Keeping it Close to the Vest

When conducting a job search, it's important to keep your current employer in the dark. Unfortunately, in today's age of information overload, it's hard to keep a job search private. Here are a few tips.

First, a few obvious, common-sense rules. Don't use your work phone, work email address, or company cell phone in any job search activities. Don't use your company computer, laptop, and/or internet connection to surf Monster or any other job search sites. Don't talk about your job search within earshot of coworkers. Don't even tell close office friends you believe you can trust. Don't leave your resume lying on your desk. Request confidentiality from all potential employers until an offer is made.

Beyond the obvious, consider the following tips for keeping your job search quiet. Remove identifying information from your online resume. Replace your name with a generic title such as "Senior Marketing Executive". Use only your cell phone number and a web-based email address that can be dropped after your job search. City and state is sufficient for address – no need for street address or zip code. Remove your current employer's name and replace it with something that is descriptive, yet unidentifiable such as "Major Manhattan-based Financial Organization".

Be careful in your networking. Networking is essential to an effective job search, but indiscrete networking can breach your wish for confidentiality. Networking carefully can be even more difficult in closed industries or highly-specialized fields. Ask more questions than you answer in group settings; talk about possible employment options with decision-makers only; and provide your resume only to someone in a position to assist you confidentially.

Protect your references. References should only be provided in an interview, and preferably not at a first interview. You don't want your colleagues getting wind of your intentions before an offer is imminent.

In addition to confidentiality in a job search, everyone should be concerned about protection of privacy. Never, ever give out your social security number, driver's license number, or bank account numbers to anyone during the job search process. There are scam artists out there who will take advantage of your vulnerability as a job seeker to steal your identity, your money, and your reputation.