How to find a job whilst you are employed

by | 17.04.25

It is very common for people to look for a new job before leaving their existing positions in fact it is a sensible thing to do. Looking for a job whilst you are employed usually means being discreet so you maintain positive relationships at work. Here are some tips you can follow to help you look for work successfully whilst maintaining your performance in your current job:

Don’t tell your workmates

It is advisable to keep your job search from your colleagues, even if you have a close or friendly relationship with them. If you do tell a workmate they might share this information with others and this can lead to your Manager finding out. It’s also risky to publicly post your CV on job boards where your current employer might see it.

Use your own devices for job hunting

Recruitment typically takes place online, which can make it faster and more convenient to apply for jobs. When applying for jobs online it’s vital that you use personal devices and do not under any circumstances use your work PC, laptop or mobile phone to look for a job, you could be found out.

It is very common for people to look for a new job before leaving their existing positions in fact it is a sensible thing to do. Looking for a job whilst you are employed usually means being discreet so you maintain positive relationships at work. Here are some tips you can follow to help you look for work successfully whilst maintaining your performance in your current job:

Don’t tell your workmates

It is advisable to keep your job search from your colleagues, even if you have a close or friendly relationship with them. If you do tell a workmate they might share this information with others and this can lead to your Manager finding out. It’s also risky to publicly post your CV on job boards where your current employer might see it.

Use your own devices for job hunting

Recruitment typically takes place online, which can make it faster and more convenient to apply for jobs. When applying for jobs online it’s vital that you use personal devices and do not under any circumstances use your work PC, laptop or mobile phone to look for a job, you could be found out.

Allocate time for your job search

Some people find it challenging to fit in time looking for a new job alongside their work commitments so it’s a good idea to allocate dedicated time for this. Maybe during the evenings or at weekends you could focus on searching and applying for jobs. Depending on how quickly you want to move on, you might do this two or three times a week.

Be selective

Even if you’re keen to leave your current job, don’t just go after every job you see. Think about what you particularly like about your current role and what you don’t like. Thoroughly research jobs and organisations before applying for them, don’t just go after everything you see, make sure your next move is the right move.

Think about when to organize interviews

When you’re applying for jobs it’s worth thinking about when you can attend interviews. Your job search is more likely to be discreet if you can fit interviews around your current work commitments. If possible arrange interviews before and after work or during your lunch break. If this isn’t possible then you will have to use your holiday entitlement and for this you may be required to give your current employer notice.

Be good at work

Regardless of how much progress you’re making in your job search, it’s essential to maintain a good performance in your current job. This is another way to reduce suspicion that you’re looking for another job and to maintain a positive relationship with your employer and colleagues.

Keep quiet until you get a job offer

Even after you receive a job offer it’s vital that you keep things private until your new employer confirms your appointment in writing. The reason for this is that prospective employers may occasionally withdraw job offers or you might change your mind about accepting the position. Hand in your notice once you have a written job offer in your hand and you are sure you want the job.

So, to summarize it is a challenge looking for a new job whilst you are still employed but it’s not impossible, the secret is to be very discreet and careful when arranging interviews and only handing in your notice when you are sure you have found the perfect new job.

Good Luck