Ease your job search and grab good offer

Deciding to move on is seldom an easy task but it is a choice you have to make, if it works for your career. Career Counselor Swati Salunkhe advises prudence, "Before taking a final call, one should try talking to the supervisor to gauge where the organization is headed and where he/ she stands and how he/she is perceived."
In case you decide to move on, do not disclose it till you are ready to submit your resignation. Alienating your current workplace before getting an offer is the worst mistake you can make.
Shraddha Manvi, Instructional Designer, LRN Pvt Ltd, feels, "Most people don’t want to leave their current jobs and then start hunting for a new one and understandably so. But you need to adhere to certain dos and don’ts if you want to job hunt while working."
Online factors
Registering in an online job portal will help you in your job search. However, ensure that it allows you to block your present employer and customize who can view your profile and what is visible to the viewer. Though you need to update the job board and put up your latest resume for relevant vacancies, you may consider leaving out details about your current organization or giving a different contact number.
Time it right
Try to schedule your interview before or after working hours. Avoid taking a leave or calling in sick, as repeated instances will make your supervisor suspicious and may put you in a spot. At the most, you can come in a little late or leave a little early. Since it is essential to be punctual for a job interview, it is advisable to schedule it in the morning. Sita adds, "Ensure that the interviews do not clash with any deadline/s at your current workplace."
Be organized
Since you will be hard pressed for time as you juggle official engagements and deadlines along with your job search, you need to be organized. Maintain records of the placement agencies you have forwarded your resume to, positions applied for and duly follow up with recruiters. In case you send customized resumes for each position, keep track of the profiles applied for and resumes sent.
Nothing official about it
Never waste office time to send applications, respond to job emails, faxes or even attend phone calls. It is advisable to step outside during lunch hour to attend phone calls. Shraddha points out, "It is unprofessional to browse job sites from your workplace; it shows disrespect towards your employer."
Besides the ethical factor, using the office email id or computer can make your job search public as most organizations access logins. Also, your colleagues will get the wind of it, if they see you working on your resume or logging into jobsites.
References and recommendations
Often when the recruitment process is in the final stage, recruiters seek references. Try to provide references of colleagues from previous organizations after seeking their consent. Impress upon the recruiters the fact that they should not talk to anyone in your current organization before you get the final offer and if they do, it should be with your knowledge. Do apprise your supervisor before the recruiter contacts him/her.
Best till last
Although you will have your reasons for wanting to quit, never get into the exit mode till you have something concrete in hand. Swati advises, "You should wind up your work and handover in a proper manner. Ensure that even the last assignment gets its due." Act responsibly and do not take it easy even in the notice period. Leaving on a positive note will not only make you feel better but will also fetch benefits in terms of good recommendation and references from ex-employers.