Looking for a job while employed? How to do a confidential job search

Finding a new job is already stressful enough without having to worry about whether your current employer will find out about your plans. Unfortunately, this is the risk you run when you are looking for a job while still employed. Luckily, you can conduct a confidential job search that will help you find the job of your dreams without jeopardizing your current employment.

In this blog, we will take a look at some of the ways you can pull off a confidential job search. Here are some of the things we will cover:

• Is the hiring process confidential?

• Should you tell your boss you are searching?

• How do I keep my job search confidential?

• Mistakes to avoid during a confidential job search.

Is the hiring process confidential?

In most situations, the hiring process is not a confidential one. Hiring managers may ask for references and contact your previous and current employers for feedback on your employment. Some companies may also verify your employment status during the hiring process to confirm what you put on your application is accurate.

However, there are rules involved with the hiring process, and for the most part, your personal information is kept confidential as are the things you discuss in an interview. An employer should never share your personal contact information or answers to your interview questions with parties that should not have that information.

Should you tell your boss you are searching?

The decision to tell your boss you are searching for a new job or electing to choose a confidential job search is a personal one. Your position, your relationship with your boss, and even your workplace itself will all factor into that decision.

Whatever your decision is, however, the thought process shouldn’t be taken lightly because your decision could jeopardize your current position within the company. Here are some things to consider when deciding whether or not to tell your boss about your job search plans:

• Promotion opportunities: One reason you may want to consider telling your boss about your potential job search plans is for the opportunity to improve your position at your current job. If your employer likes your work, they may be willing to offer you a better position or pay increase to keep you from looking in the first place. Naturally, there are risks involved, and you should be careful when considering this approach.

• Your relationship: If you have the type of relationship with your boss that is supportive, telling them about your job searching plans could be beneficial because they could provide you with recommendations and guidance on your path. If the opposite is true, keeping the information to yourself could prevent them from giving you a bad recommendation.

• Not selected: One danger of telling your current employer about your job search plans is the question of what happens if you aren’t selected. Once your employer learns you want to leave, your current job may no longer be as secure as it once was.

How do I keep my job search confidential?

If after considering your options and your relationship with your current boss and employer, you decide to keep your job search confidential, keep in mind that this is a very common practice. You should not feel guilty about withholding the information if it is in your best interest.

However, it is important to note that keeping a job search confidential isn’t simple. There are several things you will need to do to pull it off, such as:

1. Update your resume on LinkedIn and include relevant skills and keywords throughout your profile. 

2. Keep as much personal information off your resume and cover letter as possible. Instead of adding your name and your employer’s name, use “Confidential Applicant” and “Company Confidential.”

3. Conduct a confidential job search by avoiding adding your resume to public job boards and talking about your search on social media.

4. When prompted, ask an interviewer not to contact your current employer for references during the application process.

Mistakes to avoid during a confidential job search

Mistakes made during any job search can be devastating, especially when you are trying to keep your job search a secret. Here are some of the ways you can avoid mistakes that could be costly to your future.

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Key takeaways

1. Choosing whether to tell your current boss about your job search plans is a personal one and depends on your relationship.

2. If you are choosing a confidential job search, keep as much personal information off your resume and cover letter as possible.

3. You can ask a hiring manager or recruiter to not contact your employer and to keep your application confidential.