How do you find a new job if...

[BuddyXL]

So the subject line is not meant to be cryptic, just needs some explanation.

How do you find a new job if your boss is vindictive enough that they would fire you even for looking?

I need to find a new position but unsure of how to do that when if any of my network (who all know my boss) would let it slip I was looking or they interviewed me got back to my boss, they would fire me immediately.

I'd love to post I was looking on LinkedIn or such as I have a ton of connections but I know that would get back to my employer.  I do have the "Always looking, open to recruiters" button ON in my profile.

I know others have been in this situation so what did you do?  I know people talk about "headhunters" but not sure how I can convince others to help me find a job if they haven't previously contacted me before?

In my 30+ years of work I have always found jobs by just people I know who asked if I wanted to come work for them.  But I hate the idea of just waiting for that to happen again.  It doesn't feel very proactive.

Any thoughts? 

Thanks

[GuitarStv]

Look up your rights first.  Firing someone for looking for another job is wrongful dismissal around here, and will usually end up costing the person who does the firing a lot of money.

As far as what you should do, I'd immediately start looking for (and applying to) a new job.  Start discreetly, simply by submitting resumes directly or contacting headhunting organizations.  Headhunters don't care about who you are or what you're capable of at all, they're looking to move product (you) and make commission.  You just call 'em up and see if they're hiring.

[Proud Foot]

Just start looking. Use the job sites (Glassdoor, Indeed, ZipRecruiter) and search there for positions you are interested in. You can set your profile up so they notify you if a new job is posted matching what you are looking for. You can also set it so recruiters are not able to see your profile/resume on these sites. Find a local recruiting agency which specializes in the the field you work in and at the organizational level you want to work at. Meet with them so they know you and what you want and can contact you when they get something which could be a match. Finally find the organizations you want to work for and just hawk their job boards for openings.

Also network with your contacts and make new contacts as well. Figure out how do subtly drop that you are looking to make a move without coming out and saying it directly.

If your boss fires you for looking then immediately file for unemployment. I have a hard time believing that getting fired for looking at other jobs would be justifiable to deny you unemployment benefits.

[Papa bear]

I’m a headhunter. Confidential searches can be tricky, because no matter what, your resume will get out to someone. 

If you really want to be as careful as possible do NOT apply through any job boards. They will have your info and can become searchable.  If you do have interest in a role that is posted, contact the company directly, by phone, before giving them any of your information. Try to talk only to the hiring manager, because HR can get “gossipy.”

Contact a few recruiters in your industry, probably through LinkedIn messages or connect with them with a brief intro message. Try to find executive recruiters that are used to confidential searches.  Tell them your situation. They will be able to “sell” your background to their clients with redacted info from your resume, or no resume at all.

What this all comes down to is you have plausible deniability that you aren’t “looking” for a job.  Oh that recruiter that called the company on my behalf? I never authorized them to do that! They must have taken my info from my LinkedIn page! Headhunters get paid to be the scape goats. We’re always at fault when something goes wrong, because we should always take the fall for our clients.


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[Highbeam]

At some point, the new company will want to talk to references. Then you're sunk and you had better hope that it's a sure thing.

[Papa bear]

At some point, the new company will want to talk to references. Then you're sunk and you had better hope that it's a sure thing.

Very rarely will there be a need for references on confidential searches where a candidate is actively working.  In the case of “company policy,” candidate usually can provide a prior coworker, supervisor, or employee reference. 

A reference check should never interfere with a candidates current employment.  And if it does, something went terribly wrong. 




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[Sibley]

Obligatory referral to Askamanager.org

[Papa bear]

Obligatory referral to Askamanager.org

I often find that I disagree about the job seeking advice, as it seems to be from the point of HR, which is rarely in the best interest of finding employment for you, the actual person looking.

Other info on the site is pretty solid, though.


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