Job Seeking in Employment

In general, the world of employment isn’t the stable environment it was 40 years ago. Nearly everyone has to accept the possibility of job loss - jobs for life seem to be long gone. So what can you do to keep ahead of the game?

• If you are concerned about your future employment and have decided you want to leave your current employer you will need to make applications and go to interviews. You need to maintain your image as a loyal employee so you don’t lose your job before you are ready. Attempt to reduce the impact on your current employer while attending interviews.
• Keep job applications at home – if you want to keep your preparations quiet leaving an application on your desk or on the photocopier isn’t a great signal to send. Prepare paperwork at home and don’t use company resources to find another job.
• If you are speaking to prospective employers, recruiters or head-hunters explain you are currently employed and ask them to contact you in the evenings or on your mobile phone.
• What you choose to tell your current employer is up to you. You can be totally honest but you may be jeopardising your current job and future prospects if you end up staying. If you have enough warning of interviews, book a day’s holiday.
• If the prospective new job is located near your current job you could disappear for a short while. Make sure you have a well thought out reason for the absence, taking 2 hours to get a sandwich doesn’t really cut it. It is important that your prospective employers/recruiters exercise their discretion, especially if you work in an insular market sector.
• Networking is another effective option when looking for a new role. Reported figures suggest a third of jobs aren’t advertised. You are surrounded by people who work in your industry so keep your contacts alive, make discrete enquiries and develop a contact list of people you can approach if you want to make a change.

Keeping your ear to the ground and eyes open means you have options. You don’t have to take a job if you are offered it, but it does mean you keep your CV up to date and your interview skills polished and professional.