If you’re smart, you look for another job while you have a job. Of course in this industry, that isn’t always an option. A lost account means big unexpected layoffs sometimes. All the more reason to start looking now.

Of course looking for a job while you have a job also means you need to be smart. Most of the folks I speak to each day are at work. Some duck away into a conference room or step outside and speak to me on a cell phone. I’ve spoken to candidates in the bathroom (nothing like hearing a “flush” in the background when I’m chatting away) and I’ve even known a few to duck under a desk. No, that doesn’t look suspicious at all.

Which brings me back to my point…be smart. There’s no sense in burning bridges with your current employer by compromising your current performance and allowing your job search to posess too much time or energy. It’s all about having a plan.

Most employers now have software that monitors employee internet use. In other words, do not spend company time scouring job boards if you’re not aware of your company’s monitoring policy. Find out what is monitored and only use a personal email account when corresponding about jobs. Additionally, you don’t want a prospective employer to think that’s how you roll–conducting a full blown job search on someone else’s buck. So don’t send them anything from your work email.

If you are currently employed, you know that a job search takes a lot of time. And the time it takes is during regular work hours. Very few companies want to interview you on Saturday when you have the day off. But you probably get some time for lunch. Try to schedule a preliminary chat when you’re already going to be away from your desk. Get away from the office. Sit in your car or head to a coffee shop. But don’t stand in the parking lot if you can help it. Ears are everywhere.

Try to schedule breakfast interviews either by phone or in person. A 8:00 a.m. interview may still allow you to get to work at a decent time and you don’t have to make up an elaborate story. Perhaps you could just alter your schedule a bit and stay an hour later that evening.

The other big red flag that you’re looking is that day you show up to work in a suit and tie after wearing jeans and flip flops every day. No one is buying the one about Great Uncle Fred’s funeral being today. You can get away with dress pants and a casual shirt. Then slap on the starched button down and tie en route to the interview.

If you play it smart, you should be able to transiton seamlessly from one position to the next and have a great reference to use again and again as you make your way through your career.

Technorati Tags: Talent Zoo, advertising, marketing, job search, interviews