How Can I Look for a Job without Burning Bridges with My Current Employer?

Answer: It is very difficult to look for a new position while you are employed. However, the vast majority of job seekers are currently employed and they navigate this tricky path successfully.

The first concept you must accept when you find yourself in this position is that there will be a certain amount of subterfuge. You cannot announce that you are considering other options without the risk of being fired, and so you must behave discreetly and perhaps even deceptively during your search.


It is critical that you continue to do your work at your current position and behave in a manner that is professional. Once you decide to leave an employer, it is tempting to begin to slack off because you are no longer "invested" in your future with such employer. However, if your goal is to maintain an amicable relationship with your current employer in the future, then you must continue to meet your obligations. Your current employer may not acknowledge your efforts immediately, but in the long run, they will appreciate the fact that you behaved honorably.
 

• See Top Ten Interview Questions for more information

Scheduling interviews raises a host of issues, and here is where you may have to be deceptive. If your prospective employer can only meet in the morning, then you are faced with either taking a personal day or lying to your current employer. It is very hard to justify an entire personal day if you only have a half hour screening interview in the morning. Here again, it is important that you focus on your current obligations. If you tell your employer that you have a doctor's appointment at 10:00 a.m. (when you really have a screening interview), then you may have to stay late to complete your work. It is far better to try to schedule your screening interviews for lunch time (between 12:00 and 2:00 p.m.), or even after work at 5:30 or 6:00 p.m. I recognize that the foregoing is not always possible, but I would reserve my personal days for second round interviews because second round interviews generally take several hours. The less you have to create excuses with your current employer, the more you increase your chances of having a good relationship with them in the future.

Often when an employee leaves a position, the current employer is upset, disappointed, and possibly even angry. In order to soften the blow of leaving, it is very important that you do not insult your current employer. For example, if you are leaving a firm to go in-house, it is much easier to tell your employer because the opportunities are so different. If, on the other hand, you are leaving your current firm for a comparable firm, then it is much harder. You need to create reasons why this particular move is much better for you without criticizing your current employer. In fact, you should make every effort to tell your employer how much you appreciate them, and how much you have learned while in their employ. You should try to distinguish the new opportunity in a way that is palatable. You might indicate that the new firm is going to allow you to focus on a particular area that is not available at your current firm.

It is important to know that even if you continue to meet your obligations; schedule your interviews at lunchtime or after work; and provide a solid professional reason for leaving, you may not be able to salvage your relationship. The good news is that if you do all of the above, you will know that you have done everything you could do to try and maintain the relationship.

Learn why attorneys usually fail law firm phone-screening interviews in this article:
 

• Why Most Attorneys Fail Telephone-Screening Interviews

 

About Harrison Barnes

Harrison Barnes is a prominent figure in the legal placement industry, known for his expertise in attorney placements and his extensive knowledge of the legal profession.

With over 25 years of experience, he has established himself as a leading voice in the field and has helped thousands of lawyers and law students find their ideal career paths.

Barnes is a former federal law clerk and associate at Quinn Emanuel and a graduate of the University of Chicago College and the University of Virginia Law School. He was a Rhodes Scholar Finalist at the University of Chicago and a member of the University of Virginia Law Review. Early in his legal career, he enrolled in Stanford Business School but dropped out because he missed legal recruiting too much.

Barnes' approach to the legal industry is rooted in his commitment to helping lawyers achieve their full potential. He believes that the key to success in the legal profession is to be proactive, persistent, and disciplined in one's approach to work and life. He encourages lawyers to take ownership of their careers and to focus on developing their skills and expertise in a way that aligns with their passions and interests.

One of how Barnes provides support to lawyers is through his writing. On his blog, HarrisonBarnes.com, and BCGSearch.com, he regularly shares his insights and advice on a range of topics related to the legal profession. Through his writing, he aims to empower lawyers to control their careers and make informed decisions about their professional development.

One of Barnes's fundamental philosophies in his writing is the importance of networking. He believes that networking is a critical component of career success and that it is essential for lawyers to establish relationships with others in their field. He encourages lawyers to attend events, join organizations, and connect with others in the legal community to build their professional networks.

Another central theme in Barnes' writing is the importance of personal and professional development. He believes that lawyers should continuously strive to improve themselves and develop their skills to succeed in their careers. He encourages lawyers to pursue ongoing education and training actively, read widely, and seek new opportunities for growth and development.

In addition to his work in the legal industry, Barnes is also a fitness and lifestyle enthusiast. He sees fitness and wellness as integral to his personal and professional development and encourages others to adopt a similar mindset. He starts his day at 4:00 am and dedicates several daily hours to running, weightlifting, and pursuing spiritual disciplines.

Finally, Barnes is a strong advocate for community service and giving back. He volunteers for the University of Chicago, where he is the former area chair of Los Angeles for the University of Chicago Admissions Office. He also serves as the President of the Young Presidents Organization's Century City Los Angeles Chapter, where he works to support and connect young business leaders.

In conclusion, Harrison Barnes is a visionary legal industry leader committed to helping lawyers achieve their full potential. Through his work at BCG Attorney Search, writing, and community involvement, he empowers lawyers to take control of their careers, develop their skills continuously, and lead fulfilling and successful lives. His philosophy of being proactive, persistent, and disciplined, combined with his focus on personal and professional development, makes him a valuable resource for anyone looking to succeed in the legal profession.

About BCG Attorney Search

BCG Attorney Search matches attorneys and law firms with unparalleled expertise and drive, while achieving results. Known globally for its success in locating and placing attorneys in law firms of all sizes, BCG Attorney Search has placed thousands of attorneys in law firms in thousands of different law firms around the country. Unlike other legal placement firms, BCG Attorney Search brings massive resources of over 150 employees to its placement efforts locating positions and opportunities its competitors simply cannot. Every legal recruiter at BCG Attorney Search is a former successful attorney who attended a top law school, worked in top law firms and brought massive drive and commitment to their work. BCG Attorney Search legal recruiters take your legal career seriously and understand attorneys. For more information, please visit www.BCGSearch.com.