Courtesy: Brent Lewin/Bloomberg

When you decide to start applying for jobs and running a job search, many variables can affect how well you do and, maybe most importantly, how confidentially you move through the process. Keeping your digital footprint quiet while networking and applying for jobs can mean the difference between success and failure in securing a new position. Not handling the search right can also leave a digital trail for your existing employer to follow and note, which could jeopardize the job you need to keep before moving on to the next opportunity.

Here are three surefire ways to raise the probability of alerting your current employer that you’re looking for a job and three ways to correct this potentially damaging activity.

1. You up your LinkedIn activity.

Many job seekers I talk to tell me they are not oversharing or trading information on social media that would ever indicate they are looking for a job. They essentially say: “I am just doing what everyone else is on LinkedIn.” So, I advise, don’t do what everyone else does. Do what you know you need to do to first — protect your current job. Second, stealthily find connections that may lead you to your next job.

So, if you haven’t shared pictures, video, articles and more for months, don’t start blasting away now thinking that your network or current employer won’t notice your new activity. Often, these new, non-stealthy job seekers start suddenly becoming more active on LinkedIn, improving their profile, connecting and sharing information in short spurts. In one sense, it could be good. It’s what you should be doing, right? Not necessarily — especially when you haven’t, for example, shared any articles or quotes or commented on posts in recent weeks or months.

What should you do?

You essentially need a plan so you don’t attract notice from your company by alerting them that something has changed. Don’t be fooled by telling yourself nobody will really notice. Assume someone at your current company is watching your every move. What you think may be safe activity may not be very safe and may alert nosy fellow employees or your employer. Gradually work up to activities that someone would do while employed, which means taking a more gradual approach in sharing and connecting.

Source: Forbes Coaches

Don’t Alert Your Employer You’re Looking For A Job On LinkedIn