5 Tips To Looking For A New Job While Still Employed

Searching for a new job while currently employed can feel like walking a tightrope. While having a steady paycheck provides security during your search, managing the process requires discretion and careful planning. Here are five essential tips to help you navigate this delicate situation successfully.

3. Be Honest With Potential Employers

While discretion is important with your current employer, transparency with potential employers can work in your favor:

• Explain your need for confidentiality in your job search
• Request that they not contact your current employer
• Be upfront about your limited availability for interviews
• Communicate your commitment to handling the transition professionally
• Use references from previous positions rather than your current job

4. Continue Performing at Your Best

It's crucial to maintain your professional reputation and strong performance at your current job:

• Don't let your job search affect your current work quality
• Maintain regular hours and attendance
• Stay engaged in long-term projects
• Document your work thoroughly
• Keep building positive relationships with colleagues
• Avoid showing signs of checking out or disengagement

5. Prepare for the Transition

Before accepting a new position, ensure you're ready for a smooth transition:

• Review your current employment contract for non-compete clauses or notice periods
• Save important personal documents and contacts
• Document your current processes and responsibilities
• Build a reasonable timeline for departure
• Prepare a professional resignation letter
• Plan how to handle counter-offers
• Have savings ready in case of any gaps in employment

Final Thoughts

Remember that looking for a job while employed is a common practice, and many professionals successfully navigate this situation every day. The key is to approach your search methodically and professionally while maintaining your integrity in your current role. Take your time to find the right opportunity – being employed gives you the advantage of being selective rather than feeling pressured to accept the first offer that comes along.

When you do find that perfect opportunity, you'll be glad you took the time to conduct your search thoughtfully and professionally. This approach not only helps you land your next role but also preserves your professional relationships and reputation in your current workplace.

Read tips 1 & 2 and the full article

 

Top 10 Niche Job Boards and Why You Should Be Using Them

Discover Unique Online Platforms for Your Job Search

In today's competitive job market, looking beyond mainstream job sites like LinkedIn and Indeed can give you a significant advantage. Niche job boards cater to specific industries, skills, or work arrangements, often featuring highly relevant positions with less competition. Here are ten specialized job boards that could help you land your dream role.

6. Behance Jobs

Best for: Creative professionals and designers

• Direct connection to creative agencies
• Portfolio-based applications
• UX/UI, graphic design, and illustration roles
• Freelance and full-time opportunities

7. Construction Jobs

Best for: Construction and skilled trades professionals

• Project-based work opportunities
• Union and non-union positions
• Equipment operator roles
• Construction management positions

8. USAJobs

Best for: Government and public sector professionals

• Federal, state, and local government positions
• Clear salary grades and benefits
• Veterans' preference opportunities
• Structured application process

9. Remote.co

Best for: Remote work enthusiasts across industries

• 100% remote positions
• International opportunities
• Strong focus on digital roles
• Remote work resources and guides

10. AngelList Talent

Best for: Startup enthusiasts and innovators

• Early-stage startup opportunities
• Equity compensation details
• Direct access to founders
• Innovative technology roles

Why You Should Use Niche Job Boards

3. Industry-Specific Features

Many niche boards offer specialized tools and resources tailored to your field, such as portfolio displays or certification verifications.

4. Quality Over Quantity

Listings tend to be more carefully curated, reducing the time spent filtering through irrelevant positions.

5. Direct Access

Often, you'll have more direct contact with hiring managers who understand your industry's specific requirements and terminology.

See Job Boards 1-5, Reasons 1, 2 of why you should be using them and the complete article 

 

7 Top Ways to Use Facebook to Land Your Next Job

In today's digital age, Facebook isn't just for sharing photos and connecting with friends—it's become a powerful tool for professional networking and job hunting. Here's how to leverage Facebook's features to advance your career and find your next opportunity.

 

4. Engage with Company Pages

Build connections with potential employers:

• Follow companies you'd like to work for
• Turn on notifications for their posts
• Engage meaningfully with their content
• Watch for hiring announcements and company culture posts
• Use company posts as conversation starters when networking

5. Utilize Your Personal Network

Your Facebook friends can be valuable allies in your job search:

• Post a professional status update about your job search
• Share your career achievements and professional development
• Ask friends to recommend you for positions
• Message contacts privately about potential opportunities
• Share industry-related content to stay visible professionally

6. Create Professional Content

Position yourself as an industry expert:

• Write and share thoughtful posts about your industry
• Share relevant articles with your professional insights
• Create short videos discussing industry trends
• Use Facebook Live to showcase your expertise
• Share your professional accomplishments tastefully

7. Network Through Facebook Events

Virtual and in-person events can lead to job opportunities:

• Search for industry conferences and meetups
• Attend virtual career fairs
• Join professional development workshops
• Network with attendees before and after events
• Follow up with new connections professionally

Pro Tips for Success

Remember these key points while using Facebook for job searching:

• Maintain professionalism in all your interactions
• Be consistent in your engagement
• Follow up promptly on leads and connections
• Keep your profile updated
• Balance personal and professional content
• Stay active but don't spam

By strategically using these Facebook features, you can expand your professional network, discover new opportunities, and increase your chances of landing your next job. Remember to combine these tactics with traditional job search methods for the best results.

