Practical ways to find a job while you’re employed
There’s a popular misconception that job hunting is only for the unemployed.
Only people who have left school, been laid off or fired are ‘eligible’ to be job hunting.
The reality is, everyone should be a job hunter. Being employed, that does not exclude you from wanting better opportunities.
Find your fit in Caribbeanjobs.com
Why Search for jobs while being employed?
Other common reasons employed people would be seeking a new job include:
- Sensing layoffs
If a company is downsizing due to economic conditions, there’s no reason to sit quietly until the storm hits. Get up and secure something before it’s too late!
- Complacency
Sometimes people outgrow jobs, where they may feel they are no longer growing. They may even feel, “I can do this work with my eyes closed”.
- Toxic environment
A universal truth: people don’t leave bad companies; they leave bad bosses.
With these reasons, (and many more) in mind, it is critical to understand how to job search while being employed. Certain things are quite different compared to someone who is unemployed.
How to job search while being employed?
If you’re battling a toxic work environment or a lack of motivation, these are things that could potentially be addressed. Your manager may assign you some additional responsibilities or projects. Any ideas on how to mend your working relationships with colleagues or superiors can be entertained and duly implemented. If all goes well, there may not necessarily be a need for you to switch jobs as yet.
If, however, you are firm in your resolve to find something better, consider the following:
Use discretion
Even though employers really don’t expect that you will work in one job forever, looking for a new position while still being a part of their team can come across as disloyal. Therefore, keep your job-hunting activities restricted to your personal time at home. Refrain from using your company resources to help in your search.
Secure a position before resigning
Unless the work environment is extremely toxic to the point where or mental and emotional health may be in jeopardy, always secure another job before resigning. Life still goes on, and that your bills and expenses!
If you’re certain about your departure, now the question remains, how do you start looking for a job.
How do you start looking for a job?
Update your resume
Your resume must reflect what you been up to in terms of accomplishments, training and skill development. Additionally, you should have your references and recommendations organised.
Know what you’re looking for
One of the reasons job hunting is stressful is because jobseekers very often do not know exactly what type of work they are looking for. In your search, you have to be specific as to what you want. For example, as an employed individual ask yourself, “Am I running away from something? (toxic manager) Or am I running towards something? (better opportunity).
You don’t want to leave your present job and land up in another company with similar, or even worse problems.
Clean up your social media
Social media is part of the job-hunting game. Use this tool wisely for networking and showcasing your talents and accomplishments to potential employers. LinkedIn is suitable to filter job opportunities according to employer, industry and job title. You can therefore, get an almost personalised list of job prospects.
Keep in mind, employers are looking for talent as well. Clean up your platform to ensure it is free of suggestive or controversial content. Have your profile photo, resume, contact and personalised description clear to see.
Keep it private
A critical point to note when you’re job hunting as an employed individual is you want to keep these conversations and activities as discreet as possible. As a professional, you should be morally obliged to be a team player until your resignation is confirmed.
Separate your job from job hunting
Job searches should be done at home or during your personal hours. Keep your searches off the company’s computer system, so your browsing history cannot be tracked. Inform potential employers about your employment status. Request if interviews can be scheduled after work hours or over lunch. You can even request virtual interviews for more convenience.
This way you will not have to be consistently taking “sick days” to go on interviews, which eventually will lead to suspicion on your employers’ part.
Maintain your work ethic
Manage your time accordingly so that you can job search and still maintain your performance at your job. You don’t want to get complacent at your job and eventually have to leave because you got fired.
Where to look for a job – CaribbeanJobs.com
If you need a customised approach, your best bet would be to log on to CaribbeanJobs.com. Being a trusted resource for everything career related, there are multiple benefits you can capitalise on from this site.
- Anyone can join
Open to graduates, freelancers, mature workers and even retirees seeking to re-enter the workplace. CaribbeanJobs.com offers an organised variety of temporary, contract or permanent full-time and part-time positions.
- Regional marketplace
Can’t find something in your home Caribbean territory? No problem! Have you considered expanding your horizons towards opportunities beyond your borders? Get out of your self-imposed safety zone by finding lucrative opportunities in other islands, which any CARICOM national can capitalise on.
- Multiple industries for multiple reasons
Whether you’re seeking a job in a niche market of your choice, or wishing for a new job in a new industry, CaribbeanJobs.com offers that opportunity and much more!
- Specific insights
Detailed job descriptions offer you insight into what a company or industry you’re seeking to enter is currently looking for. Responsibilities, required skills and qualifications are explicitly laid out to see how well you match up to employer’s demands.
- Safe and secure
Never wonder again if your application was received or lost. Once you apply for a job, a confirmation email is sent to your inbox to confirm that your application has been sent and received by that particular employer.
- Information hub
CaribbeanJobs.comprovides more than job offers, industry news, employer’s insights, job market updates and a comprehensive job search engine. The site regularly produces new and relevant content to consistently educate, inform and inform the regional community of job seekers.
