October 2, 2009

Tips on conducting a stealthy job search

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As most out-of-work job seekers know, the search for employment is a full-time job in itself (with really lousy benefits). But what about those who are currently holding a job but are looking for a new one? I am often asked how one can maintain a serious job search while still performing at peak capacity in the 9-to-5 grind, and also keeping it hidden from your boss.

When conducting these so-called "stealth searches," there are some basic rules that are pretty much self-explanatory:

Don't make searches at work. No matter what you do to cover your tracks, everything you do on your computer can and most likely will be seen by your boss, so stick to your home computer and use your home or cell number as a main point of contact.

Limit your online information. It's really a no-brainer, but it's worth noting that if you want to keep your search a secret from someone, don't announce to the world on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn that you're shopping around. If you post your resume to job boards, be sure to use the privacy controls found on sites like Monster, HotJobs and JobFox to block access for certain companies. Also, set up a job alert function that will send job leads to your personal account.

Go to interviews after hours or on your own time. Most companies will understand that if you have a full-time job, they can try to accommodate your schedule to interview before or after normal working hours. But if you have to interview between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., make sure you take some personal time off from work. Don't try to squeeze it in during a long lunch hour.

Beyond these golden rules, however, there is another, subtler tactic that you can do out in the open and that may garner even better results. Career coach and employment consultant Sherri Edwards, owner of Resource Maximizer, says one of the best ways to attract only the right kind of attention is to look without looking. Make the recruiters and employers come to you.

"The key to the whole notion of 'looking for a job' is backwards," she says. "The notion that you are advertising yourself and searching for a job means you're not thinking of the employers and their needs."

Instead, Edwards says, start a blog or join discussion groups in which you can demonstrate your expertise to everyone in your industry. Write about major success stories you've had or problems you have solved. Offer to help others in your field, she says. Become known by your peers and help provide information from a professional association so people are aware of you. You'd be surprised at how quickly you can develop a following.

"With social media, there is no need to let people know you're looking," Edwards adds. "If you're good, the recruiters will find out if you're looking."

Randy Woods writes about job-search tools, networking techniques and other tips to help you land your dream job.

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1 Comments

job search on October 8, 2009 8:04 AM | Reply

I liked your piece of advice very much. It really seems to be precious and valuable as it's really hard to search for a job if you work full-time. But perhaps it's even harder if you want to quit your job, emotionally, I mean.

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