If you have a job right now and you’re interested in holding onto it until you’ve landed a new position, you may want to keep your job search quiet for a while. After all, most employment contracts are at-will agreements, and if your employer finds out you’re job hunting and becomes annoyed or offended, you may be hustled out the door.
It’s standard for an employee to provide two weeks notice before walking away from his or her post, but in some fields, a manager may want—or may feel entitled to—a much larger window of time in which to find a replacement. Also, he or she may not trust you to give notice as etiquette dictates. Firing you as a form of retaliation may seem a bit odd, cold, vindictive, or self-defeating…but maybe that’s the kind of culture that’s driving you to look elsewhere for work. (Managers and business owners, take note.)
As you search for work while employed, you don’t have to break a guilty sweat—you aren’t doing anything wrong. But your transition may be easier and socially smoother if you apply a little diplomacy and discretion.
How to Keep Your Job Search Quiet and Discreet
1. Network without “networking.” Instead of trumpeting your needs and qualifications to the world, announce your job search only to those who have clear connections to a person or organization that can help you. Be strategic and selective.
2. Don’t tell anyone in your workplace. If there’s any way you can avoid it, don’t mention your job search even to your closest workplace friends. News has a way of leaking out, and it’s better not to set yourself up for socially awkward situations.
3. Don’t use your office computer to search for jobs, and don’t use your office email to submit resumes and application materials. Nothing you do on your company computer is private, which you probably already know.
4. Look for ways to excel in your current position, even more than you usually do. Take on a few additional responsibilities and dedicate a little extra energy to your projects. Even one or two more small accomplishments can help you gain the attention of potential employers while keeping you safe from suspicion at your current job.
5. Attend job fairs and networking events if they might help you, but be prepared to encounter people who know or work with your employer. Know ahead of time what you’ll say about your job search and don’t become flustered.
If you’re looking connections and resources that can get you off the job market and into a new position as soon as possible, reach out the Houston TX employment pros at Expert Staffing. Our talented HR team can provide you with the tools you need to get your career back on track.