Stealth job search- How do you go about it ?

Stealth job search is a job search which you do while you are working in a full time job. Those working in 1970’s & 1980’s got through their career without conducting stealth job search. Earlier, the average length of relationship with an employer was as high as 15 to 18 years & people were not aware of how to look for a job while employed full time. However, dynamics have changed & now people are keen to know about managing both aspects together & has become a must have skill for job search! So how you should go about it?

1. Planning: It starts with a meticulous planning. You should know what kind of job you are looking to explore. Do not open various job portals & blindly start applying for different roles. Consider job search a project & assign timeline for each activity in the process right from writing your resume, cover letter, LinkedIn profile to networking with people & reaching out to prospective employers. Take your time, you already have a job so you are the most sought after candidates for prospective employees out there. Be clear of how do you see your career in next 3 to 5 years.
2. Build your brand: Create your own distinctive brand for the job you desire to be in. Build a story around what exceptional you did in your career till now so that you highlight your key strengths & talents which you wish to leverage in your next job
3. Cautious while updating your LinkedIn: Don’t be aggressive on updating your LinkedIn when you have just started or about to start a job search. If any of your colleague or someone working in your office comes to know of it, he/she can let your manager know. However, this should not be a worry since you can let LinkedIn know that you are open to connect  with recruiters.
4. Prepare a list of search engines: Do not be too dependent on a couple of sources for job search. Look for a broader list of search engines & make a list of target employers/headhunters. The best way would be to articulate a job search strategy which clearly defines sector, geography & roles you wish to target. Accordingly, you can refine sources of your job search.
5. Network & employer reach out approach: Shortlist list of potential employers where you wish to apply & search for hiring manager/connect in those corporations. LinkedIn can be one source where you can find relevant person who can help you in job search. Hiring person can be an HR manager or department head of department/division you wish to work in. Use search bar on the top of LinkedIn to search on combination of corporation name & job title your manager is likely to have. Use google & company website to do a detailed research about your hiring manager. Look out for some common interest that can create a platform for a credible discussion during the interview.
6. Pain letter: Write a pain letter which should be accompanied with your resume. Pain letter & cover letter are similar in one aspect- How you are fit for that role. However, ,pain letter should also include the pain faced by hiring manager & how can help him/her find a solution to that pain point. 

What if your manager finds out that your are job hunting? Your good instincts & clever response to your boss will serve the moment.

Learning the art of stealth job search is a disruptive career skill everyone needs to build and  it isn’t hard to do. You can take start searching for your next job right now! Sign up for our career services here: http://bit.ly/32V089B  & get your resume, LinkedIn profile & cover letter made by our panel of international career coach