Finding a new job when you are already working is hard, but sometimes it's the best path for a career. Many people only look for work when they have to. However, if you do it on your own accord, you will feel more secure and flexible in finding the best deals. Job search should be conducted discreetly to avoid problems with the current workplace. Update your CV and hone your interview skills when you apply for a new position. You still have to balance the old responsibilities, and also take advantage of this job search to get better and bigger opportunities.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Successfully Find a New Job
Step 1. Create a short-term and long-term career plan
Finding a new job is not easy, you have to try your best. Think about your current position and what you would like to gain in a new job. The answer will probably determine whether to stay where you are or do something different. As much as possible you should be honest with yourself.
- For example, ask yourself, “What do I like and don't like about my current job? What can I change?”
- Determine what your strengths, weaknesses, and skills are. All of these are very useful for advertising yourself to employers. Also, decide if you are happy with your current role and whether the position will allow you to reach your full potential.
- With a plan, you can better understand yourself and see where you want your career to go. Maybe you just decided to stay in your current position or company.
- A detailed career plan helps you focus on your goals. Consider creating a 6 month plan that includes what you need in the near future and a 2 to 5 year plan for long term goals.
Step 2. Decide what type of job you want
Once you know your goals, find ways to achieve them. This depends on the type of work you enjoy doing and according to your skills. In addition to salary and benefits, work also brings opportunities to learn new skills and try new challenges. You may decide to go back to school, take on a different role at the company, or move to another city to find the right choice.
- Compare your current position with similar positions in other organizations. Also, look at higher-level jobs and across different sectors to see what skills you have and what you don't. If you already know what position you want, try from now on.
- Don't worry too much if your skills or experience don't really match the job you want. Understand what positions are available and what you are interested in.
Step 3. Update CV to include current job
Sometimes, CVs are forgotten until they are needed. If your CV has not been updated, take the time to include your current job and the skills you gained from the job. Relate all of this information to your goals and what you are looking for in a new job.
- For example, if you want to change careers, prepare a functional CV to demonstrate skills that can be applied in different fields. However, if you are looking for a similar position, write a chronological CV that highlights the most relevant and useful work experience.
- Get in the habit of updating your CV every 3 months so you don't have to bother working on it when managing the time between the work in front of you and looking for a new job. The new CV is useful for analyzing future performance and goals. Even if you are not looking for work at another company, good opportunities can come at any time.
Step 4. Write a tailor-made cover letter for the intended position
A cover letter is the first page of a CV and introduces who you are and your qualifications. Cover letters are designed to make you appear as a valuable candidate. Therefore, read the job description for the position and write a few short paragraphs about why you want it. Use this section to draw attention to the most important parts of your CV.
- Before actively looking for work, write a sample cover letter. Make adjustments over time to make them relevant to a particular job. The base template will save time later on.
- You can use a simple cover letter, but it seems boring. A great cover letter makes you stand out from other applicants and shows employers that you want to work for them.
Step 5. Look for job advertisements on the internet and print media
There are many ways to find a new job, but most people start by looking for vacancies. Check your local newspaper, your neighborhood vacancy board, or go to a job posting site. Look for jobs that match your skills and qualifications. Send your latest CV and cover letter to start the transition process from your old job.
Remember that job hunting can sometimes be a lengthy process. You may not find a match and don't get an interview call right away. If you're sure you want to leave your old job, don't give up and stay patient while you search
Step 6. Search for jobs by networking with other people
Many people hear about vacancies from acquaintances. Through the network, you take advantage of contacts to get the desired position. Try starting with your current co-workers. So, listen to whatever opportunities they discuss. Talk to outside sources and make new connections to create bigger opportunities.
- For example, attend a meeting of professionals in your area. If you're after a specific industry or company, reach out to people in those positions. Send them an email or invite them for coffee.
- Another option is through social media. Update profile information, but keep it confidential. Just let trusted people know that you are looking for new opportunities.
- Networking is the fastest way to get an interview. So having a large network is very helpful when you want to make changes. This method is much more effective than applying for every job vacancy through traditional channels.
Part 2 of 3: Keeping Confidential and Remaining Professional
Step 1. Keep your search secret from your boss and coworkers
While it's okay to explore new opportunities, bosses can be offended. If the boss accepts openly, obstacles may still exist. Your boss may think you're not focused on work, or treat you differently. Remember that bosses and coworkers have their own priorities. So, the search for a new job is not a good topic of conversation.
- If this information is leaked, your relationship with your boss could be damaged. Your boss and supervisor may no longer consider you to fill a new opportunity or promotion. Job search is a long process, keep all options open and don't leave a bad impression.
- Be careful if you want to tell colleagues because there is a possibility that your boss heard the news through the grapevine. If you want to leave, your boss should know from you, not through office gossip.
Step 2. Do it on a separate time, not at work
One of the most important considerations when hunting for a new job is timing. Work as usual. Most companies can monitor internet searches and email traffic in the office. Using company facilities to find a new job is highly inappropriate and can cause problems.
