How to find a job when you already have one

There’s an old saying: “The best time to find a job is when you already have a job.” But how can you juggle the various responsibilities of full-time employment, family, friends and the rest of your life, and still find time to look for a job? And what are some techniques you can use to keep your job search from causing trouble at work?

Be discreet. Read up on your company's policies about job searching while employed there, and make sure you’re not running afoul of any rules or restrictions. Some companies are very willing to let people look for other employment (especially if they’re looking for other jobs within the company), while at other companies, looking for a job during work hours can be cause for termination. (I wouldn't want to work at a company like that – what kind of company would fire people for having ambitions? Do they only want employees who have no other options?)

Don’t let your job search interfere with your job. Remember to give your employer your undivided attention during work hours – they’re the ones paying your salary. Be professional and considerate of your colleagues; don’t give people any cause to resent you or question your loyalty or judgment. Even if you’re looking to move on to a new job, you don’t want to burn bridges where you are.

Don’t use company resources for your job search. Send resumes from your personal e-mail address. Tell prospective employers to call you on your personal cell phone, not your work phone. Make sure to respect your company’s policies on personal use of the Internet and company computers.

Make good use of your lunch hours and break time. Even though you need to work when you’re at work, there are many opportunities to find a few minutes for your job search. Step out to take a call on your cell phone during the afternoon. Take a long lunch to send resumes or respond to inquiries. Take a half-day off and talk to a few different contacts on the same day.

 

Dress for the job you want. If you’re going to be going on job interviews, start dressing for it – before you need to. That way, people won't notice if you start showing up at work in "interview attire." An upgrade in your work wardrobe might improve your attitude and performance, as well – there’s the old saying, “dress for success.” The way we look can affect our moods – and if you look your best, you’re likely to feel better and work more effectively, too.

Seek advice. Depending on your job situation, you might be able to get help from your supervisor or colleagues in finding your next job. If your company is in financial trouble and is laying people off, your manager probably won’t mind if you are looking for a job. If you trust your manager and have a good relationship, you might even consider telling her that you’re looking – and see if she has any helpful advice or contacts to offer. But be careful with whom you confide in about your job search – sometimes managers feel undermined if their star employees are actively looking to leave, and some co-workers will start to resent you if they feel like you're looking for work on company time.

 

 

Ben Gran is a freelance writer based in Des Moines, Iowa. He is an award-winning blogger who loves to write about careers, personal finance and the future of work. Ben can be reached at http://benjamingran.com/

 

For more information go to http://www.logisticsjobsite.com/