 See ways 1-3 and the complete article

5 Things All Interviewers Want to Know About Your Employee Brand

In today's competitive job market, your employee brand is more important than ever. It's not just about your skills and experience; interviewers are increasingly interested in how you present yourself as a professional and what value you bring to their organization. Here are five key aspects of your employee brand that all interviewers want to know about:

4. Your Continuous Learning and Adaptability

In a rapidly changing work environment, employers value candidates who are committed to growth. They're interested in:

• Recent courses or certifications you've completed
• How you stay updated with industry trends
• Your ability to adapt to new technologies or methodologies

Tip: Highlight specific examples of how you've applied new knowledge or skills in your previous roles.

5. Your Long-term Career Goals

Interviewers want to understand how the role fits into your broader career trajectory. They're curious about:

• Where you see yourself in the next 5-10 years
• How this position aligns with your career aspirations
• Your commitment to personal and professional development

Tip: Be honest about your ambitions while emphasizing how they can benefit the company in the long run.

By focusing on these five aspects of your employee brand, you'll be well-prepared to make a strong impression in your next interview. Remember, your employee brand is not just about marketing yourself—it's about authentically communicating your professional identity and the unique value you bring to potential employers.

Read the first three things that interviews want to know and the full article

 

Boost Your Career with These 3 Resume Tips

Essential Strategies to Stand Out in the Job Market

When it comes to landing your dream job, first impressions matter. A well-crafted summary at the top of your resume can set the tone and grab the attention of hiring managers. This is your chance to make an impact and highlight your most relevant skills and experiences. To improve your resume, consider starting with a compelling summary that showcases what you bring to the table.

Your summary should be a brief yet powerful statement that encapsulates your career highlights and objectives. Focus on your key accomplishments, expertise, and the value you offer to potential employers. For instance, you might mention your years of experience in a specific industry, any unique skills you possess, or notable achievements that demonstrate your ability to excel in the role you're applying for.

In addition to highlighting your strengths, it's crucial to tailor your summary to the job you're applying for. Use keywords from the job description that align with your experience. This not only shows that you are a great fit but also helps your resume get noticed in applicant tracking systems. Remember, your goal is to quickly communicate why you're the ideal candidate, so keep your summary concise and focused.

Lastly, don't underestimate the power of a personal touch. While it’s important to maintain professionalism, letting some of your personality shine through can make your summary more relatable. This could be through illustrating your passion for the industry or sharing your career aspirations. By crafting a compelling summary, you can significantly improve your resume and increase your chances of landing an interview.

1) Highlight Your Key Skills

When it comes to improving your resume, showcasing your key skills is essential. Potential employers want to see what you can bring to the table. Start by identifying your strongest skills that align with the job you are applying for. Think of both hard skills, like technical abilities, and soft skills, such as communication and teamwork. Make sure these skills stand out in your resume to capture the attention of recruiters.

One effective way to highlight your skills is to create a dedicated "Skills" section in your resume. List your key skills in bullet points, making them easy to read and understand. This helps improve resume readability and allows hiring managers to quickly get a sense of your capabilities. Tailor this section for each job application, emphasizing the skills most relevant to the position.

Don't forget to back up your skills with concrete examples. Instead of simply stating that you are a strong leader, mention a specific project where you successfully led a team to achieve results. By providing context, you not only improve your resume but also give employers a clearer picture of how you can contribute to their organization.

Lastly, consider including a few industry-specific keywords in your skills section. This can help to improve your resume’s visibility during applicant tracking system screenings. Use phrases that align with the job descriptions you are targeting, and let those keywords naturally fit into your skill descriptions. This small change can make a significant impact on your job search.

2) Showcase Relevant Experience

When it comes to job hunting, showcasing your relevant experience effectively can make a significant difference in how employers perceive your resume. To improve resume quality, focus on highlighting achievements and responsibilities that directly relate to the position you’re applying for. This targeted approach allows potential employers to see your qualifications in context, increasing the likelihood of securing an interview.

