The recent downturn has left everyone jittery about job security. People are running from pillar to post for a secure job, maybe just as a safety net at times. But the ironic twist is that employees cannot afford to jeopardise their current positions either.
Even the slightest whiff that you are looking elsewhere for better prospects and you are dropped like a hot potato!
This threat of being found out can severely handicap your job search. The grave fear of ending up on the chopping block makes many people refrain from posting their resumes online. They contact very limited organisations and refuse to respond to blind ads, as the ‘classified’ company could very well be their very own employer. Needless to say, the employed jobseekers miss out on some of the best opportunities, all because they cannot afford to get caught!
Well, the good news is that, you can actually pursue good openings, appear for interviews and land the job you want – all in secret.
Here are the rules of the game:
Resume Camouflage – Running a secret job search does not mean that you cannot post your resume on online job boards or answer job classified advertisements. What you must do is exercise prudence while posting/submitting your resume.
• Omit your name and personal contact information from the resume at all costs. If needed, you can mention ‘omitted for confidentiality’ and give a post office number rather than your residential address.
• Never ever use your company email address in your contact information. Provide a private email address (preferably a new one used just for the job search). Make sure that you keep the email address generic, yet professional.
• Similarly, avoid using the office computer, telephone or fax machine in your job search as you can easily be caught red-handed. Always give your mobile or home number for contact purposes.
• Do not mention your company name or unique job title as it can very well blow your cover. State a brief description of your employer and job, like, ‘Fortune 100 IT company’, ‘Top management consulting firm’, ‘Network administrator’ or ‘Senior consultant’. You can even stick to a brief description of the company and job.
• Omit other resume details like graduation date or college if they can hint at your identity.
• Do not make the mistake of disclosing references; always state that they will be ‘provided on request’.
• When posting your resume online, use the anonymous privacy settings so that your organisation does not accidentally stumble across your resume. What’s more, many employers are taking to running regular resume searches of their own employees to catch them out.
• Make sure that you use the ‘company blocker’ service provided by job boards to specifically prevent specific companies including your own one from accessing your resume. As a top online employment and recruitment consultant, Margaret Riley advises, “To maximise your confidentiality, first get a copy of the list of companies allowed to view the site, then block the names you want. Never leave this task for a website to perform.”
• When responding to job classifieds, you can even state that you wish anonymity because of your current employment situation.
Alternative search techniques – You can use other job search options to conceal your name until after you land the interview, or at times even later. Tap into your network of contacts to gain personal referrals for your target job. Your contact can recommend your name in person, on the phone or by email to build your credibility and also explain the need for privacy. But, be careful that the contact is trustworthy and not employed by your company or a subsidiary.
Another option is to develop a personal relationship with recruitment firms in your industry and alert them to avoid indiscriminate resume blasting. You can provide a list of selected companies or request them to contact you before proposing your name for a job opening.
Discretion is the better part of valour – Irrespective of whatever job search means you employ, never ever advertise the fact at work. Your boss or co-workers are bound to smell something fishy if you unexpectedly start dressing up formally to work, arrive late, leave early, take excessive leaves or start slacking off.
Try to schedule interviews before or after work hours or during the lunch hour, if possible.
Also, refrain from bragging about your job search to even your closest colleagues as they may very well spill the beans, sometimes even inadvertently.
All said and done, always keep in mind that despite your best precautions, 100 per cent confidentiality is never guaranteed!
PAYAL CHANANIA
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