How to Keep Your Job Search a Secret

28 June 2019
How To Keep Your Job Search A Secret

​If you want to search for a new job but worried that your current employer may find out, here are seven ways to keep your job search under the radar.

Once you let on that you're searching for a job, it won't be long before everyone knows it—even your boss. Learn how to search for a new job in secret with these helpful tips!

 

  1. Don't post your plans on social media

     It's easy to tweet or update your Facebook profile, but think twice before doing it. Some companies monitor employees' social media accounts. Even if yours doesn't, a co-worker may see your update and spread the news for you.  

  2. Keep LinkedIn settings locked down

     The social media rule includes LinkedIn. That doesn't mean you can't use LinkedIn for prospecting, networking and learning about new job opportunities. However, what you don't want to do is unwittingly send a notification to your boss about your job search activities, so turn notifications off before updating your LinkedIn profile. If you update your LinkedIn profile regularly, then it won't be be a red flag to your current employer.  

  3. Schedule interviews before or after work

     Don't risk getting caught by scheduling interviews during work hours, and that includes lunch. You don't want to risk being late getting back to work because your interview went longer than expected or you were held up in traffic.

  4. Don't use your work computer or other resources to look for work

     Most companies monitor computer and network use, so don't use company resources in your job search. That includes the Internet. Using your own phone and computer could also be risky if you're connected through the company network, so use your personal time for job searches.

  5. Don't post your resume to online job boards

     Your name, your phone number, and your current employer's name all can be detected by Google Alerts. Someone at your company likely subscribes to those keywords. Plus, if your company's HR department is look at job boards, they could find your resume. If you do post, extract your name, phone number, address, and current company name from the resume before posting.

  6. Don't dress up

     If dressing up isn't something you ordinarily do, doing so now will send a signal that you've got a job interview. Instead, leave extra time before/after your interview to change into your interview attire, then to change back into your everyday work gear. Alternatively, if your corporate dress code allows, start incorporating business professional attire into your daily wardrobe!

  7. Ask interviewers for discretion

     During your interview, you can request that the interviewer not contact your current employer until you've accepted their offer. If they ask for references, give them your past employers instead.

During a job search, it's important to put your best foot forward to potential employers. These tips keep you safe in your current role, so you can confidently focus on the next step in your professional journey. 

 
This article is contributed by Right Management, www.rightmanagement.sg, the global career experts within the ManpowerGroup.

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