Searching for a new job while currently employed is a common situation many people find themselves in. There are various reasons why someone may want to look for a new job, such as looking for better pay, improved benefits, more opportunities for advancement, or an overall better work environment. However, job searching while employed also comes with some risks that are important to consider.
Quick Answers
Here are quick answers to some common questions about job searching while currently employed:
- Is it okay to look for a new job while currently employed? Yes, it is generally acceptable to look for a new job while currently employed, as long as you continue to fulfill your duties at your current job.
- Should I tell my current employer I’m looking for a new job? No, it’s usually not advisable to tell your current employer you are job searching, as it could jeopardize your current position.
- How do I explain gaps in employment if I’m searching while employed? You can explain you were looking for new opportunities to advance your career during gaps in employment while searching for a job.
- Is it unethical to search while employed? No, job searching while employed is generally not considered unethical, as you need to do what’s best for your career.
- Can my current employer find out I’m looking? Yes, there is a possibility your employer could find out if you use work resources in your job search. Be discreet.
Pros of Looking for a New Job While Employed
There are several potential advantages to seeking new job opportunities while currently employed:
- Avoid gaps in employment: Looking for jobs while you are still employed allows you to avoid having periods of unemployment on your resume.
- More time: Having a current job allows you to take your time searching for the right new role, rather than desperately taking the first thing that comes along.
- Stronger negotiating position: Being employed gives you more leverage to negotiate salary, benefits, work arrangements, etc. with a new employer.
- Less pressure: The security of a paycheck enables you to be more selective and find the best fit for your next move.
- Opportunity to compare: Having two jobs simultaneously lets you directly compare the pros and cons of each as you evaluate new opportunities.
Cons of Looking for a New Job While Employed
However, there are also some potential downsides to balance when weighing whether to look for a new job while currently employed:
- Time constraints: Job searching takes a significant amount of time and can be exhausting on top of your current job.
- Risk of discovery: Your current employer may find out you’re looking, especially if you use work resources in your search.
- Reputation concerns: Future employers may frown upon hearing you looked while employed if not done discreetly.
- Burning bridges: Your current employer may feel betrayed if they find out you looked for a new job.
- Logistical challenges: Interviewing and attending appointments while employed can be complicated to schedule.
How to Discreetly Look for a New Job
If you decide to search for new opportunities while staying employed, here are some tips to maintain discretion:
- Keep your job search completely separate from work. Never use work devices, email, etc.
- Be selective in who you tell. Don’t broadcast to all colleagues that you’re looking.
- Use vacation/sick days strategically when interviewing. Don’t make it obvious.
- Maintain professionalism at your current role. Don’t check out or neglect responsibilities.
- Explain any employment gaps honestly yet tactfully if asked in interviews.
Keep Personal and Professional Separate
It’s vital to keep your job search completely separate from your current job. Never use work hours, devices, email, etc. to apply, interview, or conduct job search activities. Doing so can tip off your employer and get you into serious trouble.
Limit Who Knows
Be selective about who you tell that you are looking for a new opportunity. Don’t broadcast it widely to all colleagues or across your workplace that you are job searching. However, it can be helpful to confide in one or two trusted co-workers who can cover for you if needed.
Strategic Use of Time Off
Schedule interviews and job search appointments strategically using vacation/sick days so that patterns are not obvious to your employer. For example, schedule different types of medical and personal appointments as well to avoid raising suspicions.
Stay Professional
No matter how disengaged or dissatisfied you may feel in your current role knowing you have one foot out the door, maintain utmost professionalism. Do not check out, neglect responsibilities, or damage relationships. This preserves your reputation and avoids awkwardness if plans fall through.
Explain Gaps Tactfully
If asked about any gaps in employment while job searching in interviews, explain the time was spent pursuing new career opportunities, without bad-mouthing your current employer.
Using Vacation or Sick Days to Interview
One logistical challenge of searching while remaining employed is how to make time for interviews. Strategic use of vacation or sick days can be an effective approach:
- First, check your employee handbook or policies to understand how much advanced notice is required for vacation days. Comply with all policies.
- Identify interview dates as early as possible and put in vacation requests immediately to improve chances of approval.
- Try to avoid suspicious patterns, like frequent Mondays or Fridays off. Spread vacation days sporadically.
- If already maxed out on vacation time, use sick days. But again avoid obvious patterns that could raise questions.
- As a last resort, see if remote video interview options are available to avoid taking time off work.
The key is balancing interview logistics strategically while maintaining secrecy and fulfilling all current job expectations. Done right, using vacation or sick time can be an effective approach.
