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Even though there is nothing wrong with exploring new opportunities, your current employer may take your search personally. It often becomes a distraction when an employer doesn't take it in stride. Your boss may think you're not focused on your current job, or they may treat you differently. Remember that your bosses and coworkers have their own priorities, so your job search isn't a great subject of conversation at work. Letting the news leak could harm your relationship with your current employer. Bosses and supervisors may no longer consider you for new opportunities or promotions. The job search is often a long process, so keep your options open and don't burn any bridges. Be careful about telling your coworkers, since that increases the chance that your boss hears the news through the grapevine. If you're leaving, your boss needs to hear it from you first, not through office gossip. One of the most important considerations when searching for a new job is timing. Keep up business as usual while you're searching. Most companies have the ability to monitor online searches and emails done at the office. Using company resources to search is inconsiderate and could get you in trouble. Think of it this way: you're thinking of leaving, so your employer has plenty of reason to let you go if you're doing something wrong. Stay professional by focusing on your work. Maintain a good relationship with your employer. You're going to have to make time for the job search, such as during evenings and weekends. Maintaining a regular job while searching for new opportunities can be tiring, but it pays off once you're able to leave on amicable terms. It backfires when your prospective employer rings your current boss. Unless your boss knows you're planning on leaving and gives you their blessing, this is a bad way to break the news. Don't be surprised if your boss trusts you less. Your boss could even be shocked enough to serve as a negative reference. You still need 3 to 7 references on your resume, so find people you trust. Former employers, colleagues, teachers, and supervisors are a few examples of good references. Give your contact a heads-up to let them know you're listing them as a contact. Try to avoid using current coworkers as references, since that would spoil your secret. If you have to use a current coworker, choose someone you're sure you can trust. Although professional networking sites are a great tool for self-promotion, they could also spoil your search. Update your profile so it's current, but don't post anything more than that. Expect your boss and coworkers to spot anything out of the ordinary. Criticism of your current job, as well as sharing job openings you are interested in, could get back to your employer. When using these sites, don't advertise the fact that you are actively searching for new jobs. That means no status updates! If you don't have any work contacts on your profile, set it to private. Be wary of uploading your resume to online job websites. Someone in your company could see it and alert your boss. Leave your work email and phone number off of your resume. The search is your private business. You wouldn't let your boss barge into your home to make work calls, so be respectful of your surroundings. Use a personal email address and phone number to ensure your current job and your future one don't cross. If you have to speak to a potential employer during the workday, try to do it on your lunch break using a cell phone. Step outside on your call and head for your car or another private location. If you have your own office, you could go there and shut the door to ensure you get a little privacy. Check your personal email and phone number at least once a day when you get home from work. Try to refrain from checking anything at work. If a message is time-sensitive, wait for your lunch break to reply. Wait for the potential employer to check your references and give you a firm starting date. The last thing you need is for the offer to be withdrawn right after you submit your resignation. In the meantime, keep your options open. Get through your current work responsibilities while keeping an eye on other opportunities as they arise. There are some times when leaving your job is the better option. For example, it could give you more time to search and learn new skills, especially if you're unhappy with where you're at. Use your discretion to make the best choice for your situation. Remember to stay professional by giving your current employer adequate notice of your intentions. At a minimum, give at least 2 weeks' notice so your boss has time to prepare for your departure.
Keep your job search a secret from your boss and coworkers. Search for jobs on your own time instead of at work. Leave your current boss off the reference portion of your resume. Limit what you post to social media sites. Take calls from other companies outside of your office. Accept a new job offer before resigning from your current job.