Secret job search: seven tips
Imagine yourself being happily employed but family matters forcing you to relocate and look for a new job. How to pull off a secret job search without anyone at your current office knowing about it?
Tip #1: be careful on social networks
Stay away from LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter. And don’t send out your resume left and right. Your resume can easily end up in the hands of your current boss because some of your well-wishing network contacts were not aware of your secret job search. So, activate your network contacts — carefully and individually — on the phone.
Tip # 2: Tell recruiter you’re hiding
Secret job search
Independent recruiters can be of great help and can also get you in trouble. Before sending out anything to them insist on informing you of each new address they thinking of sending your résumé to. You may sound like a nag but at least your cover will remain intact.
Tip #3: Cloak of invisibility
Think about removing your name and the name of your current employer from your résumé. Replace them with something more generic. For example, “Experienced network administrator,” “Large International Company.”) Get a new cell phone number and an e-mail account at one of the free e-mail servers such as hotmail or gmail. Put them in your resume as your contact information.
Google the net for “remove hidden data office document” and you’ll find plenty of tips on how to remove metadata from your Microsoft Word resume.
Tip #4: Distribution control
Avoid all résumé-sending services. They make it extremely easy to send out your resume to thousand potential employers, but use caution before signing up with them. Start by reading the site’s user policy. Then choose every confidentiality option to mask your identity. Activate blocking features to keep your résumé away from your current employer and other companies you designate. Pray.
Tip #5: Find the right recipient
Whenever you see a job advertisement, try to find who is actually hiring. Don’t risk your chances by sending out your application through a job board form. You can call the company that is hiring and ask for contact information of their HR manager.
Tip #6: Double check your references
It’s a good idea not to list your current boss among your references but if this is absolutely necessary do not allow reference-checking contact with your current employer until you receive a signed offer letter. Collect references from earlier employers, former co-workers who’ve left your current employer, and individuals whose respect you’ve gained through professional and civic activities.
Tips #7: Be smart
Stay away from online job servers that want to know too much. They may use that information to sell it to others without your consent. Don’t give out company business cards or your work telephone number (remember, you already have a cell). Go through your online job profiles several tips searching for tip-offs that may give you away. Try not to search for work during your office hours.
