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When you’re looking to switch jobs, it’s common to make a few mistakes. However, even the most innocuous of slip-ups could result in your being unemployed while you’re looking for work. While you might hate your current job, you’ve still got bills to pay.
Today, we’re looking at some of the most common mistakes people make when looking for a new job. Remember: you don’t want to burn any bridges, even if your current job is driving you crazy.
When you’re hunting for a new job, don’t use company materials or time. Don’t apply to new jobs using company computers, while on the clock. Don’t pick up company phones to schedule interviews with a potential new employer. This isn’t just an uncool thing to do: the IT department could catch wind of this.
It’s not hard for IT to see the computer activity of the people who work in the office. If you’re job-hunting on the clock, you could find yourself job hunting and unemployed in no time. Keep your job search on your own equipment and your own time.
Make sure you don’t inadvertently schedule job interviews during your current work hours. It can be tempting to call in sick and hit up an interview, but this is a bad idea. Not only will your employer be frustrated to miss you for the day, but an interview also isn’t a guaranteed shot at employment.
Not to mention, you’ll need to either lie to the interviewer or admit that you’re skipping out on work for the interview. This is a bad position to put yourself in. Just avoid this scheduling conflict.
When you’re looking for a new job, keep it to yourself. There’s no need for your coworkers to overhear you venting about the job search.
Likewise, don’t go posting about it online if you’re friends with any coworkers or your managers. This is a surefire way to sign up for drama at work!
If you can, give two weeks notice when you get a new job. This is not just the polite thing to do, it’s also a good way to keep from burning bridges. You never know what could happen at your new job.
As such, it’s ideal to keep on good terms with your prior employer. Even if you can’t stand the job, there’s no reason to be a jerk.
