AIU Online CareerPointers The important thing is this: To be able at any moment to sacrifice what we are for what we could become. —Charles Dubois
HOMEADMISSIONS & FINANCIAL AIDDEGREE PROGRAMSVIRTUAL CAMPUSCONTACT USCLICK TO TALK March + April 2005, Issue 29
In Focus Return Home
  Advice for Career Changers
The Confidential Job Search
Even if you're happy in your current position, it's normal to want to know what other opportunities are out there. To avoid jeopardizing your job—or future references—it's best to keep your job search confidential. Your employer doesn't need to know that you're looking around, so it's important to take precautions to make sure that your investigation into the job market remains a secret mission. Here are some tips to keep your search confidential.

Remove All Evidence of Your Job Search
The first thing to remember is that your work computer and its contents are company property. Your résumé, cover letters, and all job-search correspondence should be kept on your home computer or a personal storage device, such as a diskette or a jump drive. It also helps to create a web-based email address that you can use strictly for job-hunt correspondence. Avoid using your corporate email, which could be monitored by your organization.

Even if you have a private extension and check your own voicemail, don't use your work telephone number for job contacts. Provide your home or mobile numbers instead. If you must take calls at work, do so discreetly and preferably outside of the office, where you can have a candid, private conversation.

Safeguard Your Online Job Search
Be careful of where and how you post your résumé. To lessen the chance of your employer stumbling across your profile on Monster, HotJobs, or any of the other major online job sites, take full advantage of the confidentiality features that some of the sites offer. Certain sites have features that allow you to block the name of your current employer or contact information.

Use your personal email address and cell phone number on your online job search profile.

Mum's the Word!
Although your coworkers might normally double as confidantes, your job search is a secret that you must keep. The rumor mill can be vicious, and you don't want to be a casualty. Keep your search to yourself.

Stealth Interviewing
When you begin the interviewing process, try to schedule your interview times so that they do not disrupt your current work day. The best times are early in the morning (e.g., 8:00 a.m.), late in the afternoon (4:00 p.m.), or on your lunch hour.

Don't let your clothing betray you! If your current office is business casual, wearing your best interview suit to work will be a dead giveaway. If you have to change clothes, try the locker room of your gym or a bathroom on a different floor.

Carefully Weigh Your Options
Honestly consider the reasons why you're looking for a new job. If you're searching for a new job based on frustrations with your current position, make sure that you are not fleeing to a worse situation, just to escape. Being employed, you have the luxury of being selective. If you decide to join a new company, investigate! Ask a lot of questions and do your research. Make sure that your prospective employer has everything you want...otherwise you'll find yourself on a new secret mission in a matter of months.

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Changing Careers?
Here's How to Get
Started
No Experience? No Problem!
It's Never Too Late to
Change
In Focus
Changing Careers?
Here's How to Get Started
No Experience? No Problem!
It's Never Too Late to
Change
The Confidential Job Search


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