How to look for work while doing another one

2024 Author: Samantha Chapman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 09:13

Looking for work when you already have one can be difficult, yet it is often one of the best moves to do for the sake of your career. Many go in search of a vacancy only when they are forced to, which puts them under pressure, because they want to find one quickly. Doing this when you are already busy elsewhere gives you greater confidence and allows you to negotiate the best possible deal. This article will show you how to approach research while having a lot to do. In addition, it will guide you through some of the most difficult aspects to exceed your goals, search effectively and efficiently and navigate your way through applications, interviews and new offers, without ruining the relationship with the current employer. Read on to learn more.

Steps

Part 1 of 2: Looking for a job with discretion and professionalism

Step 1. Don't tell your boss or coworkers that you are looking for a job

In most cases, it is much better to keep the research to yourself, avoiding it being known in the rest of the office. While nothing is technically wrong, others may take it personally or worry that your focus will be absorbed by something else.

Telling the current boss you're looking for a new job can hurt the relationship. Additionally, you will likely be discarded from opportunities and promotions within the company. If the search for a vacancy fails, you will have more than one problem.
You should also be cautious about telling your coworkers, however reliable you think they are. Telling it only increases the likelihood that the boss will find out about it in cross-cutting ways. If you end up leaving the company, your employer should hear it from you, not the gossip.

Step 2. On the resume, don't include your current boss among the people who can give references

Many employees make the mistake of indicating their employer, but this can be counterproductive when the new company calls them, without them having the faintest idea what is going on.

Pointing to your current boss without telling him is unprofessional and will harm your relationship. This can also cause them to speak ill of you, so it will be harder for them to hire you elsewhere.
Instead, point to former employers and co-workers, maybe pick the ones you stayed on good terms with after leaving the company.

Step 3. Pay attention to the information you indicate on social networks

There are sites that are very useful from a professional point of view (such as LinkedIn), because they represent an excellent tool for promoting yourself, networking and sharing knowledge. On the other hand, be careful what you write on the profile.

When using these sites, don't advertise your search for a new job, or at least set your profile to go private.
Don't upload your resume to job posting sites, as someone from your company could easily find it and warn the boss.

Step 4. Do all your research when you have some free time

This is one of the most important aspects of the process. You should do it outside of business hours - don't use your office computer to search online or send resumes via your business email account.

It is not uncommon for employees to get into trouble or get fired for looking for another profession during working hours. Consequently, it is essential to always be professional and have a good relationship with the boss.
Do whatever research you need in the afternoons or weekends. It can be quite tiring to pursue a full-time job and seek out new career opportunities, but the time and effort will pay off when you secure a new position and have the option to safely leave your current position.
Keep in mind that you can't get in trouble if you haven't used the company's resources to look for a new job, as far as your boss finds out.

Step 5. Do not include the email or phone number of the company where you work on the resume

You shouldn't even think about it - most companies monitor employee activities, especially those connected to electronic systems and the internet.

If you need to talk to a potential boss while at work, try to do so during your lunch break or using your cell phone. Try hanging out if he calls you, as this decreases the likelihood that someone will eavesdrop.
Use a personal email address to contact potential employers, and avoid checking it all the time. Read the mail received once a day, after returning home. If it is urgent to respond immediately, try to do so during your lunch break, using a personal device.

Step 6. Do not schedule interviews during the working day

If possible, you should definitely avoid it. Try to organize them before you go to work, on the go, on the weekend or on your lunch break (if the weather permits). This is the most professional approach; the potential employer should respect you, even if it is not convenient for him.

If none of this works, then take a day off to go to the interview. As far as possible, don't lie about why you do it. Don't call yourself sick, tell your boss that you need a break for personal reasons.
Can you schedule an interview after work or lunch break? Be careful what you wear. If you usually dress informally but one day you show up in a suit and tie, the boss and colleagues will immediately realize that there is a smell of burning. Try to go home to change, otherwise take your clothes with you.

