Many people decide the New Year is the time to find another job.  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.

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.  It’s obvious 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.
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 the owner and principal with Elizabeth Lions Consulting LLC.  She is the author of Recession Proof Yourself and I Quit! Working For You Isn’t Working For Me.  She can be reached at 806-283-8811 and www.elizabethlions.com