A Spys Guide to a Top Secret Job Search

A Spys Guide to a Top Secret Job SearchA Spys Guide to a Top Secret Job SearchLooking for a new job while employed can take a lot of effort, from strategically planning interviews to finding time to rework your resume. But a secret job search can be surprisingly fun if you look at it from the right angle. Why not take it to the next level by adopting a 007 persona? After all, it takes a stealthy, savvy and suave person to keep an active job search off the bosss radar. Bring a little excitement and edge to your job search by thinking of yourself as a secret agent working on a top-secret mission1. Use Your Gadgets WiselyTake advantage of mobile apps. Its the digital age, and technology has provided many conveniences that were not possible before. Use this to your advantage. Simply Hired has an app that is available on iTunes and Android. Searching on a tabletcomputer or phone is effortless, and its more discrete than looking on a big computer screen. Speaking of whichDont search on you r work computer. If you conduct your personal job search during what are supposed to be work hours, youre putting yourself in a vulnerable position. Employers have the right to search your browser history. Moreover, if they find out they wont be pleased about your activities.2. Stay IncognitoKeep your resume under wraps. Dont post your resume on every job board someone is bound to notice. If you hand out your resume, make it clear that your current employer is not aware of your covert operations.Dress appropriately. Dont walk into work in full-on interview attire if you dress casually on a day-to-day basis. Leave your interview clothes in the car, or mix pieces of formal and casual clothes. Get creative. You can disguise yourself in many ways.3. For Your Eyes OnlyUse LinkedIn carefully. Hailed as the distributionspolitik to network for job opportunities, LinkedIn provides a great space to build connections. Start by interacting more with your network and updating your online profile . As always, check your settings to select the degree of privacy before you start sharing information.Approach social media with caution. For better and worse, social media is where content can go viral. A private job search, however, should not be something you share with your entire social network. Use private messages, avoid status updates about your job search and adjust your privacy settings. Remember nothing online is private.Share selectively. A job search is insider knowledge and best not to be shared with coworkers. Telling your coworkers is the easiest way to blow your cover, as people like to gossip.4. Double Agent StatusCreate and remember your backstory. You need a cover for your interviews and calls. Doctor appointments, dentist check-ups, whatever it needs to be a reasonable and believable story. Schedule them cautiously and space them out to avoid suspicion.Separate your job search from your workspace. Dont take calls in the office and dont schedule them during work hours. Use your personal emaille on your personal phone or home computer for electronic correspondence with potential employers.Finish strong. Keep on keepin on at work, and dont fall victim to unprofessionalism because you anticipate leaving the company soon. Think of the long-term benefit you want to keep a good relationship with your current employer for any future recommendations or opportunities.5. If Your Cover is BlownHonestly is the best policy. Its important to prepare an appropriate explanation for your employer if your mission is compromised. You want to give a straight answer with a carefully constructed, yet truthful reason. Be sure to emphasize that you are still dedicated to your current role.Leading two lives simultaneously isnt easy, but you can learn from great secret agents like James Bond and Jason Bourne. The key to succeeding undercover? Tread carefully. In the words of George Herbert, The life of spies is to know, not to be known.Read Related ArticlesUse Free Time to Advance Your Job Search5 Tips for Keeping Your Job Search Secret from Your Boss