Finding a new job while still employed can be tricky. You likely don’t want your current employer knowing you’re looking elsewhere until you’ve secured a new position. Here are some tips for discreetly searching for a new job when you don’t want your current boss finding out.
Keep Your Job Search Off Company Time and Devices
It can be tempting to browse job listings or send out applications while you’re at your current job. However, this leaves you open to your employer discovering your plans. Only search for jobs and contact prospective employers during your personal time using your own phone and computer. Never use a work device for job hunting.
Update Your Resume Carefully
You’ll need an updated resume to apply for new roles. Be cautious when updating your resume to avoid alerting your current employer. Don’t update your resume on any work computer or account. Also be careful when printing or emailing your resume from home. Double check the recipient before sending so you don’t accidentally tip off your current job.
Set Your LinkedIn Profile to Private
LinkedIn can be a great tool for a job search, but you need to be careful your current boss doesn’t see you’re actively looking. Go to your settings and set your LinkedIn to private so only direct connections can see your full profile and activity. Avoid connecting with coworkers during your search so they can’t see your profile changes.
Keep Your Job Search Off Social Media
It can be tempting to post about your job search on social media to reach more contacts. However, this makes it extremely likely your current employer will find out. Never post about your job search on social accounts connected to work colleagues. Keep things off all social media to be safe.
Use a Personal Email Address
Get a personal email address not associated with your current employer to use for all job search correspondence. Never contact prospective employers using your work email where your current boss could easily discover it. Set up an email on your personal device specifically for the search.
Prepare Excuses In Advance
If your current employer asks about your activities, have excuses ready. Say any phone interviews were doctor appointments or calls from your child’s school if you get caught during the workday. Have a reason prepared for every step of your search in case it gets discovered.
Remove Company Affiliations from Your Car
If you use your car for job search activities like interviews, remove any evidence that shows where you currently work. Take off any parking passes or bumper stickers that identify your employer. You don’t want an interviewer mentioning seeing your car to your current boss.
Practice Interview Answers
You’ll need to explain in interviews why you’re looking for a new job without bad-mouthing your current employer. Practice these answers so you’re careful with what you say about your current company. Focus on wanting new growth opportunities or a better culture fit.
Line Up Childcare If Needed
If you have kids at home, line up childcare for interviews or other job search activities that occur when they are present. You don’t want them mentioning “mommy’s interview” to coworkers if your boss asks what you’ve been up to.
Wait to Give Notice
You should wait to give notice at your current job until the background check and other final details of your new role are complete. Protect yourself financially by not giving notice until your new job is 100% secured.
Keep Your Resignation Brief
When you do resign, there’s no need to share many details with your current employer. A simple “I’ve accepted a new opportunity” will suffice. The less said the better to avoid word getting back to colleagues still at the company.
Transition Smoothly
As tempting as it might be, avoid burning bridges on your way out. Give proper notice, fulfill your remaining duties, and don’t bad mouth the company. This will preserve your reputation and prevent ill will.
Remove Online Connections
After giving notice, start removing online connections to colleagues to limit their access to your job search activities. Unfriend or unfollow coworkers on personal social media accounts. Remove connections on LinkedIn after your last day.
Ask New Employer Not to Post News
Some companies announce new hires on their website or social media. Ask your new employer not to make any public announcement until after you’ve left your old job. This avoids tipping off your boss before you can resign.
Conclusion
Searching for a new position while still working requires care and discretion. With some advance planning, you can keep your employer in the dark until you’re ready to move on. Focus your search during personal time using your own devices and accounts. Prepare excuses and answers to interview questions in case your search gets discovered. With prudence and preparation, you can find a new opportunity without your current boss ever knowing.
Here is an example table you could include in the article:
| Stage of Job Search | Actions to Take |
|---|---|
| Updating your resume | – Don’t update on a work computer – Be careful when printing or emailing – Double check recipients |
| Contacting prospective employers | – Use a personal email address – Call during non-work hours – Practice interview answers |
| Interviews | – Line up childcare – Remove company affiliations from car – Ask employer not to announce new hire |
| Resigning | – Wait until new job is secured – Keep resignation brief – Transition smoothly |
