You’ve decided that you need a change, whatever the reason, and it’s time to take-on a new challenge.

The question is, how do you take on job hunting while still employed and without alerting, or even upsetting your current employer and colleagues? Employers want staff who are loyal and are committed to their job, not their job hunt. So being cautious and professional will ensure positive outcomes for all parties.

Here are our top tips for job hunting while still employed:

Job Tips
100% complete LinkedIn profile
Go ahead and update your LinkedIn profile, but make sure that you turn off the notifications, this way no one will be alerted to modifications or improvements to your profile. Also, don’t indicate that you are seeking other opportunities.

Proceed tactfully

Even if you are working for a tyrant avoid complaining about your supervisor, be graceful, professional and always show tact. Focus on moving forward and be grateful for the experience.

Keep quiet

First, let your recruiter, or prospective employer, know that you would like to keep your search confidential. Second, refrain from using your current employer and colleagues as references and lastly, schedule all your interviews outside of work hours. Also, never use the company email, phone or fax to communicate about your job search and certainly don’t post anything about your search to any of your social media profiles.

Be responsible

Letting your work suffer because you are on the hunt is a big mistake. The last thing you want to do is send a red flag to your manager that your work is lacking its usual luster. You are going to need a glowing reference when the time comes.

Honesty is the best policy

Even if in your best efforts, your job hunt comes to light and your manager confronts you, it’s best to be honest and fess up. Being honest will demonstrate strength of character and will not harm your credibility.

Most employers prefer hiring individuals who are already employed; the best employees already have jobs, so job hunting while still employed is an attractive quality to hiring managers. Although there are risks in job hunting while still employed, the risks are that much higher if you quit prematurely or if you wait until you’re fired. So tread lightly, stay positive and keep it professional.

Good luck!

For more advice on job hunting, read these great articles:

10 LinkedIn Updates that’ll make all the recruiteres want to talk to you

How to Write an Impressive Cover Letter From Scratch in 30 Minutes

What Do Job Hunting and the X Factor Have in Common?

Have you been job hunting without much success?

Perhaps you’ve made the following blunders.

  1. Using the following sentences in your cover letter:

    “I think”, “I feel”, “I believe”
    Don’t use these opinion phrases, they make you sound insecure.

    “I seek a role that will challenge me and compensate me adequately…”
    Do not put your needs first. Instead indicate where you could contribute to the organization.

    “Although I don’t have much experience in…”
    Don’t emphasize your shortcomings; instead, highlight your skills and industry knowledge.

  2. Your online presence:

    Google yourself and make sure that nothing comes up that you wouldn’t want a future employer to see.

    Demonstrate your professional expertise – publish a blog or post on LinkedIn.

    Your picture – make it a professional one on ALL of your social media accounts.

  3. Your interview style:

    Showing up late, not dressing for the part or looking messy, and checking your phone: all of these will cost you the job.

    Poor body language: make sure you’re making eye contact, sit up straight and don’t fidget, this will show that you’re engaged in the conversation.

    Complaining about a former boss or organization. This will make you seem petty and will leave the interviewer wondering what you will say about their firm in the future. Exude positivity and sell yourself as an exemplary employee.

    To help you prepare for the next interview here are some great TED talks that will help make you shine and avoid those Top Mistakes that are costing you the job.

Your Body Language Shapes Who You Are

How to Speak So That People Want to Listen