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How do people find their next job opportunity while they may still be employed?

If people are ready to level up or switch in their careers, how do they find their next job opportunity while they may still be employed? I am currently working my first job in the nonprofit/education industry since graduating college, and I am thinking about finding another job in a year.

Thank you comment icon Hello Mia! Honestly, change often comes from a place of prevention. When you notice something at your workplace that doesn't sit well with you, or if you feel you're not growing there, don't hesitate to move on and start afresh somewhere else. However, it's crucial to be genuine in your actions. Simply put, reflect on your situation and make the most of your time, as its duration is unpredictable. Take care of yourself and keep moving forward! Éverton Backes
Thank you comment icon My biggest piece of advice is that it is much better to find your next job while you are still in your current job! Some ways to do that include: building out your resume, researching other companies you want to work for (not just individual jobs) and to be patient! Jeff Waterhouse

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Jazhel’s Answer

Hi Mia,

I think it’s good to stay open to other opportunities. When you feel you have outgrown your current position or need/want a different pace, environment, or responsibility, then it’s safe to research other jobs out there. Think of the field you would like to be a part of and the position you would like to explore. Use a job search site such as indeed and enter key words to browse job openings/postings. If you have a company in mind, go to their website and search their listing of available jobs. It may be under careers or employment on the site. I wish you all the best in your search.
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much for the advice. Mia
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Maya’s Answer

Hi Mia! One thing you can do while in a current job is build your network through connections with folks in different industries and roles. Informal "coffee chats" (either in person, or via phone / Zoom) are a great way to ask people about their careers, and to build your understanding of different opportunities that may be available to you. I have learned so much by asking questions, and am always blown away by how generous people are with sharing their stories. I often like to ask them if there's anyone in their network that they recommend I speak with based on our conversation -- this is a great way to grow your network and explore what else you might want to do in the course of your career.
Thank you comment icon This was super helpful, thank you! Mia
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Dale’s Answer

There are many methods of learning about other career opportunities, including LinkedIn, your personal network, headhunters, job opening websites/digests, career pages of company websites, etc.
Thank you comment icon Thank you, this is really helpful. Mia
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Nizar’s Answer

The best thing to do is never quit your job while working. Employer don't like people who says I am unemployed looking for a job. While you are working update your resume with your latest job, and review your what do in your job. Good idea to write down what you do everyday like a week. When getting an interview by prepared for questions to answers and be yourself as they say follow interview recommendations from several places on the internet. It is not easy. It is like have two jobs, but for a while.
Good luck
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much! Mia
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Grace’s Answer

Hi Mia - I think it is important to ask yourself why do you want to leave your current role for another role (i.e. a job with a higher pay, or a job in a different industry), the answer to this question would help you with your next job search.
A good resource to look for another job opportunity would be LinkedIn. This is a good tool to not only look for job opportunities but also "network" with other professionals.
Thank you comment icon Thank you! Mia
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Joyzz’s Answer

Hey Mia, you're absolutely capable of holding onto your current job while simultaneously exploring new opportunities for your next career move. The world is brimming with chances for you to kick-start a fresh career.

- Consider engaging in relevant educational activities to solidify your foundation in the required skills and knowledge. Sign up for courses that resonate with your career aspirations, this could include both traditional schooling as well as online certifications.

- Find yourself a mentor who's seasoned in your area of interest; their wisdom and guidance can be priceless. Expand your network by joining professional associations, participating in online discussions, and becoming an active member of social media groups that align with your career goals.

- Cultivating a strong network can unlock job prospects, offer support, and keep you updated on the latest industry happenings.

Moreover, you can acquire hands-on experience through internships, volunteering, or part-time jobs. This will not only boost your resume but also give you a profound understanding of your chosen field. By merging education, mentorship, networking, and practical experience, you're setting yourself up strategically for a successful career transition.
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much! Mia
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James Constantine’s Answer

Dear Mia,

Navigating Job Prospects While Maintaining Current Employment

In your journey to further your career or transition into a new one while retaining your current job, it's crucial to tread carefully and maintain a high level of professionalism. This will help you avoid any potential negative impacts on your existing role. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you uncover your next career move while still employed:

1. Refresh Your Resume and LinkedIn Profile:

Make sure your resume reflects your latest achievements and experiences. Enhance your LinkedIn profile by emphasizing your skills and accomplishments.

2. Leverage Strategic Networking:

Make the most of professional networking platforms such as LinkedIn to connect with individuals in your target industry. Participate in industry-related events, conferences, and seminars to broaden your network.

3. Maintain Confidentiality in Your Job Search:

Preserve the confidentiality of your job hunt by not using company resources or discussing it with coworkers. Use your personal devices and email for all job search-related communications.

4. Explore Passive Job Search Strategies:

Think about setting up job alerts on different job boards or recruitment sites. This way, potential opportunities can come to you without the need for active searching.

