Searching On The Sly
THERE is a world of opportunities waiting out there. Career graphs zoom with every job change, and the possibilities of growth are endless; no wonder that people quickly tire of their existing jobs and seek greener pastures elsewhere. Having said that, most people are chary of chucking their current source of bread and butter down the chute pipe and launching into a full time job search. On the other hand, searching for a job on the side while still working does come with its own set of constraints. You have limited time and opportunity to indulge in a search, make contacts and schedule interviews without your current boss smelling a rat. I am of course, presuming that you are virtuous enough to resist the temptation to use company time and equipment to carry on the job search, which in any case is fraught with peril.
While there's nothing unethical about looking for a job when you're working for someone else, it is important that you keep your search confidential so that it does not affect your standing with your current employer. Some tips to help you navigate the touchy terrain:
Use your leisure time and home PC to aid your job search. If you don't have a computer at home, pay a visit to the local browsing centre and access its Internet connection. Use a private account to send job search related emails. The easiest way to get caught in the act is to use the office account or PC for your job search. Most workplace computers are fortified with innumerable firewalls and your every move probably leaves a record that can be monitored by your boss.
Do not use company stationery or envelopes for your resumes, cover letters and the like. Use your home address, telephone number, personal cell number and personal email on all correspondence. Avoid listing office numbers if you don't want to land yourself in an embarrassing situation- like your boss picking up a call from a prospective employer. If you do get calls related to your job search during office hours, get off the hook as quickly as possible. Take down the caller's number and offer to call back at a more appropriate time.
When it comes down to gathering references, use a little discretion. Former co-workers who have left to work elsewhere are usually the first ones to turn to if you want to keep your search confidential. If you must mention current co-workers as references, it is safer to bet on peers who will maintain confidentiality, rather than supervisors or bosses.
As much as you can, schedule interviews during off days/ before or after office hours. In unavoidable situations, you could take prior permission or call up. The world is not perfect, and sometimes you may need to cook up an excuse or call in sick in order to be able to attend an interview.
A little harmless prevarication does not make you a prime candidate for the hot seat; so don't worry too much about it.
Just make sure your excuses sound plausible and see that you have enough leave to your credit and that you are not inconveniencing your workmates in any way.
Keep your job search quiet. Confidentiality is important, especially in sensitive or highly competitive industries. Although wanting to change jobs is not a crime, your employer will expect you to be loyal and focused on the job for which he is paying you. Any leak of your job-search plans could tarnish your prospects.
Lastly, never let your search interfere with your job responsibilities. Be sincere and give your all when at work. In the end, there is every possibility that you may decide to continue with your current job, and you do not want to botch up your chances by neglecting what you are paid to do.
PAYAL AGARWAL
faqs@cnkonline.com
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