There may be times when you are not happy with the job you are currently at but you can’t afford to quit before you secure a new spot somewhere else.

Although this is a smart move, it isn’t without its challenges.

Not only must you find the time to do your job searching, but you don’t want those you currently work for to find out or they may decide to let you go before you are ready.

Even though it isn’t easy, it is possible. Here are seven tips to help it happen for you:

1. Don’t Search on the Clock

While you are at your current job, it isn’t wise to use that time to look around for a new one.

Not only is it unethical to get paid from one employer as you are trying to find a way to change jobs, but using the company network to complete job searches could raise red flags.

If you must, you can answer emails or apply to job postings on your lunch break, but use your own device.

2. Don’t Settle Just to Get Out

Obviously, you’ve decided that the company you currently work for isn’t the right fit for you but you don’t want to replace one bad job for another.

Before you leap at the first offer you get, take the time to scrutinize this job and all jobs for that matter.

Do your research into the job. Know what you want. Find out what the average salary for your position is in your location.

Armed with this knowledge, you will be able to spot a good match for you just be asking a few key questions.

3. Don’t Tell Your Coworkers

Not to be pointing any fingers, but sometimes its best to keep your professional ambitions to yourself in the workplace.

Telling your coworkers that you are looking for a new job can tip your boss off to this fact. Even those with the best of intentions could let this information slip.

Those with the worst of intentions may be gunning for you position or consider you a threat for any upcoming promotions and intentionally inform your boss of your job hunt.

4. Provide Older Employers as References

Most job applications will ask if its ok for them to contact your current employer because they understand that broadcasting your job search could put your current position in jeopardy.

With this idea in mind, they will also understand if you put your past employers as references and not your current employer.

As a courtesy (and for your own sake), it is advised that you call your old bosses personally to give them a heads up about potential phone calls for references.

5. Be Prepared

Finding the time to fill out applications, make phone calls, and write follow up emails can be difficult when you work a full time job already.

Being prepared can help to cut down on the amount of time it takes to complete these tasks.

Instead of writing a new cover letter from scratch each time you apply for a job, you can have a rough layout prewritten that can be easily tailored to each job you apply for.

Indeed has some great tips on how to write a good cover letter. Incorporate some of these into your layout.

Each week, keep a log of the hours you have free for interviews so that you can easily schedule these to fit your schedule.

6. Be Careful of Online Privacy

Nowadays, job hunting is all done online but this poses a problem. If you aren’t careful, your boss can easily be tipped off about your placing yourself back on the job market.

Instead of posting your resume on all the major job boards which could be seen by your boss, apply to jobs directly.

Don’t post your desire to find a new position on social media and don’t make any status updates that will let your boss know that you are on the job hunt.

7. Continue to Give Your Current Position Your Best

When we decide that we want something bigger and better than our current position, we can get so excited to leave that it can easily cause us to have a bad attitude.

It isn’t wise to neglect your current position simply because you believe you’ll off to greener pastures. You don’t know how long it will take for you to find the job you were looking for and you want to keep your job in the meantime.

Continue to provide your best to your current employer.

Conclusion

Even if you aren’t ready to leave your current position, it’s always a good idea to have some feelers out for potential positions that can propel your career forward.

This shouldn’t cause any danger to your current job, but unfortunately employers can become biased if they know you aren’t 100% dedicated to their company.

Follow these tips to make this transition as painfree as possible.