8 Tips for Jobhunting While You're Still Employed

So maybe you're no longer happy with your job. Maybe it's time to cast your net once again and try to seek out greener pastures. But don't quit your job yet. Searching for another job while working in your present one is quite possible. Here are some tips when jobhunting while you're still employed:

Make sure you do not jeopardize your present job.
Keep this in mind before you start your search. Many would-be job hoppers make this common mistake, banking too much on the potential of a new job without really knowing for sure if they'll be able to land the next job or not.

Have a clear goal about your jobhunt.
Know what you want in your next job. If your jobsearch is based on a flimsy reason, you might not be able to land a job that will fit you perfectly. Then you'll find yourself jobhunting once again.

Consider the new set of skills you have gained in your present job.
This is important for your next employer. So you're looking for a new job. What are your new qualifications? Have you learned enough in your present job to actually have sufficient capability to move to the next one? If your prospective employer sees there's nothing new you can bring to their company, you might not be considered employable.

Be very discreet.
Unless there's someone at the office that you can absolutely trust, do not blab to anyone about your newest activity. This, even if you hate working for your boss or are truly unhappy with your job.

Flaunting your intention to leave the nest to everyone who cares to listen is pushing it. What are you trying to do? Rub it on everyone's faces just so they'll know how much value you have in the company? If you do leave, they'll know that soon enough. Or if you're really a valuable employee, they probably already know.

However, if there is someone -- a close friend or a confidant -- that you can trust with your life, then you could probably tell them about your intentions. This can be particularly helpful in case you need someone to cover for you. Just make sure this individual can really, truly be trusted.

Fly below the radar.
When you're looking for a new job while still employed, you have to be careful about letting other people (especially employers) know that you're available. Choose who you speak to carefully. Posting your resume online to be viewed publicly may alert your present employer about your jobhunting activities. In case this happens, you should be ready with a good explanation.

Some of the jobhunting resources you can use:

Newspaper ads
Classified ads (online and off)
Want ads in trade and industry magazines
Personal contacts

Another good way to look for a job while still employed is by going through job placement or employment agencies. They are also sometimes referred to as executive search companies or headhunters. They do the search and initial interviews for prospective employers.

These types of companies are well-versed in the jobhunting and placement process. They maintain a high level of confidentiality regarding job searches so you can rely on them to keep your application private. These are free, by the way so don't be conned into paying to have yourself placed by any of these firms.

Don't use company resources when jobhunting.
Just because you're jobhunting while employed does not excuse you from using your company's computer, printer, scanner or broadband connection to search for available jobs or send out your resume. It's rude and in case you get caught, it will be a source of embarrassment for you.

Don't use your jobhunting as a weapon of revenge.
If you must look for a job, do so because you really want to seek better opportunities. Don't do it as a way to get back at anyone, including your mean boss.

Try to schedule your interviews efficiently.
You can't report to the office dressed up for an interview without anyone noticing about the sudden change in your attire. Be ready when a prospective employer calls. If you can, try to schedule an interview at an early time – say, 8 a.m. – or later in the day. That way, you can either report for work late or just simply leave early.