Employed, and Looking?
You are an ambitious employee looking to get through the glass door, but where do you begin looking for new and bigger opportunities and what should you keep in mind? Here are 5 tips to get you started.
1) Don’t Hunt on Company Time. You’re not at work for your own personal gains, not to mention if you get caught, you run the risk of losing any positive references. With that being said, don’t use your company email or phone – many companies will monitor these resources. The solution? Schedule in and dedicate a few of hours during your weekend, or some time before or after work (away from the office) to do your job searches (potential employers, and open positions), and send out your resume.
2) Update Your Resume. Take some time to go through some successful projects where you’ve contributed from the past year, and make an effort to quantify your accomplishments. Make a list, and take the top 3 to put it on your resume. The focus of your resume should be geared towards the position you are seeking. If you are interested in a variety of positions, cater specific resumes with keywords for each position.
3) Work with a Recruiter. Don’t be afraid to meet with a Recruiter - many of their services are free, and they will actively promote you to potential employers. Sometimes, looking for the right recruiter can feel like seeking the right lawyer, but head-hunters can take some stress off your shoulders and will keep your search discreet and confidential. Remember to work with only reputable individuals who will look out for your privacy.
4) Develop a Professional Statement Explaining Why You’re Looking for a New Position. Potential employers will want to know why you are looking for a new position and it’s important that you are able to answer without bashing your current employer. Prepare a statement that focuses on personal growth and opportunity.
5) Be Careful of Your Attire. If you work in a casual or business casual environment and you come to work one day in a suit, it may raise a few red flags with your boss and co-workers. To avoid this, find a location where you can change before your interview, or better, take a vacation day or half day. If you must, you could take a sick day but keep in mind, honesty is the best policy.
Bonus Tip: Network, but don’t get overly aggressive with your job search. The more you network, the more people you know and the higher the chances you have with connecting with people who can help you but don’t say you’re “looking for a job” if you already have a job. Instead, to protect yourself from your boss, use “career networking” to let others know that you are open to new opportunities.
