Searching for a job while you’re still employed can be a bit problematic. Of course you would like to leverage yourself via social media networks, but you need to make sure you aren’t endangering your current job by advertising that you’re on the hunt for a new position. You don’t have to steer clear of all social media during your job search though. In fact, 54% of social media users used Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter while job-hunting last year. One in six even found their current job via the use of social media networks. Here are five ways to look for a new position without publicizing it to the world:
1. Raise Your Personal Visibility…Carefully!
Make all of your networking profiles as complete as possible. Build a strong resume by adding content and information, making updates to areas such as key skills, education and experience. From there, build your networks. Re-connect with people you’ve known for a while, like your boss from that job you had in high school or your dad’s buddy who works in the same field as you. You never know, one of those people could be the key to landing that next job!
2. Don’t Broadcast Your Job Desires
Don’t blow your cover by putting “Looking for a position in…” or “Seeking a new job in…” on your profile. Don’t assume that your current employer can’t see your profile. Instead, stay active and participate on the site by sharing content relevant to your industry, showing your expertise in that particular field. Be sure to join and take part in industry groups and communities and keeping in touch with your network connections.
3. Understand Your Company’s Social Media Policy
It is incredibly important to be aware of how you are conducting yourself online – your current employers are completely aware of what’s going on. Most companies today have a social media policy for their current employees, so it would be in your best interest to make sure you aren’t doing anything that could potentially lead to disciplinary action.
4. Monitor Your Contact and Privacy Settings
In your contact settings on LinkedIn, you have the option of checking the options “career opportunities” and “job inquiries.” If one day you suddenly check these options, or even update your profile, your current employer is likely to take notice, raising red flags. To avoid this, you should constantly be updating your profile, even when you’re not looking for a new position or manage your settings and disable broadcasting your updates. You may also want to adjust your privacy settings if you are trying to be stealthy on your search for a new job. If you are discussing the hunt with your friends or family, you don’t want your current employer to see it, do you?
5. Don’t Job Hunt at Work
Often times, employers monitor email, voicemail and web surfing. Bottom line: Don’t conduct your job search at your current job. Getting caught is pretty embarrassing. Not only that, but if you’re using your work email and/or phone number, you may be unreachable by potential employers if you quit or are fired. It is your best option to provide your personal email and phone number to be contacted.
Social media networks are an incredible source for networking, sharing information and exploring job opportunities. You may need to be more careful using social media when searching for a job while employed, but the above tips should help with your use of these tools and land your next job!
