It can be tough to look for a new job while still having your old one. You don’t want to give your employer the chance to find someone to replace you, and you also don’t want to leave yourself in a position where you can’t afford to quit your current job if the new one doesn’t work out.
Make a plan. Figure out what days and hours you’re going to spend on job search activities, and stick to it. Dedicate specific times each day (or week) for networking, researching companies, sending out applications, and interviewing.
Use your network. Ask friends, family members, and former colleagues if they know of any openings or if they could refer you to anyone they know at companies that interest you.
How to Look for a New Job While You Still Have Your Old One
Watch your body language.
Your body language can speak volumes during a job interview. For example, are you sitting up straight and making eye contact? Or are you slouched over and looking down?
Here are a few tips to make sure your body language is sending the right message:
- Sit up straight and keep your shoulders back. This shows that you’re interested in the conversation and take the interview seriously.
- Make eye contact with the interviewer. This shows that you’re engaged in the conversation and confident. Avoid crossing your arms or legs. This can make you look defensive or uninterested.
- Stay relaxed and positive. Fidgeting or appearing tense will only make you seem nervous or unsure of yourself.
Don’t neglect your current duties.
When you’re looking for a new job, it can be tempting to spend all your time on the search. But don’t neglect your current duties; you could lose your job if you’re not careful. So here are a few tips for looking for a new job while still keeping your old one:
- Make sure you meet your deadlines and do your best work. If you start slacking off at work, your boss will notice.
- Set some limits on how much time you spend on job searches each day. You don’t want to spend so much time looking for a new job that you neglect the old one.
- Keep in touch with your network of contacts. Let them know that you’re looking for a new job, and see if they know of any openings.
Apply outside of work hours
Like most people, you probably don’t want to spend your evenings and weekends applying for new jobs. But if you’re unhappy with your current position, it’s crucial to start looking for a new one as soon as possible. Here are a few tips for applying outside of work hours:
First, make a list of the companies you want to work for.
Don’t waste time browsing job postings online or filling out job applications randomly. Instead, spend some time researching the companies that interest you and target your job search accordingly.
Use your spare time wisely.
If you’re not already spending your free time studying or networking, now is to start. Read up on the latest industry news, attend industry events, and connect with people in your field online and in person.
Direct calls to your cellphone
There’s no need to wait until you’re unemployed to start your job search. A recent study by LinkedIn found that nearly half of all hires are made from already employed candidates. So if you’re looking to make a move, there’s no time like the present.
But how do you go about it? Here are a few tips for making direct calls to your cellphone.
- Start by identifying your target companies. Then, do some research on the organizations you’re interested in and compile a contacts list.
- Draft an email introducing yourself and explaining why you’re interested in the company. Be sure to highlight your skills and experience, and mention any connections you may have to the organization.
- Reach out to your contacts directly and ask for an introduction or for their help in forwarding your resume.
Take a personal day for interviews.
There will be times when you need to take a day for interviews, and that’s okay. You don’t have to feel guilty about it. Instead, you should see it as a positive thing. It means that you’re taking your job search seriously and putting in the effort to find the best possible job for you.
You can do a few things to make the most of your interview day. First, make sure that you get plenty of rest the night before. You don’t want to be tired and run down during your interviews. Second, try to eat healthy foods to have energy and be at your best. Finally, make sure that you arrive at each interview site early and well-prepared.
Remain professional after giving your notice
It cannot be easy to remain professional after giving your notice. You may feel like you are no longer needed or like you are the one doing the firing. However, it is essential to remember that you are still a part of the team and should act accordingly.
Be sure to finish all projects and tasks you were working on and be as helpful as possible to your boss and coworkers. Thank them for the opportunity they gave you, and express your gratitude for everything they taught you. You never know who you might meet at your new job, and it is always essential to leave on good terms.
