Feeling stuck in a rut at work? Those repetitive tasks, the stifling atmosphere, the constant fear of being noticed by the boss for all the wrong reasons – it can all take a toll on your sanity. But before you make any impulsive moves, it’s crucial to think things through.
Leaving your current job without a plan could end up being a costly mistake. You risk losing your position, your expected paycheck, and the chance for valuable references. It’s a gamble you don’t want to take lightly.
Yet, if you’re itching for a change, there’s hope. Even while working full-time, you can discreetly explore new career opportunities. It’s all about finding the right balance – carving out time in your busy schedule while safeguarding your current job until you’re ready to make the leap.
Are you an investment officer ready to shake things up? In this blog, we’ll learn the essential strategies for navigating the job market and unlock the secrets to a successful stealth job search while keeping your current employment under wraps.
Why is it better to look for a new job without quitting?
- No need to rush.
You’re not in a situation of urgency – right now, you do have a job and a dependable income to pay your bills, so you’ve got the luxury of choosing an employer that aligns with your values and needs.
- The stakes are not that high.
The greater the candidate’s desire to get the job, the higher his anxiety at the interview. When their future relies on the outcome of this meeting, the level of tension grows exponentially. Those who already have a job might not feel so nervous, which gives them an advantage of better self-presentation during the interview.
- You’re in a position of strength.
Enjoying the security of a job while you search for your next career opportunity gives you a major advantage when haggling over the details of your desired position. And if you’re currently jobless, that can leave a lot of questions unanswered and put you in an unfavorable position – hardly the best springboard for success.
- It may turn out that you don’t need to leave.
Investigating the job market can reveal that your company is clearly better than the competitors from the working conditions and salary level. And you should just keep it as it is.
- You can assess yourself soberly.
Find out what the labor market thinks of you – are your skills, qualifications, and experience enough to land you a better investment management job? Interviews can provide great insight into this, so you can make an informed decision about whether you should leave your current role – and how to best plan your actions.
Should you tell your boss about your plans?
No doubt that this approach is more honest and demonstrates your responsibility and high morale qualities. It gives the finance employer an opportunity to convince you to stay, fix management errors, renegotiate the terms of your contract, or at least find a competent replacement before you leave.
However, it may work only if you have a friendly, trusting relationship with your boss. Not all investment officers, as well as their employers, are ready for such an open dialogue. Supervisor’s reaction to you seeking a new job could range from simply ignoring you during team meetings to taking more extreme measures, such as blocking you from opportunities and conversations, loading you with a huge bunch of tough tasks, and punishing you in some childish ways.
Although if the job you’re searching for is in a competitor’s company, it could lead to ethical or legal problems related to potential conflicts of interest. Depending on the position, you may even be seen as a security hazard. So, unless you are sure that you will quickly find a new job, it may be best to keep quiet. Don’t put the cart before the horse.
Tips for safe job hunting while still employed
- Don’t fall into the same trap.
Before you set sail on your new journey, make sure the old one isn’t worth saving anymore. Iron out any issues with your current job: unearth the source of your dissatisfaction and determine how you can address it. Often, a sincere conversation with the manager can do wonders. You can get support from your boss, duties review, schedule correction, or even a promotion and salary rise. Therefore, the need to send resumes left and right and search for new opportunities will disappear.
Remember: unless you pay attention to the “elephant in the room”, you risk stepping on the same rake at the next job.
- Define what you’re looking for.
If you’re seeking an escape from a difficult work situation, your job search probably won’t lead to fulfillment. However, by really analyzing what’s causing your discontent and picturing the requirements that would bring you joy, finding the perfect fit suddenly becomes much easier.
Set aside a couple of hours on a weekend morning to reflect solely on what you like and dislike about your current employment:
- Do you like the tasks and business process?
- Is your salary level satisfying?
- Do you prefer a different management style?
- Does location matter for you?
- What do you hate the most about your current workplace?
- What benefits are you searching for?
- Don’t skip your current duties.
It’s a tricky situation – you want to find a better job but don’t want your current employer to find out. Here’s the tip: don’t let them catch you slipping! Put on a poker face and stay focused on your regular tasks. Whether in-office, hybrid, or remote, performance must stay the same day after day. Don’t let the search for another job lead you astray – if you give even an inkling that something’s off, it could set alarm bells ringing in your boss’ head.
- Maintain anonymity.
When posting your resume to the job boards, be discerning about it. Select the “anonymous format” option to keep your personal information safe and secure. Ensure that you don’t include your full name or current company in your profile: make yourself unrecognizable to any potential employers.
Refreshing your LinkedIn profile or writing a “looking for a job” post on Facebook are great tips to use. However, there are a few rules:
- Don’t befriend your boss or coworkers!
