Archive for day: Tuesday, September 1st, 2015

Since job hunting can feel like a full-time job in itself, looking for a new opportunity while you’re currently employed (even part time) can prove to be especially challenging. Balancing your workplace obligations with the added stress of browsing for jobs is not uncommon, but it can get tricky if not handled correctly. Here are a few tips to help you advance your search, while remaining productive and courteous at your current job. Search on your free time The vast majority of job searching is done online, and with that being said, looking for new jobs at your current place of employment may backfire. Not only is using your work hours to explore opportunities distracting, but it can also make you seem like you’re sneaking around while running the risk of getting caught. For example, if your supervisor catches you, they may think you aren’t serious about your job or aren’t loyal to the company—which may make you the first to go if they need to make cuts for whatever reason. While using your free time may bite into your personal time, it’s the only foolproof way to stay under the radar while you browse. Schedule interviews around working hours Hearing that a company wants to bring you in for an interview may come with mixed feelings. While it’s exciting to know that your skills are in demand, scheduling an interview around your work hours may be a challenge. That being said, never randomly duck out of work to run to an interview no matter how lax your office is. Instead, consider utilizing your lunch break for interviews that are close to your office, or scheduling meetings before or after work for businesses that are located further away. If neither of these options work for you, you may have to use your paid time off for a half day. While not ideal, it eliminates the need to stealthily rush to various locations on your current employer’s time. Be careful who you tell It can be tempting to tell a close colleague that you’re looking to make a move to a different company, but due to the unpredictable nature of a search, this may not be a great idea. Since it may take anywhere from a couple of weeks to 6 months to secure a new position, telling your coworkers isn’t encouraged until something is set in stone. While your search is still in the conceptual stages, it’s best to keep it out of the office. Don’t say negative things about your current employer When asked by a hiring manager why you’re looking to leave your company, it’s wise to avoid saying anything negative about your current employer. Regardless of your employment status, talking badly about a current or former employer isn’t a good idea. After all, who would want to hire someone that might be negatively speak of them or their company in the future? Putting an emphasis on your long-term professional goals and connecting them with why you want to move on from your current position is a better way to explain your reasoning without putting anyone down.