- Create Or Update LinkedIn Profile
Potential employers and recruiters will check your social media and especially your LinkedIn profile when they first get your CV. Make sure that your profile is up-to-date all the time!
But before you start editing, keep the following in mind:
– Turn off notifications so that the changes you make aren’t broadcast to your entire network.
– Don’t advertise that you are in the market for a new job – your employer may also be checking your Linked-In profile.
– Make sure that your list of skills is recent and relevant to the your current job description and the tasks that you are fulfilling.
A sudden, major change to your online profiles can serve as a tip-off that you are job hunting, especially if the changes aren’t related to your current job.
- Avoid Job Boards
There is nothing quite like the slew of messages and phone calls you are likely to receive from recruiters once you post your CV on job boards to ruin your discreet job search. Also, you are more likely to find better job opportunities from networking than job boards. While you may miss an attractive offer here and there, it will be well worth keeping your current employer in the dark about your job search. Find job vacancies Glasgow to apply discreetly to your perfect role.
- Don’t Drop Hints
While it may be tempting to let co-workers know about an upcoming interview or exciting opportunity, this is not a good idea. It is also not advisable to let your boss know that you don’t care about being reprimanded because you already have one foot out the door. Keep quiet no matter how much you want to blurt it out. Revealing your job search to one colleague is often the same as broadcasting it on open air.
This includes social media. Your employer may be monitoring your Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages. Even if they aren’t checking, the world is smaller than ever and you never know who will see it and let your boss know. Don’t even hint at the prospect of a new job in the works. Avoid saying things like “Wish me luck on my second interview.” or “Watch this space for an exciting update in the near future!”.
- Adhere To Working Hours
Where possible, schedule interviews outside of working hours. You can only visit the dentist or the doctor during working hours so many times before your boss becomes suspicious. Breakfast or lunch meetings are a great way to get around this. Ask for an appointment after hours. Most prospective employers will understand your need for discretion and accommodate your request.
If all fails, take a personal or vacation day for an important interview during working hours. You can call in sick but this is not advisable. You may receive a call at home or need to sit in on online conference call and wouldn’t be able to explain your way out of it. Rather dedicate a day-off to your interview to reduce your worry and stress.
- Stealth Counts
Showing up at worke dressed up for an interview when you are usually dressed in jeans and a T is clear give-away that something is up. The first question you will be asked is if you have an important job interview. Simply change your attire to what you would normally wear at work after your interview. Remember that first impressions count and the way you dress for your interview is critical.
- Avoid Self-Sabotage
The most common way a discreet job hunt is uncovered is through self-sabotage. Don’t become careless and stay dedicated to performing your current work duties to the best of your ability. Appearing as if you couldn’t care less is a dead giveaway that you are on your way out.
Also avoid using company networks or phones to find a new job. Not only is this not exactly ethical but it is an inappropriate use of company resources. Your employer may be watching and fire you before you have found a new job.
- Selective References
Obviously, you don’t want to list your current employer as a reference as your recruiter or potential employer will probably give them a call. The same goes for your co-workers. This will certainly let the cat out of the bag before you are ready or have a contract in place with a new employer.
Remember that reference checks are often one of the last items on a recruiter or future employers checklist. It may be best to wait until the recruiting process is nearing it’s end or you specifically asked to provide references before offering them up.
- Recruiter And Future Employer Discretion
There is nothing wrong with asking a recruiter or your future employer for some discretion on their part as to your job search. Just be clear and inform them of the reason for the need to be discreet. If your recruiter is not willing to play along, find another agent who is.
