Should you search for a job while at work? It’s a risk some people are willing to take. If you’re among them, remember to do it discreetly. Your job search on the side might become your full-time occupation should your boss ever get wind of it!

Check out these reminders if you’re employed and job-hunting.

1. Avoid online searches on company time. With more and more firms tracking their employees’ Internet use, resist the temptation to job-surf while on duty. Remember that unauthorized use of company facilities can be grounds for termination. Too, the potential employer won’t be impressed with you for using office facilities to apply.

2. Do it outside. The best place to conduct your search is outside of work premises, either at home or in an Internet shop. Indicate your home phone number or contact number on your resume, never the office landlines. And don’t carry out talks with hiring officers while at your desk either, even if you’re using your cell phone-someone just might overhear.

3. Create a personal email account. If you must send your application during office hours, never send your CV using your company email address. It’s easy and fast to get free e-mail accounts from HotMail, Yahoo! or some other provider, where you can check for messages from any place with Internet linkup.
   
   Tip: Avoid whimsical, offbeat or downright shocking e-mail addresses such as lukin4luv@xxx.com or manicobsessive@xxx.com if you want to be taken seriously.

4. Keep it under wraps. Carry out your job search as though on an undercover mission. Don’t leave your resume or cover letter lying around for hawk-eyed office gossips to feast on.

5. Zip the lip. Should you get the urge to blab to a co-worker that you have an upcoming interview or are sure to get a job offer, resist it. Tell your spouse, mom or close friend, but never a colleague, who’ll likely tell someone else until word reaches your supervisor.

6. Careful who you send to. Before sending your application, check out the posting carefully. For all you know, it may be your own employer seeking applicants anonymously. Check out the job description and company profile. Sound familiar? Then verify first if the company is hiring.

7. Do your job. Continue to give your best at work. Don’t put your job on the line by prioritizing fine-tuning your resume over preparing that special report the boss requested. You might not get the job offer, but you might get a promotion for putting in solid performance.

8. Go on your off-hours. Instead of coming up with excuses or giving your superior the slip to go to an interview, request to interview during lunchtime or after work. Prospective employers will appreciate that you don’t want your work to be disrupted or delayed while you search. If that’s not feasible, schedule your interviews on the same day and file for leave of absence.

9. Keep it confidential. Should the interviewer ask, it’s best to admit that your current employer does not know about the hunt and to request that he or she not contact your present boss.

If you get the job, then congratulations! Your next move should be to respectfully tell your boss that you plan to leave and to hand in your 30 days’ notice. While they may be initially annoyed, most employers understand that their employees need to find opportunities for career advancement. What’s important is that you take your leave gracefully so that you bid your office goodbye with a light heart and with the good wishes of your officemates.