Whether you need more income, are unhappy with your current job, or want to grow professionally, leaving your current position to look for another job is unavoidable. Whatever the reason, there are times when you need to job hunt while being employed. How to job hunt without your current employer finding out is a common question among employees. 

How to job hunt without your current employer finding out?

Job hunting while employed can land you in hot water with your boss.  You need to find ways to work around this problem. 

If you find yourself in this situation, some tricks can prevent your employer from finding out about your job hunting.

Ask yourself: should I instead aim for internal movement?

Before you start seeking out jobs from outside, reevaluate yourself. Are you job hunting because other jobs are more to your taste, or do you want a promotion within your current job?

Job hunting is tedious, and hiding it is even more challenging. It comes with risks. 

Aiming for internal movement and starting gearing for a promotion is easier. Look at your goals- maybe you’re better off staying and getting promoted.

Avoid using company gadgets for job hunting

An important rule in how to job hunt without your current employer finding out is to not use any company gadgets for job hunting. 

Use your gadgets instead. Company gadgets tend to be tracked based on their usage. Sometimes there are even systems set up at your workplace that prevent certain apps or websites from being accessed when connected to the internet. 

This is an easy way to get caught by the company when they notice something suspicious about your online activity.

Do most of it at home

Job hunting while hiding it from your employer is risky enough. The risk is doubled when you do it in the office. You never know when your boss will decide to take a peek at you to see what you’re doing. 

Try doing most of your job hunting in the safe spaces of your home, where you won’t have to worry about anyone finding out. 

Try using a recruiter

If you find it hard how to job hunt without your current employer finding out, then tap a recruiter. A recruiter can help, especially when you need a job quickly.

They can help connect you to the right people. They will also save you time and trouble looking for an employer that will fit you. 

Social media for professionals helps a lot

LinkedIn is essential for professionals in the modern world. This is where most hiring managers will take a first look to gauge you.

Keep your LinkedIn updated but do not share your predicament there. Do not write on your LinkedIn that you are actively looking for a job while you are still working.

Keep a low profile and don’t talk about it at work or on social media

Talking about it at work will only lead to problems. Stay lowkey and try not to make waves. Do your job as per usual and continue giving your best. 

Do not blast it on social media, as employers nowadays are tracking your every move on social media. 

Letting people know about what you’re doing will reflect poorly on you. It is also a no-no in how to job hunt without your current employer finding out.

Schedule job interviews around your free time or non-work hours

Schedule interviews around the hours that are free. These include lunchtime or any long breaks you may have.

Non-work hours are wholly your own, and the company is not entitled to them. Doing otherwise would further offend the employer by using their paid hours to look for another job. Time your interviews carefully and be adaptable. 

Be honest yet not offensive

Be transparent and honest when asked why you want to leave your current job. However, avoid badmouthing your current employer. This is a big sign that employers should not hire you as you may do the same to them in the future. 

Answer the question honestly and sincerely while maintaining a neutral stance towards your employer. 

Be discreet and inform interviewers about the situation

Discreetly tell the interviewer about your situation to prevent any further mishaps. Establish this clearly with proper communication. Otherwise, your current job might find out about it, and you will have to deal with a messy situation. 

Positivity is key. Be positive and focus your energy on moving on instead of talking negatively about your place of employment.

Continue dressing as per normal

Don’t attempt to change into interviewing clothes where you work. This will only elicit suspicion and cause trouble for you. 

Dress like you usually would. If you need to change, do so at home or somewhere else. It would be best if you changed somewhere not attached to the name of your job. 

Be careful when job hunting

How to job hunt without your current employer finding out is all about being discreet. Though difficult, this doesn’t mean that it isn’t doable. These little tricks will help you hide your job hunting and successfully score another job.