Pongo Resume

Did you ever hear the expression, "Just because you can, doesn't mean you should"? I usually say it to my teenage son as he heads off with his friends to the all-you-can-eat buffet.

But it also applies to today's blog topic: Searching for a new job using your current employer's resources. You can. But you shouldn't.

Don't get me wrong. It's perfectly all right to look for a new job while you're still employed. In fact, it's the best way to do it. There's less pressure, and employers may be more apt to hire already-employed people (which is ridiculous and unfair, but that's another topic).

Job hunting while employed is only a problem when your job search takes time or money away from the company that currently provides your paychecks.

First of all, that's unethical. But even if you believe you're justified because of all your "unpaid overtime" or the fact you've been "underpaid for years," the likelihood of getting caught—and fired—should be enough to stop you from doing it.

"So what," you may be thinking, "I hate my job. I'd love to get fired!" OK, but just so you know, getting fired could make you ineligible to collect unemployment. And it makes it a lot tougher to answer the interview question, "Why did you leave your last job?"

Here are two more things to consider if you're thinking of looking for a new job while you're at work.

The Electronic "Paper Trail"

Remember, employers have access to all your emails, instant messages, faxes, and phone calls. Even if you delete them, those messages live on in the backup archives. The company can also track the web sites you visit—even if you're at home if you're using a company-provided laptop or you're logged in remotely to the company network. They pay for the resources, so they have every right to monitor their use.

Online Friends and Connections

You should also stop yourself if you're thinking of Tweeting about the great job posting you just found, posting photos on Facebook of your awesome new interview suit, or updating your LinkedIn account to mention that you're seeking new opportunities. These things have a way of falling into the wrong hands.

Beware the old-fashioned grapevine, too. Even if you don't specifically tell anyone you're job hunting, coworkers will overhear your phone calls or spot those resumes you left on the office printer. That kind of gossip is too juicy not to share.

If your current job is atrocious, the best way to deal with it is to find a better job on your own time. Be creative. Slip out to the car on your lunch hour or break to make phone calls or search the internet. Take time before or after work. Use the library. Take a day off.

Another expression also applies here: "Be good. But if you can't be good, at least be careful!"

What do you think? Do you have any great tips for job hunting without jeopardizing your current job? Post a comment below!

RELATED LINKS
How to Get Time Off for a Job Interview
Hate Your Job? Stay Positive While You Look for Another
3 Job Seeker Tips for Protecting Your Online Reputation

Interesting post, I think looking for another job at your current office is ethically not right. I mean you are getting paid for doing your job. Not for looking another job.

Sam-UK

I am trying to relocate, so my current employer is aware I'm looking for another job. I still Don't use their resources or time to look. It's just not ethical.

@Sam couldn't agree more. It's not right. I can see how it is tempting. Especially if you're at a computer all day, the last thing you want to do is go home and sit on the computer again.

The employer's ability to review what you've been doing on their electronic resources is definitely a reality. A friend of mine told me about a job that my husband might be interested in where she works. I didn't really think much of it when I checked the website on my lunch break to see what the job description was. A week or so later my boss met with me and formally wrote me up for the incident! Obviously, I apologized explaining that it was a lead for my husband and that I didn't think about it before I had done it.

@michann

Wow, that's pretty harsh! I would think your boss might have asked you about it before writing you up. Sounds like a "shoot first, ask questions later" policy.

Thanks for the comment. This is very good to know!

--Julie

Can anyone say THEFT? It is STEALING to do a task on the job that you are not paid to do. Simple as that. Accepting pay for a lie about your time.

@Jeannie

Yup, that pretty much sums it up!

The problem is, it doesn't "feel" like stealing the way taking home a stapler does, so it's easy to rationalize. We conveniently forget that, even though I call it "my" computer, or "my" phone, it really belongs to the employer who bought it and pays the bills!

Thanks for commenting!

Julie

I have to agree that is a little harsh and the boss seems to have good reson to be concerned that people may be looking elsewhere- their responce to the situation is a little over the top.