If you're looking for new career opportunities, you may be compelled to look for jobs while you're at work. Job seeking from your desk may be tempting, but it's important to remember that your first obligation is to your current employer. You need to be available to answer the phone when it rings and complete projects given to you by the staff you support. This doesn't mean you can't complete job-seeking tasks from the office; you just need to set some boundaries for yourself so that you still get all of your work completed on time.
A recent study conducted by Accountemps showed that almost half of the people surveyed between ages 18 and 34 are comfortable looking for a job while at work. So, if you're planning to look for a new position while you're sitting at your desk, you aren't alone. However, you should conduct your search in your own time so that you can avoid tarnishing your reputation.
If you are job seeking online, you've probably applied to numerous job postings via email. While it may be tempting to check your personal email to see if you've had any responses, you should only check for responses during your break and lunch times. Also, if you're an administrative assistant who supports numerous employees and your desk is out in the open, you might want to consider bringing your personal laptop or tablet to work and checking your emails from the break room. This way, random employees don't see you checking your email at your desk and assume that you're job seeking while you're supposed to be working.
New career opportunities are out there, but it takes time to find them. Job seeking online requires more than responding to emails. You need to submit resumes and cover letters for the positions that you're applying for. Keep in mind that it can take a good amount of time to search for openings and send the proper information. Therefore, this is a task that you should complete before or after work or during your lunch break. This way, you have plenty of time to devote to the process.
If you don't want your current employer to know you're actively job seeking, you shouldn't discuss your plans with your coworkers. The last thing you want is for someone to tell your boss that you might be leaving when you don't have a new position lined up. Also, you need to schedule job interviews outside of business hours so that you aren't missing work to attend them.
Whether your current position is temporary or permanent, you don't want your employer to know that you're looking for a job because if your employer finds out that you're job seeking, it could create an awkward situation. However, as long as you remain ethical and responsible about your job search, there's no reason why you shouldn't do some job seeking from work.
(Photo courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net)
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