Creating a Job Seeking Plan When You’re Already in a Job (August 21, 2025)

Creating a job-seeking plan while you’re already employed is a smart and strategic move. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you manage it effectively without jeopardizing your current position:

1. Clarify Your Career Goals

Ask yourself:

1. Why are you looking for a new job? (e.g., more money, growth, better culture, flexibility)
2. What type of role do you want next?
3. What industries or companies are you targeting?
4. What’s your timeline?
   

✅ Example Goal: “Find a remote mid-level marketing role in a tech company within 3–6 months.”

2. Set a Weekly Time Commitment

Decide how many hours per week you can realistically dedicate to job searching without it affecting your current work. Even 2–5 hours/week can be enough if used wisely.

3. Update Your Professional Materials

1. Resume – Tailor it to your target roles.
2. LinkedIn Profile – Turn on “Open to Work” (visible to recruiters only, if preferred).
3. Portfolio/Website – If relevant.
4. Cover Letter Template – Prepare a base version for quick tailoring.

4. Build a Job Search Routine

Structure your weekly time across key areas:

Task	Time/Week
Browsing/applying to jobs	1–2 hrs
Networking	1 hr
Resume/cover letter edits	30 mins
Interview prep or skill dev	1 hr

🔄 Repeat weekly with adjustments as needed.

5. Use Strategic Tactics

1. Job hunt on your own time: During lunch breaks, evenings, or weekends.
2. Use personal devices/accounts: Avoid job-related activity on your work laptop or email.
3. Keep it discreet: Don’t talk about your search with coworkers.

6. Engage Strategically

1. Reach out to former colleagues, mentors, or contacts in your target field.
2. Attend relevant industry events or join LinkedIn groups.
3. Let trusted people know you’re open to opportunities—but make sure they understand your current job situation.

7. Track Your Progress

Create a simple tracker (Excel, Notion, Google Sheets) with columns like:

1. Company name
2. Job title
3. Date applied
4. Contact person
5. Interview stage
6. Follow-up notes
   

📊 This keeps you organized and improves follow-ups.

8. Prepare for Interviews

1. Practice common interview questions in your field.
2. Be ready with a “Why are you leaving?” answer that’s honest but professional.
3. Schedule interviews outside work hours or use PTO sparingly.
   

9. Learn & Upskill (If Needed)

If your target roles require skills you’re a little light on, block out some time for:

1. Online courses (LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, etc.)
2. Certifications
3. Reading industry blogs or whitepapers

10. Evaluate Offers Carefully

Once you get interviews or offers, don’t jump too fast. Consider:

1. Salary and benefits
2. Company culture
3. Work-life balance
4. Long-term fit