Keeping your job search confidential

It was almost ten years ago when I walked into a lobby of a news organisation in Cairo for an interview. I was seated among other dressed-up hopeful applicants and patiently waited to be called in.

A couple of minutes later, I could see a familiar face joining the group. It was my then-boss's husband. He recognised me immediately and said hello, which I returned with a brief greeting and decided to cut the socialisation short. I tried to keep my focus on the interview even though I expected a problem to deal with.

I knew that even though there is nothing wrong with job hunting particularly in competitive market, employers often see a staff member who is actively looking for another job as less committed and, even less loyal, to the company.

The following day I went to the office prepared with answers to any questions regarding my job quest: what I didn't like about my job; remuneration prospects; career ambition, etc. However, my boss never raised the subject and I could only sense a slight awkwardness in the air which might had been the result of my own feeling of being busted.

But now I know that no matter how discreet I might be about job hunting, I can never rule out the possibility that my supervisor or co-workers will find out about it one way or another.

While reactions may also vary from one employer to another, here are a few tips on how to ensure confidentiality of your job search and deal with any fallout.

Don't publicise it

Offices are usually boring and it is more than easy to detect any change of behaviour or routine. So don't show up in a suit and a briefcase on a causal Thursday and expect that no one would notice. Additionally, take any job-related calls, particularly phone interviews, away from the office, which will give you more space to focus on the call without worrying who might be listening. Finally, don't feed the gossip machine by news of your job hunt. Co-workers don't need to know about your adventures unless you absolutely have to. Even then, you have to be sure that the recipient is committed to be quiet about it so that you avoid dealing with a concerned boss too early in the process.

Personal and confidential

Don't take confidentiality for granted. While most hiring managers will be careful and conscious of any step that might jeopardise your current job, errors are not uncommon. So if you're concerned about your current employer's reaction, make it clear that your employer may not be contacted as a reference until you've given a green light, and list only your personal contact information making it clear that you should not be e-mailed or called at the office. No future employer should hold your caution against you so don't hesitate in asking for confidentiality explicitly in your resume and cover letter.

Don't negotiate just yet

There is a big difference in an employer's point of view between a staff member who is looking for a job and another who has been offered a job. So if it happens that your boss becomes aware of your job hunt, remember you're not in a strong position to negotiate simply because you don't have the other job yet. You might explain what the other opportunity offers and why it can be more fulfilling. However don't play up the pressure for a counter offer unless there is something tangible on the table.

When things go wrong

Regardless of whether they like it or not, most employers won't even be surprised to know that one of their staff is looking for a better job somewhere else. However, things can go awfully wrong in some cases such as if you're busted while negotiating an offer with a rival company. Expect your employer to flip out and a threat of being fired won't be unlikely. That's why it is very important if you're looking for a job, that you don't go to a rival employer just to shop as it sends the wrong message to everyone. If you're serious about the employment prospect with a competitor and you find yourself in trouble, explain your motives for seeking the other job clearly and honestly and assure your current employer of being committed to any non-disclosure agreements.