How do people find jobs while still working full time at theirs?
My husband and I are both facing this–well him more so than me. We leave early, come home late. We cannot talk on the phone while at work, and we obviously can’t be talking about geting a new job while our bosses are around. I have no access to internet or phone at my job, so i can forget applying. Since we get paid hourly, we can’t keep taking off or coming in late cz of interviews cz we won’t get paid for those lost hours. It seems impossible.
Yet, I hear about people finding jobs while they are still at their current job. makes me wonder if we are just going about things the wrong way.
On your days off, compile a list of current vacancies which interest you. Request applications for those that interest you or fill out the online applications. Ticking them off as you do them.
It is a hard task but you will have to forfeit some hours of sleep to get applications done and sent off.
Failing this, you could always upload your resume/CV to trustworthy sites or join recruitment agencies and they can help you find jobs.
a few pointers
as far as applying for jobs online or on company sites, do them in the evenings
set search agents on jobsearch sites so they filter and give you key results without you having to
get an internet enabled phone. you can do quick scans, and post during lunch break. if you need to email resumes, if your phone does not allow attachments, email yourself different versions of your resumes, know which version is which and just forward that, of course removing the FW: msg etc.
for phone interviews, do it over lunch, or ask them to do it end of the day.
the toughest bit is the in person interviews and how to manage them, now depending on how close they are physically, you can always shoot for an early morning, after hours or lunch time interview. That is not always possible and sometimes when you have to meet multiple people you need more time.
In that case I would say take half a day off, it starts hitting against personal days and vacation days, but you can plan better, are not rushed etc.
I hear u Sara. Not having a phone and no access to internet can be an obstacle but not so much.
Here's what you can do.
1) Register with a few agencies (related to your field eg there r some agencies which specialize in accounting / finance, etc.) Those agencies are quite flexible in meeting up so you dont have to take time off you can go there during lunchtime n mostly r in downtown, toronto (dont know bout ur current work location). Also, once the agents know you at the agency (your professional demeanour, your appearance, your qualificaitons and skills, etc.) it's easier for them to hook you up and kinda emphasize your qualifications.
2) Monster and workopolis are really good websites. Make really good resume and post them on these websites. you have the option to make them public so do so. This way even if you cant apply to a job which matches your skills sometimes employers find them and call you without you applying.
3) Stay in touch with old employers.
4)Whenever you apply, make a new resume specifically for that specific position. Each job position has different criteria and your resume needs to show it.
Hope it helps. Also, once you start working through an agency only then you realize there are so many positions through the agencies which are not avaialbe directly by employer. Going to a company through an agency is a good idea cuz it gives you access to their intranet and their job postings and you grow your network and contacts. Mostly maternity leaves are through agencies too. I know some people don't like agencies, but it helps you gain some experience and to make some contacts.