Step 7. Accept a new job offer before firing

If your dream firm has made you a proposal with all the trimmings, be sure to accept, wait for references to be checked, and start before firing yourself from the other company. In fact, there is always a risk that the company that made you the offer will back down after you leave the other place.

Always try to be professional: adequately communicate your intentions and propose to help the person who will replace you. This must be done to avoid resentment from colleagues and superiors.
This will also reassure the new boss, who will know that he has chosen a respectful and particularly professional person.

Part 2 of 2: Search Effectively and Efficiently for a New Job

Step 1. Make a short-term and a long-term plan

Looking for a new job is a real challenge, so it's important to get organized and plan. Ask yourself questions about your current role, trying to be as honest as possible. Once you understand what you are missing from the place you work now, you can realize what you want to find elsewhere.

Try to identify your strengths and weaknesses, as well as professional talents. Ask yourself if your current role satisfies you and allows you to use your full potential.
Answering these questions will help you understand yourself better and get a clearer idea of the direction you want to follow in the workplace.
With this direction established, you can determine a short-term plan lasting six months and a long-term plan of two to five years. Making detailed work schedules will help you stay focused, remember your goals and avoid sleeping on your laurels.

Step 2. Identify the types of jobs you would like to apply for

Once you've made a plan and figured out which direction you want to go in, the next step is to name the professions you're interested in.

Figuring out the right direction will allow you to streamline your search and application. Check out websites that post job advertisements, company specific pages, and professions promoted on LinkedIn. Search for jobs using titles or fields of interest.
You can consider similar jobs at other organizations and compare them to your current role. Alternatively, look at professions at a higher level or in a different industry and see if you can do it or if you lack certain skills.
Don't worry more than necessary if your skills or experience don't exactly match job descriptions. At this point, you're just trying to get an idea of what to expect and areas or locations that might interest you.

Step 3. Update resume to include current job

If you haven't already, take care of it now. Write down all the skills you have acquired thanks to the profession you are currently in. Then, connect them to your ambitions and what you want to achieve from a new role.

For example, if you want to change careers, prepare a functional resume to demonstrate transferable skills. In any case, if you were looking for a position similar to that of now, a chronological one is enough. Highlighting relevant work experience will benefit you.
You should make it a habit to update your resume every three months. In this way, you will constantly analyze your performance and work towards your goals. While you aren't actively looking for a job, opportunities may arise when you least expect them.

Step 4. Write a cover letter that you will use as a reference point

In addition to your resume, you will need to send this letter along with each application. It gives you the chance to reiterate the most important information on the resume and provide further details. It also allows you to express why you want to work in a certain company and what are the skills or experiences that give you a competitive edge and make you a qualified candidate.

Before you fully dive into your job search, it's best to write a cover letter template, which you can tweak slightly for specific job positions. Having a good point of reference will save you time later.
Customizing all cover letters according to the job you are applying for is very important. The generic ones are boring to the reader and won't make you stand out among the other candidates. A well thought out and unique letter will explain to a potential employer why you want to be hired by their company, demonstrating the positive contributions you could make to the team.
Read this article to find out how to write a compelling cover letter.

Step 5. Look for job postings online and in newspapers

There are so many ways to find a new place. The most obvious is to read advertisements on the internet or in newspapers. Consider the most recent opportunities that match your skills and qualifications. Next, send the updated resume and cover letter to any possible employer.

CareerBuilder, Glassdoor, Indeed, LinkUp, Monster, and Simply Hired are among the best sites to search

Step 6. Learn to network

It is vital to find out more about the available places. You should use your own connections or try to create them in order to cross the threshold of a new company.

There are multiple methods of networking: you can invite an employee of the company you are interested in for a coffee, attend events where large-scale connections are made, or just send someone an email

Step 7. Prepare for interviews

After you apply for as many jobs as possible, hopefully you will receive invitations. It is important to feel ready to participate, so you will maximize your chances of getting hired. In this regard, you may find the following articles useful: