How to Job Search as a Passive Candidate
Posted October 7th, 2013
You don’t take your current job for granted. You like your colleagues. The commute isn’t too bad. The pay and benefits are pretty good. The work itself is interesting.
You’ve nothing to really complain about, except….there’s just something missing. Perhaps you need more challenge. Perhaps you feel you’ve gone as far as you can go at this employer. Perhaps you want to try something a bit new.
Perhaps it’s time to look for a new job.
If this is you, read below for some tips on how to find a better job than the pretty-darn-good-one you have now.
- The absolute first thing you should do is to sit down with yourself and really think through what’s missing at your current position and what you want going forward. It may be that you’re looking for more challenging projects. If this is the case, then a meeting with your supervisor is in order: You may be able to get those challenges with your current employer.
- If you do decide it really is time to leave, you need to know clearly what it is you’re really looking for. Is it more money? A promotion? A different career track? Knowing exactly what you want will help you spot it when it comes your way.
- If you’re looking to change industries, be careful. Rather than quitting outright, see if you can take a part-time position in the new field, in order to see if it really is what you seek. You also could volunteer after hours or on weekends. If you’re thinking of going the solopreneur route, start your business part time.
- As you search for a position, you’ll want to be careful that your current employer doesn’t learn of your quest. Don’t advertise that you’re looking on your social media feeds. Ask any hiring managers or potential supervisors with whom you speak to keep your search a secret. Make sure executive recruiters know that your search is confidential.
- As you receive interview requests, ask if you can meet with the hiring manager later in the day or after hours. Many recruiters and employers understand that many people look for work secretly while employed and many are happy to accommodate your schedule.
- Once you accept a position, ask for the hiring agreement in writing and don’t give notice at your current job until you receive this document.
If you’re looking for new opportunities and you live in the Bay Area, send your resume to the recruiters at Bayside Solutions. If you’re searching for work while still holding a job, we’ll keep your search confidential. Contact us today.
