LinkedIn is a boon to jobseekers. But how can you look for that new dream job without tipping off your employer?
These tips may help:
Set Your Account for "Stealth Mode": Did you know you can "turn off" your public visibility? Simply click on Settings under your name (top right corner). You should see Privacy Controls. Click on Turn on/off your activity broadcasts. A box will appear. Uncheck the box. You are now free to go full speed ahead on your LinkedIn activities without triggering endless home page updates to your entire network.
Don't Make Obvious Changes to Profile Content: One sure way to tip off your employer is to suddenly add "Open to new opportunities" in your headline, summary or Contact Me For section. You might as well wear a "Fire Me!" sign to the office! Be subtle. Limit job-seeking activities to private types of communication...say, InMails, perhaps, or non-work-owned email. Maintaining a consistent public face is key.
Don't Communicate Using a Company eMail/Phone: The jury is still out on who "owns" social media profiles you create while employed. To be safe, when you register to use LinkedIn and when you create your profile and communicate with your network, use a professional but private email address (like [email protected]) and a private phone number. Here's why:
1) If you should quit (or are fired) your employer can simply log in to your LinkedIn account and change your password, effectively locking you out.
2) You will never need to change your LinkedIn email address/phone as you move from one employer to the next.
3) Your prospective employer, upon noticing you are communicating from work, may fear "if you did it to them, you'll do it to me". Not a good way to get the interview.
4) Imagine your prospective employer calling you on your current work number, or sending an email to your employer-monitored inbox. How does that feel? If it feels bad, don't do it!
Don't Binge on Recommendations: It's great to be recommended but too many new LinkedIn recommendations too quickly may arouse suspicions. Take your time, perhaps one new recommendation every few weeks. A slower pace will allay any brewing distrust.
As a child, my mother often reminded me, "You never know who is looking." Her advice is even more valid in our digital age, where many employers closely monitor employee computer usage. Aside from your employer or coworkers getting wind of your intentions, those connected through networks may innocently do or say something to jeopardize your otherwise stealthy process. Remember, your employer can use similar techniques to find your replacement! Not to mention the legal ramifications based on employment contracts, social media policies, non-compete clauses and other documents you may have signed upon employment.
Be safe out there, and good luck!