To lots of career professionals, this is a big question — how do you look for another job while keeping the one you have?

A lot of the challenge has to do with job gaps. People don’t want job gaps for several very compelling reasons. They know that any kind of job gap can be a problem in subsequent interviews, and they know that it can jeopardize their family’s health insurance. So it’s important to have a good strategy when transitioning between jobs.

Resist the Initial Urge to Tell

Some people feel like they want to shout it from the rooftops every time they see a good job ad and find out about a place they would like to work at. But telling too soon can be a big liability.

People at your current job don’t want to hear that you have one foot out the door. Sure, it might help the firm to have a lot of notice, but it can also create social problems. Broadcasting that you are looking for other work can lead to problems on performance reviews, and even firing if the company is able to legally terminate the employment.

It’s much better to play things close to the vest until you actually have an interview and a job offer.

What Do Employees Owe Companies?

In most cases, what you owe your current employer is two weeks’ notice. So as soon as the new offer comes in, the person who got the new job can notify their old employer. In an ideal case, they’ve already negotiated a start date with their new employer that allows them to finish out those two weeks.

Tips for Second Job Interviews

One of the big issues with looking for a new job is scheduling. You need to do interviews at certain times, for instance, during business hours, and for many people, those are the times when they need to be at their current jobs.

One strategy is to use built up personal leave hours for these interviews. If you don’t have that time built up, take vacation time, or switch shifts with someone to accommodate an interview time. Again, the current company doesn’t need to know why you’re not going to be there.

It’s also a good idea to avoid negative-talking your current job when you’re in the interviews. Desperation is never a good sign. Part of a strategy for new job interviews is to project confidence with the old job while expressing what’s great about the new position that you would like.

It makes sense to explain that you are happy at your current job, but that you would really prefer to be part of new opportunities at a new company – and as you express these positives, your interviewers are going to feel good that you have a very positive view of their company.

About Full Steam Staffing

Full Steam Staffing is a full-service employment agency in New Bedford, MA focused on providing clerical and light industrial staffing solutions to manufacturers, distribution centers and other organizations that need qualified, reliable workers. If you are looking for a new job in New Bedford, MA, browse our available opportunities or contact our team today!