How to Job Search Effectively and Stay Employed

Careers ⯀  

If you are looking for a new challenge or find it difficult to work with your current employer, it might be time to find a new job. Searching for a job while you are still employed can be an asset, but it can also be difficult to do with the demands of your current position.

These tips help you balance your performance at your current job while searching for something better.

Use Your Network

Employers look for candidates who are actively involved in the industry, and networking is the most fruitful way to find a position. Working while job hunting keeps you engaged with your industry’s network. This network provides information on open positions. Attend conferences and events within your industry to build your network of contacts. Making a name for yourself aids in recruitment if a prospective employer has a reference for who you are. If you have trouble finding networking events in your area, invite others in your industry out for lunch or coffee.

Keep an Updated Resume

Make sure to keep copies of your up-to-date resume with you in case you need it. Updating a resume consumes a lot of time, and it is best to maintain an updated resume regardless of whether you want a new job. Take the time to craft a resume that tells the story of your work experience and successes. As the career coaches at Employment Boost Chicago note, a resume is way for you to market yourself to a prospective employer. Update your resume to reflect the best way to market yourself, and then keep your resume with you to easily hand out.

Compartmentalize Your Job Search

An advantage to job searching while employed is that prospective employers view you in a better light than a candidate without a job. Maintain your job performance by place a firewall between your job search and your current position. Do not search for employment at the office or use office computers or supplies as part of your job search. Avoid taking employment calls at the office, and schedule interviews at a time that does not interfere with your current work. If you need to interview during work hours, make the appointment for early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Take a day off if you need to do so.

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Manage Your Time

Plan the time you spend on job searching by carving out chunks of time just for related activities. Be specific about what you do during that time. Create a detailed plan in your diary, such as blocking off two hours to call and email people you met at a networking event, crafting cover letters for specific positions or follow-up correspondence after interviews. Giving yourself a set time to work on specific job search tasks allows you to be more efficient in your search while also making sure you have time to properly allocate to your current job and to personal activities.

Engage in Social Media

While you should not advertise your job search publicly on social media if you are currently employed, you can use it as a tool to keep engaged. Platforms like LinkedIn and other social media websites make it easier to network when you are short on time. Add people within your industry to your network, join groups related to your work, and discuss topics related to your area. Social media allows you to reach out to people you might not otherwise see while building a professional presence online. Make sure to keep your profile picture and behavior professional.


It can be difficult structuring your time while both seeking employment and maintaining your performance in your current job, but employers prefer candidates who they know can sustain employment and are active within the industry. Learning to access resources at your disposal and manage your time helps you to effectively keep working while searching for a new job.

By  Mark Palmer	Embed
Author Bio - Mark Palmer is a small business expert and has a passion for helping entrepreneurs make the most out of their company. As a freelance writer, Mark hopes to influence others so they can have a positive business experience.