Many people decide the New Year is the time to find another job but with this fast moving market people are looking even in forth quarter. The exception to the rule would be individuals at the Manager, Director or Vice President level. They will hang onto their jobs until spring and ditch the job search until after they receive their sizable bonuses.

At any level, managing a confidential job search is critical. Once an employer finds out that you are looking, they could deem you no longer loyal to them. Statistics show that a person that accepts a counter offer will end up leaving the company regardless within a year. Smart employees manage their search quietly and selectively.

Here are five ways to keep your job search confidential:

1.  Network with peers that you trust to uncover opportunities.

Networking with peers outside of your company can help you uncover a good position for you that would not normally be listed on a job board. The ‘hidden’ job market does exist. Avoid telling people you work with that you are looking because if it ever leaks back to your boss, it could be an issue for you. Consider talking to people who are related to your industry or a small circle of business associates. Keeping your cards too close to the vest will not serve you in a job search. Share. Be open.

2,  Look for work outside of work

Never answer job postings from your desk during the lunch hour. The obvious is that most companies do have the capability to track your key strokes on the Internet. Job searches are best conducted on Wednesday and Sunday nights. Applying late on weekends, allows you to be the first resume in the recruiter’s inbox on Monday morning.

3.  Take phone calls outside the office

If a recruiter calls you, call them back – from your car in the parking lot if you are at work. Have good reception on your cell phone. That can be a deal killer with a recruiter who has to fill a job req quickly.

4  Interview with an executive search firm to manage opportunities

Working with search firms or a recruiter can double your odds of finding the opportunity and keep your secret safe. When working with firms, make it clear that you are a confidential candidate.

5.  When emailing your resume put CONFIDENTIAL CANDIDATE in the subject line or in the cover letter.

This really spells it out for the reader. It could even play in your favor. Human nature always wants what they cannot have. This slight addition to the subject line could cause your phone to ring off the hook with opportunities.

Work should never be a place of anguish. It should be a place for you to give what you have to offer.

It should be a win-win.

Find an organization – and a boss – that supports your talents

Bio:

Elizabeth Lions is an Author, Speaker and Consultant. Her private practice is in Dallas, Texas and specializes in career transition and leadership development. She is the author of two books, with a third on the way on the topic of women’s leadership. For more about her work please visit www.elizabethlions.com