How to find a job while you still have one
The atmosphere between employer and employee
In addition to the time pressure, you have to deal with the fact that your current employer will probably not approve of your idea of looking for a new job. So before you confirm a job appointment, you should make sure that your other communication is in order.
For example, through social media like LinkedIn, everyone should be able to see that your profile is up to date and what their current intention is. You can also state clearly that you are open to new career opportunities and would like to listen to new offers. But the current profile shouldn’t be a problem as most employers don’t pay close attention to what individual employees are doing on the professional networks.
You should simply make sure in all communication that you treat and portray your current employer with respect. Then there shouldn’t be any problems.
Careful use of job boards
If you plan to upload your resume to a job board, it can be easily found by any HR department looking for new hires like you. However, before you upload such important documents to a job portal, it is a great idea to get sample cover letters and make a very professional impression.
Since the first impression is also very important on job fairs and plays an important role in the decision-making process of HR departments, the focus should be on giving the most competent impression possible – in every respect.
Job interviews should be planned extensively
If you are actively looking for a job, you should plan your time carefully to avoid any bottlenecks. For example, you can’t have an unlimited number of doctor and sick days without someone becoming suspicious.
So it is best to plan that you will have to conduct some of the interviews during regular working hours. You may be able to ask Human Resources for flexible times so you can fit it into your existing calendar as best as possible.
However, most HR departments prefer lunchtime or possibly early afternoon. Too late in the day, for example after 4:00 p.m. is usually not advisable and should therefore not be asked by you.
You can explain that you are respectful of your time and want to know more about the role and/or company before committing your resources in a formal interview process.
What to do if your employer approaches you?
Of course, in the course of the job search, it can always happen that your own employer comes up with the idea of asking for more details about your efforts. You should then respond diplomatically, praising the current job and using open responses. This means that you do not send the employer any definite statements that he could possibly use against you.
This is because it is much easier to find a new job when you already have a job as this gives you a basis for negotiation. Therefore, you should never risk being fired.
The conclusion
Always use caution throughout your job search and remember that you always present your current employer in the best possible light. If you find a new job in the near future, you will be far less resented for taking that career step and you will also be able to maintain existing business relationships into the future.