Begin by tailoring your work experience section to emphasize skills and accomplishments that align with the job description. Use action verbs and quantify your successes whenever possible. For instance, instead of saying you "managed a team," specify that you "led a team of five to achieve a 20% increase in project efficiency." Such details not only grab attention but also showcase your ability to deliver results.

Additionally, don’t forget to include internships, volunteer work, or freelance projects that are relevant to the roles you’re targeting. These experiences, while possibly less formal, can help demonstrate your versatility and commitment to your career growth. Highlighting diverse projects can further illustrate your skills and show employers that you bring a wealth of experience to the table.

Finally, consider using a functional resume format if you're transitioning careers or have gaps in your work history. This format allows you to group your experience by skill set rather than chronologically, making it easier to focus on transferable skills. By carefully crafting your experience section, you can improve resume content and stand out in a competitive job market.

3) Customize for Each Job Application

When applying for different jobs, it’s essential to customize your resume to fit each position. A one-size-fits-all approach rarely works in today’s competitive job market. Tailoring your resume not only shows that you’re genuinely interested in the role but also highlights the specific skills and experiences that align with the job description. This can significantly help to improve your resume and catch the attention of hiring managers.

Start by carefully reading the job description and identifying the key skills and qualifications the employer is seeking. Look for specific words and phrases that they use—these can often be included in your resume to help match your experience with their needs. For example, if the job emphasizes "project management," be sure to highlight relevant projects you've managed in your previous roles. This simple adjustment can make a big difference in improving your appeal to potential employers.

Don’t just focus on the skills; your work experience should also be tailored. Prioritize the job experiences that are most relevant to the job you’re applying for. If you have multiple roles, consider creating bullet points that directly showcase accomplishments or responsibilities that mirror those listed in the job posting. This will help to improve your resume by making it more relevant and targeted.

Lastly, don’t forget to adjust your summary or objective statement at the top of your resume. This section is your chance to grab the employer's attention right away, so make sure it reflects your enthusiasm for the specific position and highlights how you can add value to their team. A customized summary can serve as a powerful introduction and greatly improve your resume’s effectiveness.

6 top tips to succeed in your next job search

by Jenny Darmody

Whether you’re just starting out on your journey or a seasoned tech professional, the job search can be a daunting prospect.

Is all the advice you got the last time you looked around still true? Are there new ways to find your dream role? How much of a freshen up does your CV need? To help you elevate your job search, we spoke to Amanda Whicher, director for technology at Hays UK and Ireland.

1) Focus on skills, not job titles

One of the most important things to bear in mind, according to Whicher, is that due to the constantly changing tech landscape, the job title you currently have might not still exist in the same guise by the time you start your job search.

“I think it’s really important that you understand what type of [tasks] that you really enjoy doing, but you’re also really good at and when you’re searching for a role, that you’re searching by the term rather than the job titles,” she said.

“If you’re really specific in the job title because of the organisation you’ve potentially worked in for the last 10 years, you might not have anything come up because actually that job title isn’t necessarily a standardised job title.”

2) Be thoughtful about your applications

It has become incredibly easy to apply for jobs nowadays. With many platforms, a simple click of a button labelled ‘apply’ could send your standardised cover letter and CV off to several recruiters at once.

However, this in itself has become a pitfall for many jobseekers according to Whicher. “If you’re really generic in your application, then that’s going to be received as generalist and so therefore, you might not get a response,” she said.

“I think being more thoughtful in the roles that you’re applying for is really important. And I would always connect on LinkedIn or reach out to the individual, whether it’s a recruitment agency or the hiring manager to make them aware that you’ve applied.

“You want to differentiate yourself in the market that we’re in at the moment that while we’ve got skills scarcity across technology, it doesn’t mean we don’t have applications for jobs, it just means that the applications that we get in a lot of cases aren’t fit for purpose for the role.”

3) Leverage your network

While it may be easier to apply for jobs and there are thousands of roles available on job sites, LinkedIn and recruitment sites, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re going to weed out your dream role there.

So, what’s the best way to lay the groundwork when it comes to getting your next job? Whicher advised going to the source. “Not everyone advertises externally,” she said. “So I think definitely look at some of the target organisations you potentially want to work for because they might not be visible in other places.”

She also spoke about the importance of growing and using your network. This may be more of a long-game approach, but it will allow you to be there for opportunities that may not be as easily found. “The best time to apply for a role is before a [company] has even advertised the role,” she said. “I think also reaching out to your network to understand, ‘do you know of any organisations that are going to be recruiting in the next six months for my type of skills?’”

Read all 6 tips and the complete

 article