Balancing Work and Job Searching

While it is often true that the presently employed have a greater chance of receiving job offers when applying for positions, finding the time, energy, and focus to balance work and job-searching can be challenging.

Whether you are seeking a greater challenge, a more competitive salary, a better location, greater stability, or the opportunity to move up in your career, understanding your job market is crucial.

Honor Your Current Employer

The first thing to remember while searching for a new position is to honor your current employer. Publicly advertising your job search can disrupt your team and provoke a negative reaction from leadership.

If you are a valuable employee, notifying management of a job offer might even lead to a counter-offer. However, behaving unprofessionally during your exit could not only eliminate this possibility but also cause your employer to start looking for your replacement before you're ready to move on.

Keep Work and Job Searching Separate

It is essential to separate your work from your job search.

• When you are at work, focus entirely on work.
• When job hunting, commit fully to your search outside work hours.
• Job searching during work hours is considered time theft and can harm your professional reputation.
• If you stay in your current position, your lack of dedication may set you back in the long run.
• You risk damaging workplace relationships and creating a hostile work environment.
• If caught, you could face termination or lose the chance for a strong referral.

Work with a Recruiter

A great way to manage your job search is to work with a recruiter. While you focus on your current job, they will be searching for a better position on your behalf.

• Recruiter services are usually free for job seekers.
• They allow you to focus on work at work while they handle your job search.
• Recruiters bring positions directly to you, reducing job search stress.
• It’s in their best interest to find you a better opportunity than your current role.

By keeping your job search professional and working with a recruiter, you can transition to a new position smoothly while maintaining respect for your current employer.

By Adam Vega