If you’re like most people, the concept of a new job is pretty exciting. But the requirements of actually finding that role can feel overwhelming.

You may be tempted to turn in your two weeks before you have another job lined up; with a few exceptions, this is typically not a smart idea. And fortunately, there are other ways to balance full-time employment while you search for your dream job – without making yourself vulnerable to drama and distraction in the job you already have.

Let’s outline some of the key ways to balance job hunting while you’re still employed full-time.

The Do’s:

1. Refresh your resume

Even if your resume has been updated regularly, take another look at it before you start applying to jobs. Chances are, there are spots that can be enhanced for maximum impact. Here are some other considerations for sprucing up your resume before you start the job hunt:

  • Remove outdated industry jargon
  • Remove job experiences that aren’t relevant to the industry or role you’re seeking
  • Remove skills and certifications that aren’t relevant in today’s job market, i.e. being proficient in a coding language that is no longer used
  • Consider adding industry-specific keywords and action words – this will help your resume stand out to hiring managers who are weeding through a ton of irrelevant resumes
  • Try to trim your resume to a single page or slightly over

2. Update your LinkedIn profile

Your LinkedIn profile is one of the most powerful representations of who you are as a candidate and employee. Recruiters and hiring managers are guaranteed to look you up on LinkedIn if they’re considering you for an open role, so be sure your headshot, skills, qualifications, and job experiences are up-to-date.

Another tip is to make sure you’ve switched off the option to share your updates with your network. If you’ve rarely touched your profile in the past, suddenly making a bunch of changes to your profile will call attention to the fact that you may be looking for a new opportunity.

3. Reach out to your professional network

Utilize your professional network to get intel on current openings in their circles. Send a text, shoot an email or drop a DM to colleagues and recruiters on your social platforms. They may be able to connect you with open roles that weren’t previously on your radar.

If you’re intrigued by a job description, and you know someone who works at the hiring company, reach out to them for more info. They may offer insights that increase your motivation to apply or, crucially, let you know the opportunity isn’t worth your time.

4. Be discreet on social media

If your social networks are populated with people you work with, be mindful of the things you post, share, like, comment and engage with.

Always avoid posting about your unhappiness with your current role or engaging with content that discusses job dissatisfaction or frustration. Don’t complain about your boss, workload or pay anywhere online – it could get back to your employer and create an even worse work environment. It could also be found by prospective employers, and may give the wrong impression about your hireability.

If you want to accelerate your job hunt by joining LinkedIn Premium, make sure you toggle your Premium profile badge to “off” in your settings. This will prevent your current team and manager from seeing the upgrade on your account.

5. Contact a local, trusted Direct-Hire Recruiter

Working with a recruiter will save you time – making the process of finding a new opportunity feel less solitary and more like a team sport. At ETS, our recruiters are experts on the local job landscape and have connections with top area employers. They are both discreet and professional, with a mutual understanding that you want to keep your job search quiet. Plus, that discretion works both ways – many employers don’t post their best roles on job boards for that same reason.

ETS recruiters have one job: to talk to you! And the best part? Our services are free to you, the job seeker!

The Dont’s:

1. Don’t post your resume online

Unless you’ve been upfront with your current manager about your ongoing job hunt, it’s generally not a good idea to post your resume to online job boards or LinkedIn.

Once you’ve posted your resume on a job site, you can’t control who views it or shares it, and that means it could drop into your boss’s inbox at any time.

If discretion is important to you, stick to sending your resume to individual people, companies or better yet – a trusted recruiter.

2. Don’t connect with dozens of hiring managers and recruiters on social media at one time

Social media is an amazing tool for connecting with like-minded professionals and potential mentors. And while it’s tempting to connect with every industry recruiter and potential employer you come across, adding too many external connections at once can raise a red flag for your current boss and teammates.

Be selective about the professional connections you make on social platforms during your job search. Be mindful about how enthusiastically you engage with their content, too – replying to every post shared by the hiring manager of a prospective employer can draw the attention of your current employer.

3. Don’t use your work devices for the job hunt

Avoid using your work computer to scour job boards, send in applications, update your resume or do virtual job interviews. Not only is doing these things ethically dicey – it’s the organization’s equipment, after all. It may also open you up to disciplinary action or even termination if your employer finds out. Considering that many companies can track and view everything on their company-issued computers, it’s always better to err on the side of caution.

By keeping your job hunt confined to your personal devices, you’ll also avoid embarrassing and consequential mistakes – like forgetting to minimize a follow-up email from a recruiter before sharing your screen in a meeting.

4. Don’t mentally check out of your current role

In the job hunt, nothing is guaranteed. A position that seemed like a done deal can fall through at the eleventh hour; a hiring manager that seemed enthusiastic can suddenly disappear, never to be heard from again.

When these things happen (and they often do) you’ll be faced with staying in your current job for at least a little while longer. If you’ve neglected your responsibilities during your job hunt, your relationships and reputation with your current teammates may have taken a hit. When you do receive another offer and put in your two weeks, you may have burned a few bridges with your coworkers and boss – and that can taint the quality work and contributions you’ve made during your time there.

Make it your goal to navigate the job hunt without compromising your commitment to your current job. When you do get the opportunity to move on, the split will be amicable and respectful, with both parties wishing the other well.

Considering a professional switch in the future? ETS has expert recruiters who can help you find your dream job, at every stage of your career. Live chat with us today to connect with our Direct-Hire Team!