73% of Current Employees Comfortable Searching for a New Job; Young Professionals Lead the Way

It seems that many workers don’t mind looking for a new position while currently employed, especially young workers.

They say the best time to look for a job is when you already have one. And, judging by a recent survey, many professionals are heeding this advice. Nearly three-quarters (73 percent) of workers interviewed by Accountemps indicated they would not have a problem looking for new employment before leaving their current firm.

Some employees may go as far as searching for a new gig while at the office. Almost half (48 percent) of survey respondents between the ages of 18 and 34 said they are likely to conduct job-search activities at work. This compares to 26 percent of professionals between the ages of 35 and 44 and 21 percent between the ages of 45 and 54 who expressed a similar willingness.

Max Messmer, Chairman and CEO of Robert Half International

“The grass isn’t always greener on the other side, so professionals should first consider how they might improve their current situation before looking for a new job,” said Max Messmer, chairman of Accountemps and author of Human Resources Kit For Dummies®, 3rd Edition. “When it is time to move on, conducting the job hunt using company resources is not only unethical, it places the employee at a high risk of being caught in the act.”

These are six tips to help professionals conduct a job search while still employed:

1.     Look at internal openings first. If you’ve outgrown your current role but are happy with your work environment, see if there are relevant openings within your company before looking elsewhere. When it comes to filling vacancies, many employers prefer internal candidates.
2.     Keep it to yourself. If you want to keep your job search a secret, don’t mention it to anyone at work. Even the most trustworthy coworker could inadvertently spill the beans. It’s best to stay mum until you announce your resignation.
3.     Play it safe when going online. Be careful when visiting job boards or using social media to conduct your search. A single status update could be enough to alert your employer. You can further minimize the risk of being caught by ensuring your privacy settings are tight and using services that mask your identity when posting your resume online.
4.     Be upfront with potential employers. Most hiring managers understand that you will need to make arrangements to communicate or meet outside of office hours. Schedule interviews before or after work or during your lunch break.
5.     Focus on the details. If you work in a casual environment where jeans and sneakers are the norm, showing up in a suit following a job interview could reveal your intentions. Bring a change of clothes so nothing seems amiss.
6.     Partner with a recruiter. A professional recruitment agency is often your best bet when it comes to conducting a discreet job search. A recruiter can confidentially distribute your resume and identify relevant employment opportunities on your behalf.