Stealth Job Hunting

Looking for a job when you already have one can be tough. The last thing you need is for your colleague to get wind you are interviewing, or for a reference to unwittingly call your current boss.

There are, however, a few things you can do to avert disaster and make a quiet and graceful exit – stage left:

• Be laser focused in targeting companies you are seriously interested in; few people need to know what you are up to.

• Know the people with whom you are interviewing, and check social media sites, especially LinkedIn, to know what possible relationships they have with others you know. In certain instances, you will need to be explicit about your need for discretion.

• Hold meetings and interviews away from company offices or buildings. You never know who sees you coming and going. Try to meet after hours and on weekends, especially if out-of-town travel is required.

• Have all contact with a recruiter or hiring manager go to a personal e-mail, and cell or home phones.

• Charge expenses related to job search on personal credit cards.

• Tell as few people as possible, especially “friends” inside your current company, that you are job searching. Remember, “Loose lips sink ships.”

• If asked for references, select them carefully, and call to advise them of the highly sensitive nature of the request before giving their names to the prospective employer.

These are just a few of my suggestions. What other advice do you have for job seekers who are currently employed?