You’ve been working at your current job for a while, but now you’re ready to move on. Maybe you’re bored, you don’t get along with your boss or there’s no room for advancement.

Regardless of the reason, you’re ready to look for a job while you’re still working full-time.

But how do you go about applying for a job while you’re still employed? Today, we’ve got some job search tips that will keep you employed while you find your next career.

Avoid Using Work Computers

Whatever you do when job searching, don’t use your work computer, internet or cell phone. You never know if these networks are being monitored.

Also, avoid searching during the hours you should actually be working. Limit your search to before work, during lunch, and after you clock out for the day. Even if you’re ready to move on, you don’t want to slack off while you’re job searching.

Plan Your Schedule

Once you start applying for jobs, you might get calls during the workday. Be discreet and only answer when you’re alone. If that means having to take the call outside, then do so. Or, plan to call them back when you take lunch or a break.

When it comes to attending interviews while employed, be strategic. Just like your job search, try to do these during “off hours”:

• Before the workday
• During your lunch period
• After your workday is over

Potential employers understand that your time is limited and will usually be flexible. And for many, it’s actually easier to find a job while you’re still employed, so don’t stress if you have to work around your current schedule.

If it’s unavoidable to miss work to take a call or attend an interview, try to schedule it during slow hours. Don’t miss meetings and try not to make it a habit.

If there are going to be several rounds of interviews, try to schedule them all the same day and take the day off from your current job.

Don’t Dress Differently

If you normally don’t wear a suit and tie to work and then you do on interview day, you could raise suspicion. Instead, dress like you normally would and keep your interview clothes in the car.

Change in the bathroom before your interview or in your car if you have to. Or, if the interview is first thing in the morning, change to your normal attire in the car before work.

Keep it to Yourself

Once you start job searching, don’t broadcast it. That means avoid posting it to social media or telling anyone who might be connected to your current employer.

You may feel anxious and think everyone knows something’s up at work. If you’re being strategic, people probably don’t notice.

Avoid telling anyone at work that you’re searching, even if you think they can be trusted. You never know if someone might say something and then it can get back to your boss.

If your boss inevitably finds out, be honest. While some people fear being fired on the spot or altering their environment, this could be a positive thing. Sit down with your boss and outline your reasons. You might be able to:

• Ask for a raise
• Take on more responsibility
• Go through additional training
• Switch positions

Ask for References

Even if you’re applying for a new job while employed, you’re still going to need references. For many, that means checking the “no” box when asked if your current employer can be contacted.

Who can you ask to be a reference then? Here are a few ideas:

• Former employers or supervisors
• Recent supervisors who have left your current company
• A colleague who refers you business
• Vendors or clients

Just make sure they know you listed them as a reference before you submit their names.

Check your Social Media

Some potential employers will check your social media accounts to get an idea if they want to hire you. Make sure your accounts are set to private. Or at the very least, review them and scrub anything that might look questionable.

Also, your LinkedIn profile should be up to date and match your resume. Having a completed and accurate profile usually doesn’t raise suspicion, if your employer happens to check your page.

Make sure it doesn’t indicate that you’re looking for opportunities though, just in case.

We hope these tips on how to look for a job while working full time are helpful. Make sure to check out our posts on how to find a job, creating a resume, and writing an effective cover letter.

Ready to get started with your job search? Start here!