How to Find a New Job While Employed: Your Complete Guide

You know it's time to move on from your current job, but quitting without a plan isn't an option. You also know that a new opportunity is unlikely to fall on your lap without some effort on your part. That leaves you with only one choice: Searching for a new job while still employed.

In theory, this is the best of both worlds, but in practice, it can be logistically challenging. You'll need to carve out suitable time slots for active job search, revise your resume as often as necessary, and, of course, attend interviews without your current employer finding out.

That's why being extra prepared and organized is key. To help you in this journey, we've compiled 10 essential tips and expert advice on how to find a new job while employed—covering everything you should and shouldn't be doing.

First step? Check out open jobs on Fairygodboss and find your next career move.

How to find a new job while still employed: 10 tips

Navigating a job search while balancing other daily responsibilities isn't easy. But on the flip side, when you're currently employed, the pressure to be hired immediately is alleviated since you have a steady income.

To keep it that way and only bid farewell to your current employer when you've secured something new, follow these steps for how to find a new job when you already have one.

1. Plan ahead

Unless you're in a toxic work environment that requires you to leave right away, it's best to plan your departure months in advance. “These days, I suggest a minimum of 6 months for an effective job search and more ideally 9 to 12 months to find your ideal role,” says Jennifer Fink, founder and career coach at Fink Development Coaching and Advising. 

Your plan for finding a new job should include time to assess your goals and where you want to go next. “Identify your target goal and then work backwards on developing an action plan so you can manage your time and well-being wisely during your search,” Fink says.

Are you simply looking to change companies, or are you seeking a different role? Perhaps you're considering a career change or aiming for a better salary. Ask yourself these questions before moving on to the next step.

2. Update your LinkedIn profile

Hiring managers often scout for potential candidates on LinkedIn. So updating your profile should be a priority. First, turn off the button that sends notifications about your profile updates to your followers—you don't want your boss or colleagues to know you're job seeking. Then, proceed to update your skills, work experience, and certifications with keywords relevant to the role you want.

Not sure how to do it right? This might help: Making the Most of LinkedIn: Tips, Tricks, and Everything In Between

3. Update your resume 

Applying for a job while still employed? Your resume should be ready for when the right opportunity comes along. Recruiters receive dozens, if not hundreds, of applications daily, and you'll want to be among the first to submit.

Don't be afraid to put your current job on your resume. It's your most recent experience and definitely needs to be there, along with any relevant achievements and newly acquired skills. Recruiters rarely contact current employers for references, so there's little risk involved. 

4. Reach out to trusted contacts

Networking is everything, especially in the super competitive job market we have right now. If you have trusted contacts, such as former colleagues or friends in the same industry, reach out and let them know you're looking for new opportunities. Just remember to ask them to be discreet—after all, you don't want this information to get in your current employers ears.

When applying for a new job while still employed, references may be requested. In such cases, turn to trusted former colleagues from your second-to-last job (not the current one). Even if you've made friends in your current company, it's best to avoid asking anyone from there for a reference. 

Here's the smart way to ask for a reference.

5. Manage your time wisely

“The most difficult part of looking for a job while employed is being able to manage your time wisely and finding time to network and interview for new roles, especially if you have a fairly quick timeline in mind for a job search,” Fink says. 

Make this another priority on your list, but don't forget to take time to rest and relax. Actively job searching while still employed can be incredibly stressful and exhausting, and in some cases, it can even lead to job search depression.

6. Only search on personal devices

Never job search on your company's computer, laptop, or any device provided by them. This can put your current job in jeopardy, since it's a standard rule not to use professional equipment for personal needs. Instead, use your personal devices only. 

7. Be ethical with your current employer

Avoid job searching during work hours. “Don't be unethical about how you're using your company's time and resources to further your own agenda,” Fink says. If you need to respond to an email or LinkedIn message, for example, use your break or lunch time to do so. 

8. Schedule your interviews smartly

After applying for a while, you'll likely start receiving interview requests. At this point, you may be wondering: how do you interview for a new job while still employed? First, try to schedule it before or after your work hours. 

Your lunch hour can also be used for interviewing, especially since many companies now offer remote options. This flexibility makes it easier to find a time that suits both you and the recruiter. Just remember that if you do schedule a remote job interview, don’t take it while in the office. 

9. Be as discreet as you can

When you're going for interviews, don't drastically change how you dress, especially if you're in an office. People might notice and start guessing. Also, if your LinkedIn notifications usually pop up on your phone, it's better to turn them off to avoid any office gossip. (Just in case, here’s how to handle office gossip in 4 easy steps.)

10. Prepare your interview answers 

If you've been employed for a while, you might be feeling a bit rusty. However, you don't want to look unprepared during the interview. Our advice is to study the most common interview questions and practice your answers beforehand.

You should also research the company you're applying to and understand their expectations for a potential employee. “Think about what the hiring manager is looking for in a candidate,” Fink says. “Too often, job seekers are looking more at themselves and their past experience, instead of looking toward the job they are interviewing for.”

How to find a new job while employed: Q&A

Do you have more questions about job seeking while employed? This Q&A features some of the most common concerns about this topic:

Question #1: Is it OK to interview while employed?

Yes, it's OK to interview for a new job while employed. However, it's advisable to schedule your interviews outside of your working hours. If necessary and feasible, you can use your personal days or vacation time to attend interviews.

Question #2: What to put on application if still employed?

Your application should accurately reflect your current employment status, work experience, accomplishments, and skills. There's no reason to lie about being employed, as it typically doesn't make a difference to most hiring managers.

Question #3: Is it easier to get a job if you are currently employed?

Not necessarily. While it's commonly believed that hiring managers prefer employed candidates because they often have up-to-date skills and aren't rusty, this isn't a rule. “Recruiters want to find the most qualified candidates for the role, as well as the ones that will be the easiest to move through an interview process and land a role,” Fink says.

Question #4: How to respond to “Why are you leaving your current job?”

If you're job-seeking while employed, it's likely that the question, “Why you're leaving your current job?” will come up in interviews. To answer that, Fink says, you'll need to “choose the reason that would most resonate for the audience at hand.” 

Instead of saying something negative about your current employer, focus on the opportunities ahead. “Every single question is about what the company is looking for, even if the question doesn't seem like it is,” she says. 

For example, if you're aiming to grow in your career and interviewing at a company looking for candidates with leadership experience, Fink suggests choosing leadership as a response and answering “Why are you leaving your current job?” with something like this:

“What I realized I really enjoyed in my last role was leading a small team of ICs and helping them thrive in their roles. So in my next role, I'm looking for an opportunity to take that experience and lead an even bigger team and refine my leadership skills even further.” 

Still not feeling confident? This might get you there: How to Answer ‘Why Are You Leaving Your Job?': 12 Good Reasons to Leave