Job-Hunting While Working Full-Time

From the Wall Street journal | 11/4/10 | By Sue Shellenbarger

How do you look for a new job while you are working full-time?

More people are expected to change jobs as the economy recovers, and several readers have asked for advice on the question. One reader is troubled by the shroud of secrecy he must keep up at work while going on interviews. “I’ve lied to my boss saying I had a doctor’s appointment or another scheduled event when in reality, I’m going on interviews. This makes me feel false,” this reader says. But on the other hand, citing a vague “appointment” to justify his absences seems “incredibly suspicious,” he adds.

Another reader says “the time and mental stress” of a job search “are very difficult to work into a packed schedule.”

There is no way to avoid some tension and strain when you are trying to jump. Every individual must decide how many specifics to cite in explaining absences to the boss. One way to avoid lying is to simply say, in a confident and businesslike way, that you have “personal business.” I have seen employees use this excuse to cover needs ranging from infertility treatment to estate planning. Another strategy that may be applicable to some workers is to say you are networking with others in your field, says Kate Wendleton, president of The Five O’Clock Cluband an experienced career adviser.

Whatever reason you cite for absences, be confident and assertive; you have a right to someprivacy. You can ease any suspicions your boss may have by working harder when you are at the office, showing interest in long-term projects and taking initiative.

Try to gain more control over your schedule by being proactive. Schedule vacation or personal days in advance and try to set interviews and networking appointments on those days. One job-hunter took vacation days every other Friday during her job search and met with at least four people on each day off. Wendleton also suggests setting aside time on evenings and weekends to research target employers and contact them by letter or email, introducing yourself and expressing interest.

Also, push back on prospective employers to avoid missing too much work time. “Many employers will understand that you have to meet with them in the early morning or very late afternoon because you are working,” Ms. Wendleton says.

However you organize your search, you will have to commit some time. “Employed people must spend 15 hours a week on their searches to get some momentum going,” typically on evenings and weekends, Wendleton says. “Otherwise, nothing happens,” she says. “If you are working 70 hours a week and see no way out of that, you are stuck in your present job.” The Five O’Clock Club’s website offers a mini-course on how to organize a job search.

A few more words on ethics: Keeping a job search confidential isn’t unethical; it is a practical and professional necessity. “Your boss will never tell you when he or she is looking for a replacement for you, and doesn’t think that is being unethical,” Wendleton says. Letting your intentions be known would undermine your credibility at work and hurt your ability to do your job. Most bosses would “want you out of there now,” Wendleton adds.

If you want to set good ethical boundaries, don’t use your current employer’s resources to finance your job search. Avoid using your work phones, e-mail, supplies, copiers or other equipment to make appointments or prepare resumes or letters.

Readers, what advice would you offer these jobseekers? What has been your experience in looking for a job when you already have one?