What are the rules for looking for a new job while you still have one?

Question

I'm currently looking for a new job, but how do you go about it without letting your current employer know? I'm trying to schedule interviews with new companies and trying hard not too miss work or lie about why I have to be absent. Any tips?

Answer 1

Companies understand that you cannot jeopardize your current job while seeking a new one. They will often try to schedule interviews very early in the morning or very late in the afternoon to give you as few hours away from your work as possible.

Claiming you are sick is lying. Claiming you have personal business is true and they do not have to know what the personal business is.

I do not think it is a good idea to tell your current employer that you are job hunting. They may be looking to downsize and choose you.

Answer 2

This is a tough one. You can go abouts it two ways. The first route is the hardest, whereas you basically try to keep everything a secret and schedule time off to correlate with your interviews. Potential employers will always ask if they can contact your current employer, you can always say no. The perception given when saying NO is that there is something wrong at work. You can always explain the situation saying that you are not happy with the work situation, yada yada yada as your excuse. The other way is to be upfront about you searching for another job. If you have any decent relationship with your boss they will understand. That way you will be giving them a heads up and also give yourself some flexibility in requesting for certain time off. Its a difficult situation and is pending upon your relationship with your current boss. Hope this helps

Answer 3

Unfortunately, interviews are typically scheduled during business hours. You will have to miss work. As far as why you are gone for part or the entire day, you have to lie to your employer.

1) Errands
2) Pet sick
3) Children sick
4) Doctors appointment

That is the only you can do it. Just make sure that your potential employers are not contacting your current employer. Ideally, miss half-days rather than full days. This will look less suspicious.

Answer 4

Just don't tell anyone? Get a sick leave if you will go for an interview. It is your right - just don' tell until you get a new job so they will not have a reason to fire you and leave you nothing.