The old adage "It's easier to get a job from a job" is true, according to recruiters and job coaches.
"Employers like hiring people who are already gainfully employed," said Bill Waldorf, a licensed professional counselor and owner of Path Unfolding in Alpharetta. In job matches, as in dating, you're more attractive when you're confident, happy and productive, he said.
Yet experts are quick to point out that a job search can be a full-time job in itself. So how do you juggle working and searching for a new job at the same time?
"It's tricky but not impossible, since a lot of recruiters and employers will understand your limitations and work with you," said Leigh Moore, career coach with Bridge Career Management.
As more employers seek to replace retiring baby boomers from a smaller applicant pool, there's going to be even more competition for applicants in the workplace. "Bosses will be flexible in order to get good people," she said.
While it's not a crime to look for a job while employed -- and workers do it all the time -- it certainly isn't something you want your boss to know. To find a new job without jeopardizing your current position, follow these ethical and practical tips.
Lay the foundation for your search.
People look for new employment for a variety of reasons, which include worries about the soundness of the company, fear of layoffs, personality clashes with the boss, lack of challenge or growth, a desire to change careers, or a search for more compensation and recognition for their work. It's one thing to be dissatisfied with your current job and want to leave; it's quite another to know what you're seeking.
"Take a weekend or longer to lay the foundation for your search," Moore said. Think about recent accomplishments, portable skills, the kind of environment where you could work best and the kind of job you want to do next.
Revamp your resume and support materials, select appropriate references, and start a job-search log of people to contact and things to do. Craft a two-minute statement about what you can do and want to do.
"It's not hard to stand out among the competition if you're prepared," Moore said. "By doing your foundation work first, prospective employers will see someone who knows who he is, what he wants, and is headed in a clear direction. It will shorten your search."
Set a realistic schedule.
"You need to put in at least four to five hours a week -- that's the critical mass -- to keep the job search at the top of your mind and make any progress. Ten hours would be even better, and it needs to be your own time," Waldorf said. "It's unethical to use your work time to search for another job, because that's not what you are being paid to do. Not only do you run the risk of being caught, but you'll begin to feel and act guilty, which is counterproductive."
Use nights and weekends at home to do jobs research on the Internet.
"Be careful about posting your resume online without blocking out personal and current job and company information. Review the privacy policy of respective sites, and never apply to a blind ad, as you might be applying to your own company," Moore said.
It's best to register with electronic jobs boards that have powerful search engines to find posted jobs that meet your criteria and that notify you via e-mail. Then you can decide whether to contact them.
The Web is also a good place to gather information about prospective companies, professional organizations that may post job openings, careers and educational opportunities.
Network at professional meetings in the evenings, and use your lunch hour or after-work hours to conduct informational interviews with new contacts and to ask for leads.
Keep track of how you use your time, the names of people with whom you have talked and what progress you're making.
Be discreet.
Never use the work phone or computer for your job search. "It's not only in poor taste to use company e-mail, it's also dangerous, as some companies monitor activity," Moore said.
If your home e-mail account has a cute or risque address, set up another account just for job-search activity, Waldorf suggested.
Use your home phone or a cellphone to talk with recruiters and prospective employers. Install call waiting and a professional-sounding voice-mail system or answering machine on your home phone so that you don't miss important calls.
Set up phone interviews away from the office, and, if a recruiter or employer does call you on your cellphone, ask to call him or her back at a specific time when you can take a break.
"A job search is both exciting and frustrating, and you need to talk to people about it, but don't tell your co-workers," Waldorf said. Talk with your spouse, your parents, a sibling or a best friend not associated with work. "An out-of-state former work colleague is perfect," he added.
"When you tell co-workers, then they're going to be interested in your progress. Having people run up to you after you've returned from an interview to see how it went is going to be a red flag to your employer. The more people who know about your activity, the more risk there is that someone could let something slip," Moore said.
Avoid outright lying.
Let recruiters and prospective bosses know upfront that you are employed, "that you care about the job you do and want to minimize the effect that your job search will have on your employer. People will value that and understand when you ask to schedule interviews early in the morning, after work or during lunch," Waldorf said.
If an interview needs to happen during work hours, don't make up false excuses. No one has 10 dentist appointments in a month!
"Explain to your boss that you have a personal appointment or family matter and need a longer lunch break or to come into work a little later. Offer to make up the time by staying later or by coming in earlier another day," Waldorf said.
For important interviews, you may want to take a personal day or vacation day so that you're not distracted about the time.
"If you telecommute on some days, try to schedule meetings on those days, when you take time off and make it up later without having to ask permission or make excuses," Waldorf said.
Dress for success.
"It's OK to dress casually to meet a recruiter for lunch if you explain that your office dress code is casual, but you'll want to dress professionally for a job interview," Moore said. "You can avoid suspicion by wearing nice slacks or a skirt to work and keeping dressier shoes, a tie and a jacket in the car."
You also may want to scout out a restroom close to work or your interview location where you can change clothes quickly.
Leave job with dignity.
"Ask for the job offer in writing, and, once you've accepted it, tell your current boss -- before your co-workers -- that you are leaving," Moore said. "It may be tempting to do a victory dance with a problem boss, but that could come back to haunt you.
"Keep the leave-taking respectful and professional."
Giving two weeks' notice is traditional, and most employers are willing to give you at least that long to tie up loose ends and make the transition.
"You need to be prepared for your old boss to let you go immediately, however," Waldorf said. "He may think you'll have a negative influence on morale or no longer need be privy to company secrets."
You could be given a half-hour to pack up your personal belongings and leave the building, so it's best to have your ducks in a row.
"Before you tell the boss, make sure you have made copies of your Rolodex or computer address book of business contacts for your home files," Waldorf said.