As the job market remains competitive, many think about finding better opportunities or changing careers while still holding down their current roles. The thought of job searching while employed can both be appealing and risky — while it offers better financial stability and a fresh start, it also poses the challenge of getting burnt out.

Data from Indeed’s 2024 Workforce Insights Report reveals that 60% of current employees are prepared to apply for new jobs, so it’s not unknown territory if you’re in the same boat. However, you need to be strategic in your decisions to explore new opportunities without risking your current job.

Here are four things you should consider to make the transition smoothly and professionally:

Plan Your Next Moves

It takes a good strategy to ensure success in every endeavor, so make sure to plan ahead when contemplating job hunting while you’re still employed. Know that you can’t do 100% on your job search and 100% in your current role, as that will wear you down.

Identify your objectives in this search, whether it’s higher pay, a specific role, better work-life balance, or a particular work culture. Setting specific days or times to work on the job search activities can help manage your schedule. Take advantage of breaks, commutes, or waiting periods to do your research and work on the hunt.

You can also set a timeline for the next 3 or 6 months on how you plan to keep working on this project to avoid last-minute pivots or losing momentum. Stay motivated by focusing on your long-term goals and maintaining a balanced approach.

Utilize Your Network

If you’ve been in the industry for a while, you might have already developed a professional network that can help you find connections and job leads. Reach out to former colleagues, managers, or clients to catch up and rebuild connections and fruitful conversations on industry news, which can naturally lead to job discussions.

Subtly indicating interest in new opportunities without explicitly mentioning that you’re job searching may also help. You can express curiosity about trends in the industry and inquire if they know of any suitable openings.

If you’re using LinkedIn when applying for jobs, adjust your settings so your manager or teammates don’t get updates about your activities, like connecting with recruiters.

Remember to be cautious with mutual connections who might unintentionally pass on information about your search to your current employer, and always express gratitude to those in your network who offer assistance in your job search.

Prepare Your Documents

Just like every job search, make sure to update your documents, such as your resume, and prepare a draft of cover letters that are tailor-fit to each job that you’re sending an application to.

Make sure to include your biggest successes in your previous and current role, and highlight skills and tools pertinent to the role you’re applying for. Adding industry jargon could also show your expertise and experience.

You can check out these free resources and templates from Workhap to update your resume and cover letter and prepare for interviews. If you need further help on your job search journey, consider signing up with the Get Hired Academy, where you will learn anything you need to land your ideal career in as quickly as 8 weeks.

Update your LinkedIn profile, too, with a well-written headline, about you section, and job experiences section to catch the attention of recruiters who will be looking at your profile throughout your job application process.

Be Discreet And Don’t Jeopardize Your Current Job

When considering jumping ships from one employer to another, make sure you’re not risking your current role. Don’t use your employer’s resources or time, and keep job search-related activities on your own laptop, phone, and email. Using company resources reflects poorly on your professionalism and leaves a digital trail that could raise red flags with your employer.

Also, schedule your interviews during non-work hours if possible, like early mornings and late afternoons, or take personal days to attend interviews without raising suspicion.

Avoid mentioning your job search to colleagues or discussing it in shared office spaces. Even well-meaning colleagues can accidentally let information slip.

Job hunting while maintaining your current role needs a careful balance of discretion, planning, and professionalism. Remember that the goal is not just to find a new job, but to do so in a way that preserves your reputation and relationships. Tread lightly to ensure that you leave the door open for future connections and opportunities.

Although it may not be easy, you can definitely successfully navigate this transition and move forward in your career with confidence and integrity without jeopardizing your professional image. I wish you the best of luck in this career journey!