Looking for job while employed? What you need to know..

Whether you are looking for a career move or change of environment while employed, you need to know that your tactic, strategy or approach isn't like those days you were applying as a fresh graduate.

If you don't already know, here are a few pointers for you to consider before applying for the next job.




Think & Ponder

• Do you really think a change is necessary? If yes, then you will need to know that the grass isn't always greener on the other side. You might not know if the working condition in your new role would be a good one or a bad one. You cannot foresee this until you are actually acting in the role, and it would be too late to turn back.
• Will your new job provide you job security and also financial security. If you jump from a stable job and secured job into a company which can hardly manage their cashflow, you may end up in a bowl of hot soup. 
• Are you looking for a new job for career progression or a change of environment. Be specific of what you expect and focus only on one point. See the interview section below. 

Now that you have thoroughly given thoughts on above, your next step is to update your resume.

Updating your resume

• Focus on your experience. Describe your position and be specific on your roles and responsibility. 
• Expand your strength by highlighting your achievement and contribution to the company. 
• Avoid putting your manager's contact number as reference. This is to avoid your manager from knowing that you applying for a new job. Some managers may take it personally and it might hurt your relationship with your manager. Even worse, if you don't get a new job, your manager may constantly put you under pressure because he or she feels that you no longer loyal to the company. Your alternative is to put your vendors contact as reference, or someone who know the quality of your work.

Job hunting

• Good news is employers prefer to hire those who are currently employed or have experience. Albeit Jobstreet is the popular job search portal, you do not have to limit yourself to one channel. Ask around if any of your friends' company is currently hiring. Use headhunter services. Or use your network. Referred candidates have higher chances of being called for interview. 
• Be sure to scrutinize the job description. If you have any doubt on the skills or experience required on the job description, ask the HR personnel from the company, the headhunter or whoever referred you to the position. The job description is your only weapon to forecast your new role and responsibility. 
• Be prepared with the necessary documents such as resume, pay slip, offer letter of your current company, certificates of membership of certain board you are in, professional certificates. At any point of time the employer may be interested to look at the documents prior to a job interview. Keep a folder under Dropbox, WeTransfer, or simply keep softcopy of the documents in your email. If required, just forward it or provide them with the link to retrieve your document at any time of the day.

Attending interview

• Attending interview may require you to apply for leave in advanced. If you receive an invitation for interview, apply your leave as anything else, but stating that you are going for a job interview. This goes back to the reason that your manager may take it as a personal offense. 
• Be very focused on what you ask for. Do you want a career advancement. If you are attending an interview a different work line as what you are currently doing, that is not a career advancement. A career advancement is a progression of what you are currently doing but with a bigger responsibility. Same as if you are looking for a change of environment. A change of company is not considered as change of environment if the two companies are in the same industry. Be very specific of what your direction is.
• Never bad mouth your current employer because you may not know the impact. Even if you don't like your current company, boss, colleagues or position, always say something positive. 
• "Want to gain new experience" is probably the worst mistake in expressing your desire for a new job. 

Know what they are paying

• Be honest to yourself if you can accept the new salary and benefit packages that the new employer has to offer. Some companies may be paying lesser that what you already earn.
• Is it worth it to accept a higher salary but lesser benefit packages? 

Next post we will discuss on how to be headhunted. Stay tuned!