How to Explain Reason for Leaving to New Employer
Another important consideration when job hunting while employed is how to explain your reason for leaving to prospective new employers. Here are some tips:
- Focus on positive, forward-looking reasons like seeking growth opportunities, new challenges, skills development, or career advancement.
- Do not badmouth your current employer or make negative comments, even if warranted.
- Be diplomatic. Say you enjoyed aspects of your current job but are ready for the next step.
- Do not mention feeling underpaid or undervalued. Instead focus on your own skills and potential contributions.
- Emphasize alignment between the new role and your long-term career goals.
- Avoid sounding desperate or giving the impression you want to jump ship.
The goal is to honestly yet tactfully explain why the new opportunity represents an exciting next step that appeals to you without trashing your current role. Handled well, it should not raise concerns with the new employer about why you’re looking while still employed.
Maintaining Performance in Current Job
Remaining fully committed and engaged at your current job while stealthily job hunting presents an obvious challenge. Here are some tips for maintaining performance:
- Separate work and job search activities completely so focus is 100% when working.
- Block off job search tasks in your personal time to avoid distraction on the job.
- Set reminders to follow up on outstanding tasks or commitments at your current job.
- Over-communicate with your manager and team about priorities and progress.
- Make a list of key achievements and goals at your current role to motivate you.
- Discuss concerns about maintaining performance openly with your manager (without mentioning job search).
The goal is compartmentalizing your time and mindset so job search activities never impact or detract from current job performance. This maintains strong relationships and reputation.
Table Comparing Job Search While Employed vs. Unemployed
Factor | Searching While Employed | Searching While Unemployed |
---|---|---|
Time available for job search | Very limited around current job | Abundant time with no distractions |
Pressure and urgency | Lower pressure with steady income | High pressure without income source |
Hiring manager perceptions | Seen in positive light with no gaps | Raises concerns about reason for unemployment |
Interview scheduling | Difficult coordinating with current job | Highly flexible schedule |
Salary and benefits | Can negotiate from position of strength | Less leverage to negotiate |
This table summarizes key differences when conducting a job search while currently employed compared to while unemployed. There are advantages and disadvantages to each situation that should be considered.
Deciding If Job Search While Employed Is Right for You
Determining whether or not it makes sense to search for a new job while continuing your current one depends on your unique situation. Here are some important factors to weigh in your decision:
- Time demands at current job – Do you have capacity to discretely search if your current role is highly demanding?
- Commute and location – Is your current commute manageable if trying to interview elsewhere?
- Industry and relationships – What are the risks of souring important relationships by looking elsewhere?
- Growth opportunities – Are you missing key development and advancement potential in current job?
- Financial considerations – Can you afford a gap in employment if leaving without new job lined up?
Evaluate your personal situation across these types of factors to decide if seeking a new role now is prudent or if you are better off waiting until fully ready to move on from current job.
Assessing Time Demands
Look honestly at your current workload and responsibilities. If your plate is already overflowing, finding time for an active job search may be extremely difficult.
Logistics of Location and Commute
Factor in commute times and geographic access to new opportunities. A far away current job can complicate interview logistics.
Industry Relationships
In a tightknit field, colleagues may frown on seeking new roles and damage key relationships you want to preserve.
Growth Opportunities
If your current job offers little room for advancement, delaying a search may drastically stall your career progress.
Financial Considerations
Your financial cushion if leaving without another job lined up should influence the decision on when to start a job search.
Alternatives to Job Searching While Employed
Actively looking for your next role while currently employed is not the only option. Here are a few other approaches to consider:
- Wait until fully ready to leave – Build savings, polish resume, tie up projects, then start search.
- Casually network – Connect with contacts but don’t formally look until ready to make a move.
- Reignite passion for current role – Refocus on challenging projects and growth opportunities where you are.
- Speak to current employer – Constructively share desire for more before deciding to leave.
The right approach depends on your circumstances. In some cases, it may make more sense to focus energy on improving your current job fit rather than immediately looking elsewhere.
Conclusion
Searching for a new job opportunity while currently employed can offer some advantages, such as avoiding unemployment gaps and negotiating from a position of strength. However, the challenges of juggling a discreet search with maintaining performance and relationships in your current role are significant.
Carefully evaluate whether the timing is right by weighing factors like your workload, career growth opportunities, commute, relationships, and finances. In many cases, it may be better to focus on improving your current job fit or wait until fully ready to make a move before starting a job search.
If you do decide to secretly search while employed, be highly strategic, selective, and thoughtful to avoid burning bridges or damaging your reputation. With meticulous preparation and separation of job search activities from your current responsibilities, you can position yourself for an exciting next career move successfully.