5. Plan Interviews Judiciously:

Aim to arrange interviews outside your work hours or during lunch breaks to avoid arousing suspicion at your current job.

6. Consult a Career Coach:

A career coach can offer valuable advice on how to discreetly conduct your job search while remaining employed.

7. Monitor Your Online Image:

Ensure your social media profiles project a professional image, as potential employers may review them during the hiring process.

8. Review Company Policies:

Check your current employment contract and company policies about job searches while employed to make sure you're not breaching any agreements.

9. Explore Temporary Roles or Freelancing:

If feasible, look into temporary roles or freelancing opportunities in your target field. This can help you gain experience and establish connections before fully transitioning.

By adhering to these steps, you can effectively manage your job search while still employed and transition seamlessly into a new career opportunity when the timing is right.

Top 3 Credible Sources Used in Formulating this Response:

Harvard Business Review: Offers valuable insights and guidance on career growth, including strategies for conducting a job search while currently employed.

Forbes: Provides articles and resources on career progression strategies, including tips for discreetly seeking new job opportunities while maintaining a current role.

LinkedIn: As a premier professional networking platform, LinkedIn provides useful resources and tools for individuals aiming to explore new career opportunities while keeping their current employment status confidential.

Stay Blessed,
JC.
Thank you comment icon Thank you, James Constantine for the advice. Mia
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Zainab’s Answer

Hello Mia,

While continuing with your current job, it's a great idea to start exploring new possibilities. You can do this by engaging in conversations with recruiters, browsing through job listing websites, refreshing your resume, and discussing potential opportunities with friends at different companies. This will not only broaden your network, but also help you discover the types of jobs out there that pique your interest. It's a fantastic way to open up new paths for your career!
Thank you comment icon Thank you, Zainab for the advice. Mia
Thank you comment icon Attending networking events is also good, as you can learn more about your industry whilst connecting with potential future employers Stephanie Norris
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Kelli’s Answer

As Milena mentioned, there is some great advice here, especially from a strategic perspective.

Regarding the tactical, I'll offer some practical steps you can take to "signal" to recruiters and hiring managers you're open to new opportunities. This step involves creating a LinkedIn profile and ensuring it's tailored to the position you're pursuing, including keywords and relevant skills that you possess displayed within your profile. (If you are looking for help building your LinkedIn profile, I recommend picking up a copy of Donna Serdula's LinkedIn Profile Optimization for Dummies or Linked by Omar Garriott and Jeremy Schifeling; also, you may want to read the posts of people such as Austin Belcak and Kevin D. Turner who recently participated in a webinar about using LinkedIn as part of your job search = https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/premiering-right-now-free-linkedin-profile-master-class-turner-sj9oc/?trackingId=utMUAbWXSDqhkoMPVC1L7w%3D%3D).

At a minimum, ensure you have a relevant background photo (some people call it a banner), profile picture (use photofeeler.com for feedback on your selected photo), headline that includes your target job or relevant keywords and explains what you do/how you can help a company, an About section that describes your skill sets and, again, how you can help an employer fill their need, and your work experience for the last 10 years or so. The books referenced above can be a great help in building out these areas.

Once your profile is updated and ready for prime time, consider enabling the Open to Work feature on LinkedIn. If you do NOT want your current employer to know you're exploring new opportunities, turn this on for "Recruiters Only" vs "All LinkedIn Members." You can read more about the Open to Work feature by navigating to the LinkedIn help menu and searching "open to work" - a snippet describing each option is below.

By taking this action on LinkedIn, you can increase the reach of your job search interest to include recruiters who are looking for someone with your skill set proactively and for jobs that you may not have applied to yourself. Your job search should include a variety of strategies including applying for jobs, networking, and even signaling your interest in new roles to recruiters and hiring managers on LinkedIn.

From LinkedIn help:

Recruiters only: People using LinkedIn Recruiter only. To protect your privacy, we take steps to prevent LinkedIn Recruiter users who work at your current company from seeing your shared career interests, but we can’t guarantee complete privacy.

All LinkedIn Members: This also includes recruiters and people at your current company. It also adds the OpenToWork photo frame.

Best of luck to you!
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Milena’s Answer

Hello Mia,

There's already an abundance of excellent advice out there, but I'd like to emphasize the importance of getting a head start. Before you even begin your job hunt or start sending out applications, take some time to prepare. Research the companies that catch your interest - delve into their mission statements, financial stability, work culture, available roles, and the skills they value. This will help you tailor your resume and prepare relevant examples for interviews. When the time comes to apply, you'll be all set!

Networking is another crucial aspect of landing a new role. Think about joining local professional groups in your area. This will allow you to connect with people from various industries. If someone piques your interest, don't hesitate to follow up. Keep the conversation going, perhaps over a casual coffee chat.

Remember, this process may require you to dedicate some of your personal time, outside of regular working hours. But with commitment and curiosity, you might stumble upon opportunities you never even considered. So, gear up and get ready for an exciting journey ahead!
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