‘ON THE JOB’ SEARCH - Most Executives Comfortable Job-Shopping While Still Employed, Survey Shows

Finding time to pound the pavement is a common dilemma for employed job seekers. But where there’s a will, there’s a way, according to executives surveyed recently. Two out of three respondents (69 percent) said they would be comfortable looking for a new position while still working.

The survey was developed by Accountemps, the world’s first and largest temporary staffing service for accounting, finance and bookkeeping professionals. It was conducted by an independent research firm and includes responses from 150 executives from among the nation’s 1,000 largest companies.

Executives were asked, "How comfortable would you feel looking for a new job while still employed?" Their responses:

Very comfortable - 36%
Somewhat comfortable - 33%
Somewhat uncomfortable - 26%
Very uncomfortable - 5%

"People are understandably reluctant to resign from their current position until they have another one secured," said Max Messmer, chairman of Accountemps and author of Managing Your Career For Dummies® (Hungry Minds, Inc.). "While this approach may be practical financially, it can backfire if an employee’s manager learns of his or her intentions."

Messmer cautions candidates against embarking on a job hunt at their present employer’s expense. "Interviews and other activities related to the search should be conducted outside of work and, whenever possible, during non-business hours. In addition, job seekers should never use company supplies or equipment to prepare resumes or send e-mails to prospective employers."

Accountemps has more than 325 offices throughout North America, Europe and Australia, and offers online job search services at www.accountemps.com.