Getting Better Work: How to Start a Job Search While Still Employed

We’ve all been there – desperate for better career prospects but too tired at the end of a long workday to search for jobs. It’s easy to get stuck in this cycle but fret not, we’re here to share a few simple tips on how to start a job search while employed. 

The Best Time to Look for Jobs

Conventional wisdom says that the best time to search for jobs is in January and February. Data from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) from 2012-2019 seems to support this since the rate of recruitment was typically highest in the first quarter of the year. After all, this is when recruiters and HR staff have just gotten back from the holidays and received the new hiring budget. 

That said, the seasonal pattern of hiring has changed since 2020. MOM data shows that in 2021, hiring peaked during the 4th quarter at 2.5 per cent, and in 2022, recruitment was highest during the 3rd quarter. This change is likely due to factors, such as the circuit breaker and the anticipation of an economic downturn brought about by the events in Europe. 

However, these considerations are only secondary. Start your job search when you are truly ready to commit to the hunt and be patient with the process. 

Timing is everything if you don’t want your application buried under a pile of work emails and other resumes. Send your CV in the a.m., just before office hours start (mental note: research what time your prospective company clocks in for the day). After all, the first thing most people do when they start work is check their email. If you send your resume at this time, it is less likely to be overlooked. 

How to Start a Job Search While Employed

Reflect on what you want from your next job. 

List everything missing from your current job. Do you want more opportunities for advancement or a more positive working environment? Zero in on your top priorities. It will help you narrow down your search as you browse through job ads. 

Update your resume. 

This is where you’ll shave precious hours off every job application. Having a current resume on file and job sites such as JobStreet by SEEK and professional online networks is one less thing you’ll have to worry about when you spot an interesting job ad. You’ll also increase your chances of being head-hunted if you have an updated resume online.

Sign up for job alerts. 

Adding on to the previous point, signing up for job alerts is a super-efficient way to get a regular stream of relevant job ads in your inbox. You can have filtered job ads delivered directly to you? Let technology do as much of the work for you as possible – it’s what it’s there for.

Engage a recruiter. 

If you prefer dealing with a human, engaging a recruitment agency (or two) might also come in handy. They’re in a unique position to influence the advertiser’s choice of candidates. If nothing else, getting advice from recruitment professionals might give you a better idea of employment trends and where you stand in your job search.

Be discreet. 

The last thing you want is for your current employer to find out that you’re looking for another job. Even if you can’t wait to leave, it’s best to maintain a good relationship with your boss to maintain your network. So until you’re ready to submit your resignation letter, avoid telling any colleagues about your job search. It also goes without saying that you should avoid mentioning your job hunt on social media 

Don’t be afraid to ask potential employers to be discreet as well. Most employers will understand if you ask to meet outside regular working hours. It could become a point in your favour since they’ll see that you don’t want to compromise your current work. 

Thankfully, you don’t have to worry about your employer seeing your resume on JobStreet. Simply go to the privacy settings on your JobStreet profile and select the “Not Searchable” option. While this means employers won’t be able to search for your resume, it’s better to be safe than sorry and simply be more active in sending out applications. 

Avoid using work devices and resources.

Use only a personal phone and laptop for your job search. Some employers install monitoring software on work devices to track productivity, and being found out might be awkward. And if you work on-site, don’t run the risk of your coworkers seeing your resume file on your desktop. 

Job hunt on your own time. 

In this era of remote work, it may be tempting to look for jobs during work hours. However, you should respect your current employer. 

Conduct your search during your free time instead. Working from home means you no longer have to travel to the office; use the time you would have spent commuting to job hunt. 

Create a job search schedule.

The trick is to be organised and use your time wisely. Set a certain number of hours each week for job hunting and stick to them. For instance, you might decide to look for jobs and tailor your resume for an hour on Mondays and Wednesdays at 9:30 p.m. Maintaining this schedule will ensure that you don’t wind up delaying your search whenever you feel overwhelmed with work. 

The weekends are sacred and rightfully reserved for downtime and leisure, but if you really have no time to job hunt on weekdays, then giving up a few weekends would be well worth it as well. With efficient planning, you won’t even have to give up entire weekends. You could allocate the day for filtering job ads and writing up job applications, and reward yourself with a leisurely evening to unwind.

Use your annual leave.

If you’ve been engrossed in your work, chances are you’ve also been neglecting your annual leave. What better reason to take a week off than to focus on your job search? To ensure minimal distractions, make it a holiday. Take a trip out of the city or treat yourself to a week at a relaxing resort. While you unwind, you can also channel renewed energy into your job hunt.

Tap your professional network.

Networking is a powerful way to find new jobs. Not only can your connections point you toward new job openings—they can smooth the way with an introduction to potential employers as well. 

Don’t come to work in your interview attire.

If smart casual is the norm at your office, then coming to work in a suit is a dead giveaway. Instead, plan to change your clothes after work and outside the office. 

Continue to work hard. 

Make sure your search doesn’t affect your job. Even if you’re ready to move on from your current role, it’s best to remain professional and submit quality work on time. As we’ve mentioned above, it’s wiser to leave a good impression on your employer than to burn bridges. 

Searching for jobs can be a time-consuming and tedious process, but with the help of technology and an organised approach, it doesn’t have to be as daunting as it seems. Since you’re already employed, you can take all the time you need to #SEEKBetter and land your ideal job. 

For more helpful tips on how to start a job search while employed and advance in your career, download the JobStreet App on App Store or Google Play and check out our Career Advice.