TRITON Magazine Winter 2017 | Page 65

THE MARKET

GET THAT JOB !

( While you already got one .)

BY CRAIG SCHMIDT
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR , UC SAN DIEGO CAREER CENTER
AN EFFECTIVE JOB SEARCH CAN BE A FULL-TIME JOB IN ITSELF . Yet a few key strategies can help the still-employed job hunter find that next opportunity without jeopardizing their current one . Here are a few tips to go about getting the job you want , while limiting the risk to the one you have :
USE STEALTH MODE Be cautious about job hunting on company equipment ( and time !)— this could be tracked by your current employer . Likewise , inform prospective employers that you ’ d like your search to be confidential , at least until you ' re a finalist . When interviews come around , wearing formal business attire to work may be a red flag — consider a quick change outside of the office .
CONNECT EARLY IN THE SEARCH Tapping into your network is still the best bet for an effective search , but don ’ t wait until desperation has set in at your current job to start preparing and connecting . Start by updating your LinkedIn profile — this is a powerful step and won ’ t raise suspicion from your current employer ( because she ’ s probably doing it too ).
THOUGHTFULLY CONSIDER HOW EAGER YOU ARE FOR CHANGE Sometimes the search process can help you discover the “ grass isn ’ t always greener !” Along with compensation and benefits , take into account factors like schedule flexibility , commute and personality fit as you weigh making the move … or not !
AND THE GOOD NEWS ? YOU ’ RE A CATCH ! Having a job makes you more attractive to potential employers , as it suggests that someone else found you to be an asset . It also helps when it comes time to negotiate the terms for that new job . The takeaway — keep working until you have that new offer in hand , if at all possible .
Learn more at career . ucsd . edu
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