Job searching when still employed
Are you Job searching? Let social networks help you
Dear Career Guide: I am a recent graduate and have been working for a small company since last year. There is evidently not much growth in the company, so I want to start searching for a better job. Can I do that when I have a full-time job? — Judith.
Bert: You should begin with making sure the time and energy you spend in the job search are driven by quality. There is need to have clear goals as to who you want to work for; for you to have the right head start here begin with creating your favorite company list. Categorize at least 5 to 10 companies that do things that impress you.
Remember the word impressed should be underlined! The reason for doing this is so that you will be able to be as extensible as possible when answering the “Why do you want to work with us?” question during the interview process.
The next step is to look for people who work at your target companies and reach out to them via a social-networking tool like LinkedIn or Twitter. Tell them about your favorite list, and ask if you might interview them to know more about how they prospered in getting a job with the company. Insist to them you are not asking for a job, but rather just info to help you prepare for the future. Be strategic with the timing of the call to schedule them outside normal office hours or on lunch breaks so you won’t have to worry about being overheard in the office.
Rich: But then again there is the trouble of trying to have normal discussions under not very normal conditions. There is a time when I was a young employee trying to have job-search conversations, bending over with my torso practically underneath the desk, talking in an unclear murmur. I realized later being seen in that posture only served to draw attention to me. Well, Judith, here is my suggestion: Labor at building networks without necessarily looking for a job. Make a list of your favorite employers, but also try to meet people from those companies at professional meetings, or to get introductions via associates, and organize a tea or lunch date. All this overtures should not be looked at as sneaking around — getting to know workers at other companies should be seen as a good way to get better at your current job by and well meaning employer.
Bert: while at it, be sure to remind your new contacts you would like to work where they work. If you do this consistently, you will do either of two things. One you will be recommended for a job and two you will have gather enough information to apply for jobs in such a way it will increase your odds of landing that interview. Concerning your current management finding out about this …well, that might not be too bad — there have been quite a number of young professionals who get sudden raises or promotions when their employers learned they were searching for greener pasture.
