In a job but want a new one – here’s what to do
Ready for a new job? Most career experts would tell you to start looking while you’re still employed and they are right! Quitting your current job to find a new one is just not practical for everyone – you don’t know how long it will take and your bills aren’t going to pay themselves! Below we’ve listed our top tips on how to effectively job hunt whilst in your current role.
Don’t job hunt during working hours
Some of you will be lucky enough to work in an environment where you can sneak onto websites and kill time browsing through your social networks – if your one of these people you may be tempted to use this time more wisely and apply for jobs – but don’t! Most Companies can see the time which you submitted your application – it will look bad if you’ve done it smack bang in the middle of the working day. No Company wants to employ someone who does their own thing when they should be working.
Don’t stop caring about your current role
Just because you have decided to leave doesn’t mean you should stop caring or putting effort into your current role – remember they are the ones who will be giving you a reference – which is essential to obtaining a new role! It’s also not fair to your current employer, they deserve better. So be an adult and give 100% effort to your current job until you leave it.
Don’t tell everyone
Don’t go around telling everyone at work that you’re planning on leaving – not everyone can be trusted and you never know who might over hear. If the wrong person finds out they may decide to gain some brownie points by running to tell your Manager and they definitely won’t welcome the news. Be discreet, keep it to yourself, no-one needs to know until you actually announce that you have a new job and even then make sure you have told your boss beforehand.
Plan your interviews carefully
You are working so it’s important that you plan your interviews well. Nowadays a lot of employers will conduct telephone or on-line interviews in the first instance and these are perfect for you if you are in employment. These type of interviews provide employers with a short list of candidates. It will mean a face to face interview eventually but you will have adequate notice and will be in a position to make adequate arrangements.
Use your annual leave – don’t pull sickies
If you’ve been with a Company for several years and never taken a day off sick it will look extremely suspicious if suddenly come down with a nasty cold or serious case of food poisoning every other week. So make sure you use your leave days where possible – try to schedule interviews for early morning or late afternoon – that way you can take off half a day rather than a full day. Whatever you do be fair to your current employer remember you will need them to provide you with a reference.
Don’t make it obvious you are going for an interview
If you have an interview before work or at the end of the day don’t make it obvious to your work colleagues. By this I mean if you normally wear jeans to work, don’t go in suited and booted. Allow time to change in the car or to go home and change before you go for your interview. Remember you don’t need to let anyone know you are leaving before you have another job to go to.
Don’t settle for any job
Don’t just accept the first job you’re offered simply because you are desperate to escape your current role. Take your time and really take into consideration what you’re looking for and what aspects of your current role you do and don’t like. If you don’t like the industry you’re currently in there’s no point applying for jobs with Companies operating in the same one – you’ll be just as miserable there than you are now!
Don’t be afraid to change your mind
If after going for several interviews you are not enthused about any of the jobs you have looked at don’t be afraid to change your mind and stay where you are. There is no shame in changing your mind. This is another reason why its is best not to tell your colleagues you are looking for a new job that way you don’t have to explain yourself to anyone.
If your boss finds out don’t lie and deny it – tell them
If your boss find out your planning to leave they may decide to confront you to find out why – if they do don’t deny it. Tell them truthfully your reasons for wanting to leave – if they want to keep you they will likely try their best to solve whatever is bothering you. But here’s a warning never use “I’m looking for a new job” as a reason to ask for a pay increase. This is not fair and actually could be considered blackmail. Be honest about why you’re looking around but don’t put pressure on your employer to get a pay increase.
Hand in your notice professionally
When you find your dream job you now have to hand you notice. Before you do this read your contract of employment to establish what notice you have to give. You need to organise a meeting with your line Manager or with HR to verbally resign, you also need to give in a written resignation. Notice periods aren’t negotiable, they are written into your contract so never let potential employer bully you into not working your full notice, this is not professional of them and if this happens I would seriously think about whether you want to work for this type of organisation.
Looking for a new job is really difficult if you are employed but it is possible particularly if you are considerate of your current employer and are professional. Employers seeking staff prepare someone whose in employment and not unemployed. A professional Company will also recognise that interviews and will make arrangements to accommodate your availability.
Good luck.
Angela Burton
If you’re ready to start your job search email a copy of your CV to nathalie@burtonboltonrose.co.uk – we’ll help you find the perfect new role!