How To Stay Open To Job Opportunities While Still Employed? It's Possible!

Whether you are pleased or displeased with your current job, a big question could be looming over your head. “How to stay open to opportunities while still employed – is that even possible?” And the answer is yes. This question opens doors for the phenomenon of company pirating, where other employers seek out top talent to fill in a position.

The job could be a promotion or a lateral transfer with more benefits or salary. Whatever combination that new employer will hand over, it is important to stay open to these kinds of things. After all, there is always that possibility that your next career move could be somewhere else.

Now, you could be thinking to yourself, “I already have a job. What would make me appealing to them if I am occupied?” Believe us when we say that the chase is always better when the employee is in that state, and we explain why below.

Also read: Find Professional Growth in these 10 Best Companies in the Philippines

Why are employees with a stable job more appealing to poach?

Poaching is an industry-wide move that several employers use. This refers to a company hiring another person from another company. They will usually improve on the current package that employee has to motivate them to move.

While gaps in the resumes still need a chance for explanation, there is a higher premium inpoachinga talent than having the talent apply. In fact, there are several benefits to a poached employee. Here they are now:

1. These employees are top-tier.

Fair hiring practices aside, employers who poach employees have had their eye on them for quite a while. They have done their research. Talents who excel especially have a huge chance at securing a position somewhere else with little to no work needed. All they have to do is draw up a contract with a higher position, better benefits, and remuneration.

2. Poached employees raise the industry (and your) standards.

Whatever industry you are in, it thrives on reaching end goals. Sometimes, those goals signal competition, especially between similar brands. Not only that, hiring employees in this manner can also increase your market value as a professional. Examples of these factors include international career moves, increased salaries, and improved non-monetary perks.

In essence, the standards for work in your industry could increase and can prove to be better environments for jobseeker recruitment.

3. Poaching prevents career stagnation.

It is possible that you could both enjoy your job and stop learning new things. There is another possibility of having fun at your job and not growing. These are prime examples ofcareer stagnation, which refers to a plateau in your professional path. When we said that your next career move could be somewhere else, this is what we mean.

When employers “steal you away,”, they bring you to a completely different environment altogether. This is so you could get out of your comfort zone and thrive somewhere else.

But while this act is advantageous, employees like yourself can also relax in the fact that applying also does not hurt. It is the openness of the attitude that employers find appealing, after all. So even if you submit your resume proactively, your chances of securing a new opportunity could be at par with the poached ones.

How do you stay open to job opportunities?

If you have made it to this section of the article, we have somehow convinced you to open your mind. While cases for these can differ from employee to employee, here are tried and tested ways to do it without offending your current employer.

1. Update your JobStreet profile.

Employers usually look at employees who have updated job profiles. This is a direct application of a skill called proactivity. Proactive employees are appealing in a sense that they anticipate what they have to do before being asked. Therefore, require minimal to no supervision which equals less training and management from supervisors.

Updating your JobStreet profile could be the first step to getting a new opportunity. Make sure you input your current job and a quick snapshot of your responsibilities and tasks so that future employers can assess if you are a good fit. Take note that this does not mean that you actively want to seek a job. It is just so future employers can gauge and surprise you with an offer you did not expect.

2. Take the time to network.

While technical know-how and hard work can bring home the bacon, interpersonal skills can get you there even faster. This is where you can apply your knack for connecting with industry leaders and rubbing elbows with key people while networking. Most opportunities are birthed from good conversations, or that time where you accidentally blurted out a solution to a problem they were ranting about.

So, if you have a networking event or an industry gathering, make sure you make your presence known. Scour the room for heads of companies to speak with. Do your research beforehand too, especially if you find your dream company weeding through the people. Lastly, keep yourself abreast of any company or industry news. Aside from knowing the market today, they make great conversation pieces for socializing.

3. Be clear about what you want.

Sometimes the “collect and select” method could do more harm than good. It is because you are scattering your footprints in different areas without really knowing where you want to work. While this could be a better method for those starting out, being a seasoned player in your industry requires you to stay consistent.

Find out what your priorities are in a job. Questions like “is salary important over the benefits I am going to receive?” Once you know what you wish to seek, the job search becomes wider and more specific.

4. Learn and excel at your current job.

If your name has yet to be spoken on people’s lips, it is time to increase your market value from within first. Become more proactive, volunteer to take on more responsibilities, and hone your skills to become better.

Go beyond expectations and surprise your current employers. Network at the company you are doing a sales pitch at. You do not have to get new opportunities to increase your value. You can start internally first.

5. Just apply for that job.

Sometimes, seizing the opportunity comes from you. Whenever you find something appealing, send in your updated resume. What is the worst that can happen, right? Taking a leap is the first step to making a change. Waiting it out can also stop you from getting what you truly want or deserve.

If you feel like that future employer will not send that first hello, greet them first with excellent work experience and a brave smile. Who knows? You could end up with growth and a better professional state over-all.

Can you have two jobs in the Philippines?

In today’s world, the freelance industry has merged itself with corporations. Employers now seek part-time or project-based individuals to tackle certain aspects of a business. Philippine Law also does not frown or disallow individuals to take on several jobs, whatever the nature.

On that note, you can also be a professional with multiple income sources. You can apply for Multiple Income tax forms at your local BIR so you can juggle both corporate and freelance work. LaborLaw Philippines seconds this by saying that companies are not entitled to your free time, so you can work several jobs just as long as you do not lose sight of your primary job.

However, it is still best to check your contract especially if you are working for brands that are competing or are similar. There will usually be a non-competing clause there somewhere.

Staying open to job opportunities does not mean you are disloyal. It is always about increasing your market value and seeking the next great something. After all, staying does not mean it is a good thing. It could also be your time to spread your wings and seek greener grass. There is nothing wrong with that.

Also read: Resignation Due To Mental Health? 5 Signs It’s Time To Leave Your Job

Update your profile then search jobs on our website or download the JobStreet app on the App Store or Google Play. Check out Explore Careers on how you can brush up further on your skills!

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