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The results of a recent survey conducted by
CareerJournal.com showed that 47% of the respondents
(who were currently employed) plan to begin a job
search as the economy and job market improves.
Another survey by the Society for Human Resource
Management (SHRM), and CareerJournal.com, stated
similar findings in that 67% of the respondents felt
that it was likely that more employees would leave
as job market conditions improved.
Most employees begin their journey in hopes for
better compensation, a greater chance for career
development, or healthier work/life balance.
Whatever the case may be, employees who take a
careless approach to their job search could put
themselves at risk for a career catastrophe. Finding
a new position while currently employed is
challenging but there are ways to conduct a
confidential search that will lead to a better
opportunity without burning any bridges with your
current employer.
Be Subtle
Your most powerful source of leads will most likely
come from someone you already know. Informing your
network that you are considering a change is your
first step. However, make sure that you are able to
clearly define to them exactly what that next
opportunity looks like and how they can be helping
you. Letting your network know that you are looking
is not good enough. If you can’t tell them specific
ways that they can help then chances are they won’t
be helpful.
John Lucht, Executive Recruiter, Founder of the John
Lucht Consultancy and Author of the world’s # 1
bestselling book on executive job-changing Rites of
Passage, specifically warns that “networking can be
hazardous. Network only with people you trust. Be
subtle.”
Be Smart
Posting a confidential resume on the various job
boards is okay, however John quickly brought to my
attention the risks in doing so. On his web site,
www.ritesite.com, executives can confidentially post
their resume for retained search firms to view. The
common mistake that he frequently sees executives
make is that they take their name off of the resume
but forget to remove it from the header on the
remaining pages. Also, when executives omit the name
of their current employer many times they will
provide so much detail in the resume about the
company that it is not difficult to figure out who
the company is and then also who the executive is
that is looking for a new opportunity.
Be Diligent
Similar to a business plan, create a job search
plan. This plan should include details on your
career goals, what your next steps look like, what
type of position and company you would like to work
for, and what type of positions that you will not
accept. Once you have a plan, form your own
“personal advisory board.” The purpose of this board
is to create a group of 5 individuals who want to
see you succeed and will give you honest advice and
feedback on your job search. If you take the time to
enlist trusted advisors onto your board you will not
be tempted to take a position that does not meet
your objectives and they will keep you focused on
the right activities.
Denae can be reached at 949-753-1700 ext. 304, or
Butte@mbsearch.net. |
