blog header

5 Tips for Job-Hunting When You're Employed

The career search isn't just for the unemployed, and in a recent column, Paradigm Staffing founding partner Lindsay Olson offered five tips for job-hunting when you're employed. While you'll probably want to do the majority of your research from the privacy of your home or another out-of-office location, these strategies will hopefully help you land your next position.

  1. Dedicate set periods for the job hunt. This ensures you don't shirk off existing responsibilities at work or home. Allot time for cover letter and resume preparation, as well as time spent following up with hiring managers.
  2. Stay organized. Create a spreadsheet or similar system to track jobs to which you've applied. Catalog key details such as the hiring manager's name, information about the position and other contact information in this spreadsheet.
  3. Use tools to streamline your job search. Track relevant Twitter hashtags, subscribe to email updates or RSS feeds of niche job boards, and use job aggregators like Simply Hired and
  4. Schedule interviews wisely. You may need to get creative with your paid time off or vacation days if there's no way an interview can take place outside of business hours. Olson suggests scheduling a job-hunt vacation day, ideally spent with multiple job interviews and networking coffee breaks with local business groups or other key contacts.
  5. Don't talk about your job search at the office. You don't want to have an uncomfortable conversation with your boss before you're ready.

What tips would you add for job-hunting while still employed?

More From Payscale

Man Blames Google for Unsuccessful Job Search
Online Marketplaces for Independent Workers Continue Growth Spurt
Kai Herbert Sues J.P. Morgan Over Salary Typo in Contract


(Photo credit: Robert S. Donovan/Flickr)

1 Comment

  1. 1 Jim Niemela 13 Sep
    Great advice Marissa! As a recruiter, it's amazing how many "passive" candidates I run into on LinkedIn, who are currently employed, but who also wouldn't mind a job change. Those are simple, yet helpful tips for anyone in the career field.


Find Out Exactly What You
Should Be Paid
Job Title:
Years in Field/Career:
United States (change)
- OR -
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Google Plus Pinterest
Compensation Today