Looking for a new job while employed? These 8 tips can help you

If you’re considering looking for a new job while you’re still employed, that’s okay. There is nothing inappropriate or disloyal about looking for new opportunities. This is true even if you’re perfectly happy with your current job. It’s always a good idea to look around and know what other options are out there. However, you do need to tread carefully because you don’t want your current employer to think you’re about to quit. We’ll give you some tips and advice on how to handle a job search while employed. 

We’ll talk about:

• What are the advantages of looking for another job while employed?

• Should I let my current employer know that I’m looking?

• 8 tips on searching for a new job while employed

• Can my boss fire me for searching for a new job?

What are the advantages of looking for another job while employed?

Looking for another job while you’re working can be a challenge, but it does have some benefits. First off, you can plan for a smooth transition from your current job to your new job, which will allow you to maintain a consistent income. From the new employer’s perspective, they’ll look at you as a solid prospect because you’re employed. You also retain access to information to update your resume and profiles with the most accurate and current data about your performance.

Should I tell my current boss that I’m searching for a new job?

This is a tricky question. It totally depends on your current employer's culture and your relationship with your boss. If your employer really cares about your career development, and as long as your performance is not impacted, then they should be open to you seeking another job. This might even motivate them to offer you a promotion or increased benefits. On the other hand, if your work environment is not quite as open and honest, then you might want to keep your job search on the down-low. 

8 Tips on looking for a new job while you’re still employed

1. Get your stuff together

If you know you’re going to start looking for another job, then the first thing to do is get your resume updated. If resume writing isn’t your thing, you may want to take advantage of professional resume writing services. Collect all the information you need about your current role, including your great accomplishments and measurable benefits you’ve generated for the organization.

2. Update your profiles

Directly related to your resume updates, get all your online profiles up to date too. This especially means LinkedIn, but it also includes X (formally Twitter), Instagram, TikTok, and any other online presence you have. Employers are examining potential employees’ online information more than ever, and it’s important to have a solid online reputation. So, clean up your profiles and make sure they’re all accurate and professional.

3. Don’t put your resume on job boards

Related to your online presence, don’t publish your resume on job sites. Many employers monitor job sites and may detect your new resume and figure out you’re looking for a new job. 

4. Be discreet

Don’t tell your colleagues you’re hunting for a new job. This includes posting anything online about it. Keep it to yourself. Use your best judgment when sharing with friends and family. If in doubt, be discreet.

5. Dealing with applications and interviews

Schedule job search time and interviews outside your work schedule. Most potential employers will understand if you have to schedule interviews at odd times. Take some time off, if necessary. Absolutely don’t use your current employer’s resources (phones, computers, copiers, etc.) for anything related to your job search (from organizing interviews to following up on a job offer).

6. References

If your current employer doesn’t know about your job search, don’t use any current coworkers or managers as references. This will obviously spill the beans about your job search. Contact people from former jobs and use them for references. Let any interviewers know that they shouldn’t contact your current employer. This is also something a potential employer will understand.

7. Don’t take your foot off the gas at work

Stay focused and diligent about your current job. You don’t want to be that person who mentally checks out and just goes through the motions while you’re looking for a new job. Finish strong because you never know what will happen in the future, you may be back!

8. Look before you leap

This means thinking very carefully about switching jobs before you accept an offer. The grass isn’t always greener on the other side of the fence. Consider all the positives and negatives of your current job versus the new job. And don't forget to negotiate your new start date if you decide to swithc.

Can my current employer fire me for looking for another job?

In the United States, most states have what is called “at-will” employment. Employers are allowed to terminate employees for any reason, and employees may quit for any reason. The only exceptions are laws that prohibit employers from firing people for discrimination related to race, religion, or gender.

Need some help getting your act together for your job search? Then check out our job searching planning tools to come up with the best plan for finding a new job. 

Key takeaways 

1. Looking for your next job while you’re employed is a good idea.

2. You can tell your current boss or not. It depends on your situation.

3. Don’t do anything that compromises your current job.

4. Search wisely and make the best choice for your career development.