How to Change Jobs While Employed

by Scott Knickelbine

Whether you're sick of your job or you fear for your company's health and want to get while the getting's good, changing jobs while still employed takes a bit of discretion. Employers often prefer hiring people who are still working, but if they find out one of their own is looking for another job, they may be tempted to terminate the employee. However, changing jobs in midstream is fairly common and not very difficult to do.

1. Write down a positive, one-sentence statement explaining why you want a new job. Regardless of your emotions, it's important not to signal to potential employers that you're the kind of worker who jumps ship when frustrated. Instead, make a positive statement about your vision for your career and how you hope a new position will further your progress. Work this response out in advance, because you'll need it on your resume, your cover letters and your job interviews.

2. Include your reason for wanting a new job in your resume. Generally the right place to do this is in a "Career Goals" statement at the very top, although you might include it in your description of your present job. Human Resources staffers will want to know why you're leaving, so make sure they can find the answer easily.

3. Indicate on your reference list and in any job application forms that you do not want your employer contacted. Unless you state this explicitly, an overeager HR staffer might tip your present boss off to your job search. Don't even provide the contact information unless it's absolutely required.

4. Try to determine in advance how much advance notice of your leaving is fair to your employer. Job interviewers will certainly ask you when you can start at your new job; having a well-thought-out answer will impress your potential employer and help you leave less of an "exit wound" when you leave your old job.

5. Make sure any personal files are deleted from your business computer before telling your current employer that you've accepted a new position. While you may have allowed for two weeks' notice or more, your old employer may decide they want you off the premises immediately; once you break the news, you may not get access to your business computer before you have to clean out your office.

6. Avoid the temptation to "tell off" your boss when you announce you're leaving. Keep your official justification for your job search in mind, and explain that you've found a new position that will better serve your goals. Creating ill will won't fix anything, and if your new job doesn't work out you might have to return to your present employer, hat in hand.


  • Depending on how you feel about your current employer, you may wish to let them know you've been offered a new position before you accept it. This gives you opportunity to negotiate for a better salary or a promotion. Just be prepared to make the jump if your current employer isn't interested in bargaining with you.


  • If you truly need to keep your job search confidential, don't tell anybody at work about it, including your buddies at the water cooler. While they may be sympathetic, they may still inadvertently say or do something that alerts your boss you may be looking for an exit, and that will reduce your control over the situation.
  • Check your employment contract or employee handbook to find out if you must give written notice to your previous employer before leaving, and if any minimum period of advance notice is required.

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