I am currently looking for a new job, and expect that I will need to interview several times before I am successful. What should I do about explaining my absences from the office? What about handling phone calls at work? Should I just tell my boss the truth?

Undercover interviews

There is no question that trying to find a job while you have a job is no easy task. Whether you have decided to leave your current organization for certain, or if you are just “testing the waters”, you can easily begin to feel alienated from your current boss and co-workers very quickly. This will be a stressful time for you, since you need to juggle your current responsibilities with the phone calls, follow-up, and interviews needed to land your next job. Ideally, the time it takes you to find a new position after having made that decision to leave is going to be as short as possible, but like the Boy Scouts, it definitely helps to be prepared.

Start with the right attitude

Your overall objective is to get the right new job in as little time as possible, with as little risk to your current job as possible. After all, your current employer is paying you to work for a set time per day, and if they notice you taking too much time off, they may get suspicious that you are looking for another job. It is usually not a good idea to have your employer doubt your loyalty to them – it can sway their decision-making on possible promotions or transfers, or even have them think about your employment status with them. In addition, we have many clients who have related to us that after searching outside their employer for a job, the perfect opportunity came up in their current organization. So it pays to keep your options open.

Set up your job search criteria

You can do the most to get prepared by starting with the right approach to the job search. These are, in effect, your “rules of engagement”, which establish such things as if you will go on an interview at all (not every interview is worth going to), what time of day you agree to meet for interviews, what your strategy will be for changing clothes (if necessary), how you will communicate to employers and recruiters during work hours, and how you will explain any absences from work without arousing suspicion, among others.

Keep absences to a minimum

A very simple option is to minimize the number of absences in the first place. Interviewers naturally prefer to hold interviews at times that are convenient to them, but they do understand that many candidates have restrictions that require accommodation. When you are called about an interview, let them know that you are currently employed and acknowledge any restrictions with them. This should not stop you from being as flexible as possible to arrange a mutually convenient time for an interview. Early morning, lunch, or evening appointments are strong alternatives. It can be difficult to schedule interviews by trying to take vacation days, since appointments can change at the last minute.

What colour lies should I tell?

Most of us don’t enjoy lying or being deceitful to others. It can be a source of stress to many of us, especially keeping track of multiple deceptions. However, it is usually better to keep your job search as confidential as possible, even from trusted work colleagues, so a few “white lies” to help hide your intentions should not cause you concern. Do try to keep these deceptions as simple as possible. “I have an appointment after work and need to leave a little early, is that okay?” is a good approach – and 100% true. And always gauge whether you need to say anything at all. For example, if there is flextime at your office and you are okay to leave at certain times, simply leave – there is no need to say anything (even if your guilty conscience thinks you should).

Complications, Clark Kent, and Superman

With “Business Casual” as the new dress code in most workplaces these days, things can easily get complicated if you need to change into your more formal interview clothes before an interview. Again, have a plan worked out beforehand, and get creative. While changing in a phone booth is not an option these days, there are plenty of other possibilities, from bathrooms, to closets, to cars. Do not be tempted to either dress up at work, or dress down for the interview. Don’t be afraid to ask the interviewer about their dress code to know how formal you need to be.

Communication tips

Don’t forget to consider your communication options – interviewers generally want to get a response to their queries on the same day. With the proliferation of cellphones, voicemail, and e-mail access, you should have no problem staying in touch with prospects throughout the day. Check your devices regularly, but be discreet.

While this can be a very stressful time, it will ultimately be worth the extra effort to get a job you love at the pay you deserve.

Good Luck!

Michael Mayne, M.B.A., CMA, is Managing Partner and a Certified Professional Career Counsellor at Catalyst Careers, a Career Transition, Counselling, and Outplacement firm. Michael has been involved in the not-for-profit sector for many years, and is Past President and Treasurer of ALS Canada. To contact Michael, visit: www.catalystcareers.com.

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Disclaimer: Advice and recommendations are based on limited information provided and should be used as a guideline only. Neither the author nor CharityVillage.com make any warranty, express or implied, or assume any legal liability for accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information provided in whole or in part within this article.