There are many people who will want you to move on to better opportunities in life (for example, your friends and family members) and at the same time, there are people who will not like the idea of you searching for a job.
While you need not even think about your friends, you need to be careful about people who may not like you moving on to greener pastures. The idea is to make your job search as hazardless and as risk-free as is possible. This is purely because people who do not like you to get better opportunities do pose a risk in different ways. That said, you are always entitled to a better career and a job search.
Let us find out how to search for a job on the sly:
Do not discuss with peers – Let us accept this: this is a competitive world, and your peers want to live a better life than you do. This is the principle of a competitive world, and there is nothing wrong with that. However, opponents in a competitive sport do not discuss their tactics they are going to employ in a game. Similarly, refrain from discussing job leads or your career plans with people who may be in the same position as yours.
Do not take calls while in office – It is natural to receive calls from other firms while you are in the office. However, with people around you, it is advisable to politely refrain from any discussion and leave a note that you will be calling at the earliest opportunity.
When someone calls to discuss a possible opportunity, do politely say that you will be calling back at a mutually agreed time, and when you promise to do so, do keep your word. Move away from your office at the agreed time and discuss the opportunity with the individual.
Do not check personal e-mails while in the office – Every office has people that have a habit of looking over your shoulder or peeking slyly, especially if you have been checking your personal e-mails. Your situation is more difficult if the person has an easy access to your boss. There have been many incidents when confidential details have been leaked to the boss. Your boss getting to know of your job search is the worst possible scenario you can be in. Hence, it is strongly advised that you check your e-mails while at home.
Network with friends – Network with people who you think could provide you with job leads. The biggest advantage with these people is that you can easily tell them about the convenient time when they can call you about a job lead.
Leave a convenient time at the job portals – When you are cold-calling or approaching firms for jobs, always make sure that you leave a convenient time for them to call or contact you.
The above strategies will help you to not only to search for a job on the sly, but also to remain safe in your current job.
