Keep Your Current Job While You Seek a New One
Introduction
There are many advantages when you interview for a new job while you are in a job. You have an edge over others while negotiating the terms as you really have an option whether you want to accept this new job.
However managing this can be pretty risky. You need to put across your resume and be available for talks, and do discreetly so as not to raise the suspicion of the current employer. You should also continue to perform well as long as you are in your current job. Here are a few things that could help.
Minimize Risk
It is important to evaluate the scene first for risk factors. Some situations are relatively safe- for instance you are hired temporarily, the contract period is ending and it is not likely to be renewed. But when you are in a permanent job with long term expectations from both sides, you might lose the job if the employer comes to know.
In such cases, take care of where and to whom you are sending your resume. Some job portals have the option by which you can block out companies you do not wish to see your resume. Use this option, or try to put across your information in such a way that your identity is not revealed.
Avoid using the company computer, telephone and company-given cell phone for your job search. Apply from home and give your home number and a convenient time (this is the best) or your personal cell phone number to prospective employers.
Network Factors
Networking is a great way to ensure that you are known at the right places at the right time. Stay in touch with former colleagues and people in your industry. It is a good idea to do this well in advance of when you plan to quit, so that you get offers when you are still employed.
However you need to be careful about how you go about talking of your plans. Be frank only with people who you know would be discreet. When you don’t know the other person well and you still need to put a word across, do it subtly. For instance, you could say something neutral like you are open to learning about new opportunities.
You can even directly ask the other person not to mention this to other people without asking you first. This could also be done when you are interviewing for a job. For instance, your interviewer might ask if they could speak with your current employer. You can say that you haven’t informed your employer as of now for obvious reasons. Add that you would like the interviewer to defer the talk to a time when your discussions with them have reached an advanced stage. (Employers however are usually careful about how they check your references.)
Continue to Do Well in the Current Job
Many people find it difficult to perform well once they have decided to quit a job. They lose interest and have to drag themselves. This could lead to you losing your job before you have landed a new one. At any rate, you stand to lose your respect with your current employer and colleagues by underperforming. Make sure that you are still respected when you quit the job.
Summary
It is great to be able to interview for a better job while you are still with a job. However you need to go about this carefully so as not to risk your current position and respect. Choose your timings, approach and people well and above all, do justice to your current job till the last moment.