One of the most challenging positions to face, is job hunting while still employed.
Being employed, can complicate the process.
You still have to work on your CV, send out applications and attend interviews but you have restricted time as you’re also required to fulfill your job requirements.
In such a situation, there are fundamental things to consider to make this situation less complicated.
What to do when you’re job searching and employed?
If you’re employed but searching for another job, it is critical that you:
Treat your information diligently
Just because you plan to transition to another company in the near future does not mean you should be spreading the word just yet. You may not yet know, “What type of job you’re seeking”, or “What sort of company you want to transition to”?
Therefore, it is essential you keep your career plans to yourself. You also don’t want to risk coming across as a non-team player or have your loyalty questioned. Until your plans become clearer and you figure out your next steps, keep this information private.
Be discreet with your networking
Caribbean islands are not big places as far as networks are concerned. The last thing you need is to spread the word that you’re job searching, only to have that information get back to your boss through a shared, mutual connection.
If networking, stay clear of people familiar with your present colleagues. Avoid making public statements about your pending departure on social media as well. You don’t want the wrong people hearing about your intended plans, particularly through third party channels. This looks both untrustworthy and unprofessional.
Develop a clear direction
Making a career transition requires a clear idea to provide a sense of direction when evaluating career options. This helps you find the option that is best suited to your goals, skills and competencies.
Mention it in your CV
If presently employed, your CV should indicate this. Do not create any false impressions to potential employers. Indicate that you are working and seeking to transition. This way interviewers will understand how to treat your application, in terms of contacting you and scheduling meetings.
What not to do when you’re job searching while employed
Similarly, if you’re employed but seeking opportunities, there are some behaviours to avoid. Ensure that you do not:
Utilise company’s resources
You risk your reputation if you use too much company time to attend interviews, communication property – desktop, laptop or mobile phone, as well as their office supplies to send out applications. This can be interpreted as acts of dishonesty. Furthermore, you place an extra burden on yourself by constantly having to look over your shoulder to make sure you don’t get caught.
Publicly advertise
Overconfidence when switching jobs diminishes your character and professionalism. Avoid announcements on social media, or to colleagues until plans are finalised and you decide the timing is appropriate.
Take too much personal time
You may not have 100% control over the date and time the interviewer wants to meet you. There are times you simply will have to take time off or a personal day. However, be upfront with your potential employers and let them know due to your status, scheduling interviews after working hours or during lunch would be ideal.
There are only so much personal or “sick” days you can take before your colleagues begin to notice.
Make disparaging remarks
Regardless of how great the temptation is, never badmouth former employers. Caribbean territories are socially small when it comes to word-of-mouth. Even if your interviews seem promising, don’t take this as an opportunity to make disparaging remarks about your boss, company or colleagues. In any event, you may need a recommendation or reference from them. Making disparaging remarks is a quick road to self-sabotage.
Do not hand it your resignation too early
Promising interviews do not guarantee interview success. There could also be a dozen other applicants who would have had “promising interviews”. Until the final decision is made, or you have enough reassurance the position is yours, do not hand in your resignation.
How do I attend an interview while employed?
When attending an interview, bear in mind that you must:
- Ask for a suitable time. Sincerely request a date and time that would not conflict with your present responsibilities.
- Request virtual options – perhaps you can do the interview via Zoom or telephone if permitted?
- Dress the part –Avoid wearing clothing that bears your current company’s logo or brand, particularly if the new company you’re interviewing at is a competitor. If your work attire bears company’s branding, change your shirt or blouse. Remove lanyards and company IDs as well. The interviewer must see you as one of them, not be reminded of where you currently work.
- If you cannot be scheduled a lunch hour or virtual interview, take a personal day to attend. However, try to keep these at a minimum and discreet as possible.
What is the most important thing to remember while employed and looking for a job?
One critical consideration to bear in mind when job searching while employed is to not mentally check out. It is tempting to start placing less importance on your job duties as you will not be there much longer. However, this will profoundly damage your credibility and reputation.
Avoid mentally checking out and continue to perform your job with the highest dedication and commitment. Even though your time may be short, very often your last impression becomes a lasting impression. This impression, particularly within a small Caribbean nation can follow you for the rest of your professional life.
As a professional, you can be highly-skilled, educated and competent, but if your character and reputation are called into question, your professional success can be inhibited. This is inevitably because people will not work with someone they simply cannot trust.
