However, while it may seem daunting, it’s important to remember that you are in a fortunate position. Not only do you already have a regular paycheck, but you’ve probably also got a great amount of experience which will be appealing to recruiters.
This means you can spend more time on nailing your search. Check out our top tips below, and you’ll be sure to find a new job in no time.
Utilise your time before and after work
Maximise your day as much as you can by taking advantage of any free time before and after you start and finish work. It may be as simple as waking up an hour earlier and using that time to search for jobs. Then, when you get back from work, you can dedicate an hour or so to preparing your CV and applying for positions.
Alongside this, when it comes to arranging interviews, see if these can take place first thing in the morning, or at the end of the working day. Many companies will be open to this and are prepared to have interviews going on into the evening to cater to people who are already working.
Sign-up for Job Alerts
Job Alerts enable you to stay up-to-date with the latest, relevant, jobs (based on your criteria) and are sent directly to your inbox. It’s very quick and simple to sign up for job alerts. All you have to do is enter your email address and add in a few relevant keywords, such as the job title you are looking for.
This will save you heaps of time and effort and means you don’t have to search through hundreds of jobs; the positions automatically come to you!
Apply on the go
If you travel to work by public transport, it’s worth maximising this time to enhance your job hunt. With technology at your fingertips, you can pretty much do anything on your tablet or phone and many job boards, like CV-Library, have mobile sites and job-search apps which makes it easier to apply for jobs on the go.
So, rather than listen to music with your head against the window, crack on with your job search!
Don’t use your work computer to search for jobs
It sounds tempting to job search while you’re at work. But don’t do it – even if it is on your lunch break. In fact, don’t use your work computer for anything job-search related; that means no updating your CV, no writing cover letters and no communicating with potential employers.
Your company will most likely have a policy about using your work computer for personal reasons, and you could get in trouble.
Keep your job search to yourself
While it might be tempting to tell your co-workers about your career plans, it’s best to keep it to yourself until you’ve officially handed your notice in.
Your manager should be the first one to know your decision out of courtesy, so avoid telling your work bestie. After all, if you can’t keep it to yourself, then you can’t expect someone else to, especially in a work environment. If word gets back to your boss, things could get awkward, and that’s the last thing you want while you’re still working there.
Remember to keep this quiet on social media too. Even if you aren’t connected with any of your colleagues on social media, you don’t want to risk it – especially if your account is public. Colleagues could be viewing your profile, and you wouldn’t even know!
Plus, if you share any mutual friends they may pass on something you’ve said, and word could get back to your employer. This doesn’t look very professional.
Whatever your reason is for wanting to leave your current job, remember to remain professional and maintain your positive attitude. Continue to do your work as you always do and don’t show any signs of slacking off. People leave jobs all the time, and you want to leave on a good note so that if your paths ever cross again, it’s not awkward.
Ready to look for a new opportunity? Search jobs today.
About the author: Haleema Khokhar (or Kimi to friends) is a journalism graduate working as a Freelance Content Writer. Check out her website, give it a follow on Twitter and say hello on her personal Twitter.
