tell your boss. There are times when, for some reason or another, decisions are reevaluated. Never act until the dotted line is signed. This will save you from having to eat your words, what ever they may be.

In the end, it is a difficult thing to take on the full-time job of searching for employment, while keeping your current employer happy. However, if you keep your professionalism and follow the advice, you will have a better situation in the long run.