You've Got to Be Kidding!: How to Keep Your Job Without Losing Your Integrity

Be Careful

Keep your personal business private. This is one situation where you cannot be too careful. While networking has traditionally been the number one route to finding a new job, schmoozing nowadays can be riskier than ever. Be selective about the people with whom you share your plans. Keep in mind that even your best friend—who would never intentionally hurt you or your career—may inadvertently let it slip that you are in the job market. Rumors run rampant when employees are worried about job security.

Do not use your current employer’s time, equipment, or connections without permission. Be fair. In addition to being the ethical thing to do (after all, you are an employee), it is also prudent. If you are discovered doing otherwise, you will be cast—and remembered—in a negative way. How many resumes have we all found on the company’s copy machine, and what did we think of the people careless enough to leave them there? Unless your boss is aware that you are looking for another job and has agreed to help you (use of the copy/fax machines, computer and phone time, postage, even acting as a reference), do not take advantage of her. It’s not fair—and dicey besides. Remember: your company has the right to monitor employee e-mails, voice mail, Blackberrys—everything that is part of their equipment. And you will have compromised yourself during your exit interview if your soon-to-be-former employer believes you conducted your job search from your current office’s premises.

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