How to look for a job without telling your boss

If you’re looking for a new job while you’re still employed, the last thing you need is for your current employer to find out you’re looking elsewhere. This can cause tension at work and put you in an uncomfortable position.

In this case, the secret to success will be just that, a secret.

You should make sure that your job search is discreet and that you keep this information to yourself.

But if you’re not happy in your current position, it can be difficult. It can be tempting to spend a lot of time looking for a job, which increases the risk of getting caught.

So if you want to look for a job without alerting your boss, here’s how to do it.

Don’t take your job search to the office

It can be hard to avoid looking at job descriptions or researching opportunities on LinkedIn throughout the day, especially since this usually happens when new job opportunities are posted. However, this is a surefire way to raise the alarm.

Where you can, it’s best to save your job search for when you’re at home. This will most likely be evenings and weekends.

However, if you’re going to be looking for work during business hours, try to save that for lunch and ideally use another device or an incognito browser. This means avoiding using your work computer, perhaps using your smartphone or tablet instead.

This can be even more difficult if you have to answer emails or take phone calls that are time-sensitive. In this case, it may be best to arrange to work from home or take a personal day. That way, you can continue your search without prying eyes.

Keep it to yourself

You may have known your colleague for the last 10 years, but it is still better not to interfere with anyone else in your job search. No matter how much you think you can trust someone, just one wrong word from them can land you in hot water, even if they didn’t say the wrong thing on purpose.

For this reason, it is best to keep the initial job search to yourself and alert your colleagues and friends only after you have secured a new job and informed your current employer.

Plan the interview carefully

You may have to go through several interviews before securing your next role, and you need to be careful how you approach this.

If you have an interview coming up, it’s best to take a day off or try to schedule it later in the day. Most employers will understand that you need to work the interview around your current job, so they are willing to be flexible.

If you work from home, this can make attending interviews much easier, provided you don’t need to be on calls or video conferencing at the time.

If you’re going to an interview during the day or right after work, try to get changed and ready away from the office. Suddenly emerging from the restroom in a new outfit is a red flag, so if you need to get ready, do it away from the office.

Use your cover letter to request discretion

Your cover letter can be the perfect way to let a potential new employer know about your current position and notice period. This shows them that you are still working and need some discretion.

However, if you’re concerned that they might try to contact someone from your current job for a referral, you can even go a step further by asking the reader to oppose the contact. This will help you avoid any awkward calls to HR.

Pay attention to your contact details

You’d be surprised how many job seekers get caught using the wrong email address or phone number. When looking for a job, avoid using your work email or the email address you use every day at the office. This can increase the risk of someone finding out.

What’s more, even though your work phone may be the primary way to contact you during the day, you don’t want to risk employees or potential employers contacting you that way. Instead, remember to use your personal phone number when setting up job alerts, and the same goes for your email.

You can even set up a new dedicated email just for job hunting if that will make things easier to manage.

Although looking for a new job can be an exciting time in your career, you should do your best to keep it hidden from your colleagues and especially your boss.

Follow our tips above for a discreet but successful job search and you’ll avoid any awkward conversations or revelations until you’re ready to officially hand in your notice.