Looking for a new job while currently employed can be a delicate balancing act. For many job seekers, privacy isn't just a preference – it is part of protecting their current job security.
A person may be ready for a new opportunity, interested in seeing what else is out there, or simply curious about what positions might be available. But that doesn't necessarily mean a current employer should know that an employee is exploring options – curiosity plays an important role in career progression.
When I teach students about careers, I always recommend settling into their new position over a 3 to 6 month time frame. After that, they should be looking for positions at the next level up from their current position – not to leave the job they just secured. This exercise offers them an idea of what skillsets are required to get promoted. Once this information is known, the employee can start volunteering for committees to learn new skills in their current organization, take classes, attend webinars, etc. This is being curious – something that a person’s boss may not need to be aware of.
Without the skills or knowledge of the next level of an organization, promotions may not happen. Employers are keen to promote people who will be able to step into the new role and hit the ground running.
Your Current Employer Doesn't Need to Know You're Looking
There is nothing unusual about an employed professional keeping an eye on the job market.
People change jobs for many reasons. They may be looking for greater responsibility, a different type of design work, a better cultural fit, a shorter commute, or simply a new challenge.
But until a job seeker has decided to make a move, there is often no reason for their current employer to know they are considering one – or have a profile created on a job board for other employers to find.
Being discovered by a current supervisor or coworker during a confidential job search could create unnecessary tension in the workplace. It could affect relationships with managers or colleagues, change how future assignments are handled, or make someone feel uncomfortable in their current position.
That's why privacy features on a job board like being able to block an employer from viewing a person’s profile can be so valuable.
Interior Design Careers has added this feature to allow job seekers the privacy they should have when exploring new opportunities. Here is what to expect when building your profile and uploading your resume:
Blocking Your Current Employer Will Add an Important Layer of Privacy
A job seeker should have the ability to prevent their employer from seeing job-seeking activity or profile posted to a job board. Think of it as putting a privacy fence around your job search.
You can still explore opportunities. You can still make your qualifications visible to other potential employers. You can still participate in the job market.
But you have taken an important step to reduce the chance that your current employer will discover that you are looking.
It doesn't mean you are hiding something. It means you are managing who has access to information about your career plans.
A Job Search Doesn't Have to Mean You're Planning to Leave Soon
Another important point is that looking for a job doesn't necessarily mean someone has decided to leave their current position.
A designer might see an interesting opportunity and want to learn more. They might save a position while they consider whether it is actually a good fit. They might update their résumé months before they are ready to make a move.
Career planning should happen long before a resignation letter is written.
This planning is what makes privacy even more important.
Job seekers should be able to explore the market on their own timeline, without feeling that every click, profile view, or application could alert their current employer.
Privacy Helps Job Seekers Search With Confidence
A confidential job search can also lead to a better job search.
When interior design professionals realize exploring opportunities privately is possible the individual may be more comfortable researching companies, reviewing positions, updating profiles, and considering what is really wanted in the next role.
A person does not have to rush. Making decisions based on fear that someone at their current company might discover their activity would just add anxiety to the current work space.
And they can take the time to find an opportunity that genuinely fits their skills and career goals.
Privacy Is Part of a Good Job-Search Experience
Your career search is your business.
You shouldn't have to choose between protecting the job you have and exploring the job you want.
