“If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands!” (crickets) Well maybe you’re not quite happy with your job and are interested in finding a different company. Typically, you want to have a job offer in place before you leave your current position. If that’s the case, there are some things you should keep in mind for when you already have a job but are looking for another one.
- Don’t tell anyone. If someone knows you are looking for another position, that information might be given to the wrong person and could cause you to have to leave your position earlier than you hoped. If an employer knows you’re looking for something else, they are more than likely let you go.
- Don’t use current coworkers as references. This goes back to the #1. If they are contacted while you are still working there, then they are finding out you are looking for something else.
- Complete your LinkedIn profile. All the information on your profile should be accurate, up-to-date, and complete. Consistently updating your profile will make sure that you do not set off alarm bells when it comes time to look for a new job. Your current employer will be used to the fact that you are constantly improving your profile so they won’t suspect anything.
- Stay present at your current job. While the idea of finding a new place to work is exciting, it shouldn’t take away from your focus at your current job. You still want to be working just as hard as you search.
Avoiding these blunders can make your transition smoother and help you leaving on a positive note. You never know. You may return to that company some day. Check back next month for ways to keep up the momentum of job searching when you’re laid off.