- If you are already connected, hit the block button for now.
- Turn off notifications on your LinkedIn profile to prevent anyone from knowing about your updates.
- Don’t tag your account with “looking for a new job.”
- Don’t tell your coworkers.
Keep your plans of searching for a new job under wraps! Disclosing your decision to the finance pros you work with could easily cause a rift or, even worse, – lead them to feel as though you betrayed or abandoned them. Plus, secrets have a nasty habit of slipping through the cracks, so there is always a chance that your boss finds out. Don’t risk it, and keep your intentions a secret.
- Use personal devices and accounts only.
Don’t get caught with your hand in the cookie jar: never use the company computer, phone, or email for a job search. To take care of the search process during work hours, use your cell phone and mobile provider’s internet only – keep that company’s Wi-Fi off-limits. Create a new, unique business email no one from your workplace knows about to stay safe and look extra professional.
- Ask potential employers for confidentiality.
Secure your current income and future opportunities by asking the potential employer to keep things on the down low. Show them you understand the importance of discretion and ensure that nobody reaches out to your current company without your permission. Ask not to collect references from both your current employer and coworkers. However, if there is a colleague at your workplace whom you can 100% trust and who is ready to give you recommendations, it is better to refer to him.
- Get ready for frequent phone calls.
Numerous financial services HR managers or recruiters will probably call you during your work hours (as it is their working hours also). It’s alright to request that the recruiter call back in ten minutes and take the conversation out for a more peaceful environment. Prior to starting up your telephone interview, make sure you get an estimate of how much time it will need so that you don’t miss out on too much of your work. Don’t be afraid to casually inquire: “How long do you think we’ll need for this phone interview?”
- Schedule interviews right.
Interviewing while you’re on the clock? Not a wise move. Instead, aim to schedule them during your mornings, lunch breaks, or during your personal time off. It indicates that you are committed to your current job whilst showing enthusiasm for the opportunity at hand. Besides, being available any time during work hours could make recruiters doubt your dedication.
Oftentimes, recruiters are willing to meet with an appealing investment officer candidate outside of regular working hours. However, when it comes to meeting the big bosses, brace yourself for their preferred time schedule – which means taking a day off may become necessary.
- Plan backup answers.
Having a plan B can help you breeze through any potential awkward encounters with your boss. If your employer caught wind of your job quest and contacted you for a chat, there are a few ways you can handle the situation.
You can inform the financial services employer of your ambitions to determine your worth in the market, assess your competence compared to other companies’ investment officers, and, based on these results, ask for a raise or promotion. Or alternatively, be candid with them about why you started looking for another job and collaboratively seek a resolution. If you two can’t find common ground, discuss the terms of your departure so that you can peacefully look for new employment while they have time to hire someone to fill the position.
- Don’t change your clothes style.
One thing that is sure to raise eyebrows in your workplace is dressing up too sharply – especially if you claim it’s for a “doctor’s appointment”. If the finance company you work for has a laid-back dress code but the place you’re interviewing requires more fancy attire, don’t rush! It might be best to make a quick swap with a clothing change before entering a very formal organization. Find out if there’s a nearby coffee shop or restaurant where you can safely pull off the switch and ace that job hunt.
- Contact Volar LLC
If you’re tired of endlessly scrolling through job listings, why not let a professional financial services recruiter do the heavy lifting for you? With just a click, you can have skilled recruiters combing through opportunities to find the ideal investment officer position for your career. Say goodbye to spending your evenings hunting for jobs – let our team of experts take the reins and ensure you land the perfect opportunity.
FAQs
- How can I maintain focus on my current job while exploring new opportunities?
Stay organized, set clear goals for both your current job and job search, and remind yourself of the importance of performing well in your current role to maintain credibility and professionalism.
- How can I assess the culture and work environment of a potential employer during a stealth job search?
Research the company online, network with current or former employees for insights, and ask strategic questions during interviews to gauge cultural fit without revealing your job search intentions.
- What should I do if I receive a job offer while still employed?
Evaluate the offer carefully, consider factors such as salary, benefits, and career advancement opportunities, and decide whether it aligns with your long-term goals before making a decision.
- What should I do if I decide to accept a new job offer while still employed?
Provide your current employer with appropriate notice of resignation, express gratitude for the opportunities and experiences gained, and work diligently during the notice period to ensure a smooth transition for your team and employer.
- What should I do if I receive a counteroffer from my current employer after accepting a new job offer?
Consider the reasons why you were searching for a new job in the first place and weigh the pros and cons of accepting the counteroffer. Remember to prioritize your long-term career goals and job satisfaction.