- The scenario is, because you want to leave, your boss has many reasons to let you go if you make a mistake. You have to stay professional with a focus on the work in front of you. Maintain a good relationship with the company.
- You should set aside specific times, such as evenings and weekends. Working while looking for a new job can be tiring, but it will pay off once you get out on a good note.
Step 3. Do not include your current employer in the CV reference list
You may lose yourself if the boss is called by the recruiting team. That's not a pleasant notice, unless the boss already knows your plans to come out and approve the decision. Don't be surprised if his trust wanes. Your boss may be shocked enough to make a negative reference about you.
- You will need three to seven references. So find someone you trust. Past bosses, colleagues, teachers, and former supervisors are some great references. Let them know in advance that you include their name in the reference list.
- Try not to include coworkers in the office now as a reference because they could leak your secret. If you do use them, choose someone you believe you can trust.
Step 4. Limit posts on social media sites
While professional networking sites are great tools for self-promotion, your job search can be seen there too. Update the profile, but don't load more than that. Assume your boss and coworkers found something there. Criticism of a current job or sharing information about a vacancy you are interested in can get caught by employers.
- When using a site like this, don't include the fact that you are actively looking for a new job. That is, do not update the status! If there are no work contacts on the profile, select private settings.
- Be careful when uploading CV to job sites. Your company person may see it and report it to your boss.
Step 5. Take a call from another company outside the office
Don't include your work email and phone number in your CV. This job search is a secret affair. Of course you don't want someone to abuse the facilities you provide. So, you also have to respect the facilities of others. Use a personal email address and phone number to make sure there are no problems.
- If you have to talk to a potential new employer during work hours, do so during your lunch break on your personal cell phone. Get out and get in a car or another private location. If you have your own room, you can lock the door to ensure privacy.
- Check your personal email and phone number at least once a day after work. Try not to check anything while working. If the message you are waiting for must be replied to immediately, wait until the lunch break.
Step 6. Accept a new job offer before leaving your current job
Wait until the new employer checks your references and gives a definite start date. Of course you don't want the offer to be withdrawn after you've already left. In the meantime, stay open to various options. Clear job responsibilities while monitoring new opportunities as they arise.
- Sometimes it's best to go out first. For example, so that you have time to find and learn new skills, especially if you are not satisfied with your current working conditions. You must be wise and careful in making the best decisions.
- Remember to always be professional with sufficient resignation notices. You must at least notify 2 weeks in advance so that the boss has time to prepare for your departure.
Part 3 of 3: Success in Interviews
Step 1. Practice some possible questions
After sending a number of applications, the next is to hope to hear from them. Prepare for the interview by reading information about the company and the responsibilities of the new position. Compile basic answers such as skills you can contribute and other questions you may hear. Try practicing answering questions in front of a mirror or with a friend.
- Choose clothes that promote success! You need to look professional, like wearing a clean shirt and formal pants or skirts.
- Don't forget to follow up after the interview if you really want the job. Call the interviewer to thank him and ask for the latest developments.
Step 2. Give a good reason you want to quit your current job
Interviews are not a place to complain. Employers are looking for positive, hard-working employees who have a lot to offer. Just say that you want to join a company that values your skills and allows you to make the most of them. As much as possible avoid sharp criticism of current work.
- For example, if you don't like your current boss, say, "Even though I like the company's mission, I decided it was better to take a different direction."
- You can say you want new challenges to develop. You can also state that you are not suited to the current position. Try to bring up the positive points of your current job so it doesn't seem gloomy.
Step 3. Schedule an interview outside of normal business hours, if possible
Arrange for an interview before or after working hours. Try to arrange it on weekends or during lunch breaks if you can. This depends on your work schedule and whether it fits the schedule of the prospective employer. As long as you don't disappear from the office during working hours, your way is professional and can be appreciated by superiors.
- If there is no other alternative, take a day off. Schedule a half day or a full day, but don't lie. Instead of making excuses for being sick, say that you need time off for "personal reasons" or "family matters."
- If the interview schedule coincides with the work schedule, pay attention to what you wear. Your boss and coworkers can tell that something is up if you suddenly show up at the office in a suit and tie. Keep interview clothes in your bag or go home first if you have to change.
Step 4. Remain calm and in control during the interview
Interviews are nerve-wracking, no wonder so many people are nervous. Control your energy so you can go through the interview like a conversation. Be friendly and answer questions as well as possible. That will increase your chances of being accepted.
Interviewers face many potential candidates who speak quickly and get too excited because they are desperate to get out of their old job. They can spot candidates who are impatient to leave the position. So, focus on the work you are aiming for, not on the work that will be left behind
Tips
- Staying in your current position during a job search is not only financially secure, it also looks great on your CV. If you are still employed, the impression that will arise is that you are a needed manpower and are a good candidate.
- Most employers will ask if they are allowed to contact your current employer for reference. Say no so your boss doesn't get a surprise call saying you're looking for another job!
- One of the most important parts of a job search is professionalism. Previous bosses can be your best references or worst enemies, depending on how you left their company.
