You have a job, but maybe you don’t completely feel secure due to layoffs. Or perhaps you like your job, but aren’t adverse to hearing about new opportunities. Whatever the case, there are some definite rules of thumb to follow so that you don’t inadvertently end up being discovered by your employer, or end up in the next RIF yourself.
First, be very careful about openly posting your resume on job search engines such as Monster or CareerBuilder. Many companies have access to these sites as part of their own employee sourcing process, so you will be plainly visible to them when they look. From the recruiting end, there are parameters on both sites (searching by company, industry, name) that make it simple to see if any employees are searching. Also be aware that newly posted resumes are displayed to hiring managers each day. These sites do allow you to make position titles, company names and your own name “confidential.” But it still can be very obvious who you are as much as you may try to hide. It’s not worth the risk, especially if your company is looking for candidates to lay off.
Interviews will require that you dress your best. The problem is, most will be conducted during business hours on weekdays. Don’t stick out like a sore thumb in a casual workplace by suddenly showing up in a suit and tie. You’ll almost certainly get the “so who are you interviewing with today” comments. Leave your jacket and tie in the car, and put them on in the car or in a bathroom OFF company premises before the interview. Ladies, accessorize in the same manner. Change to heels or add that suit jacket off site. The smallest rumor gets around pretty quickly, so don’t give anyone a reason to start one.
Speaking of interviews, try to schedule interviews at times that won’t interfere with your regular job schedule. Scheduling during lunch, after work, or before work are your best bet. Disappearing at 2:15 and showing back up at 4:15 on a Wednesday may arouse suspicion.
I don’t know why people are so willing to do this, even with me ……… DON’T participate in a phone interview in your office or cubicle at work! It seems like common sense, but it happens every single day.
Be careful who you tell, if anyone, at your current company about your intent to look for a different job. Even those who seem to be the most loyal, or are your closest colleagues can slip and pass that info on. Again, the last thing you need are rumors to start and spread.
Don’t search for jobs on your company computer, or during work time. And don’t print your resume on a company printer! These are the property of the company, and you leave your internet footprint whether you clear out your cache or not. It’s easy for an employer to track, and be tipped off to your leaving.
If you are doing any of these things, you are doing them at your own risk. With RIF’s and layoffs being so common today, don’t give your employer a reason to show you the door.
One thing that you should do, and that I absolutely recommend, is update and perfect your profile on LinkedIn. The vast majority of recruiters and hiring personnel alike are using LinkedIn almost exclusively to find new candidates. This is particularly due to the outrageous fees charged by the CareerBuilder’s and Monster’s of the world, with little or no return. These sites have been inundated with resumes, and it is like searching for a needle in a haystack for the best candidate. Having a professional profile on LinkedIn that is highly visible will give you a leg up. Take a look sometime at your own connections, and you will notice that close to 80% - 90% of them have their parameters set to include interested in “Job Opportunities.” This makes it that much more discreet since nearly everybody else has the same thing. Additionally you should be building your network, and networking as much as possible. LinkedIn is the perfect platform for this.
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