Advice on conducting a job search while currently employed?

In My Humble Opinion
1

For the past few months I’ve been looking for a new job. However, I’m still currently employed and I don’t want to do anything that would jeopardize my current job because I really don’t have a timeframe for finding a new one and I guess I could even change my mind and decide I want to stay put indefinitely. So, I’m looking for advice on keeping this search on the down low until I have an new job lined up, and not burning any bridges at my current job without having somewhere to go.

One thing I’m being sure not to do is post my resume online. I did this with my last job search, and my then-current employer did find it and bring it up with me. The advantage I did have at that time, was that I was overqualified for that job and they really didn’t want to lose me. It almost was a benefit because I almost wanted them to know I was serious about getting a new job. That’s probably a luxury I don’t have with my current job now.

A big specific scenario I’m wondering about is applying at other companies that my employer does business with (both customers and suppliers). If I submit my resume to a these companies, do I run the risk of word getting back to my boss that I applied elsewhere. So far, I have been very reluctant to submit my resume to any companies that I know do business with my employer, and I’m even holding off on applying at companies until I know they don’t do business with us. Am I unecessarily restricting my search with this policy, or is it justified? Any first hand examples of one company letting another know that they’ve received resumes from one of their employees.

So, any advice for conducting a job search while currently employed? Any horror stories of looking for a new job coming back to haunt someone at their current one? Any advice in general for this situation?

2

Many experts advise to look for a new job while you’re working already. Employers apparently are more favorable to a candidate who’s currently working than one who’s unemployed.

I can’t give any advice about how to go about it without alienating your current employer, though.

3

I’d avoid companies that you know have direct contact with yours (suppliers and customers).

Don’t put the name of your current employer in your CV; indicate sector, but explain in the cover letter that since you’re employed, discretion is very important to you.

4

You can post on Monster with your name and current employer listed as “confidential.”

And I think you’re being a bit paranoid about the current suppliers thing – whoever is reading resumes probably isn’t the person who’s actually interacting with your company, and isn’t going to call anyone at your company just to bust you. Also, it’s probably to your advantage to have the resume-reader see a company name he or she recognizes as the current employer.

As someone who does some hiring – I totally understand that someone who’s currently employed is trying to keep a low profile, and I’m happy to, for instance, schedule interviews for first thing in the morning or last thing in the afternoon – and when I talk to someone during the day, either he or she has called me (presumably out of earshot of any cubiclemates), or I start the conversation with “is this a good time for you to talk?”