Keep the good job you have, while looking for a better one.

As I write this, on August 2, 2019, average private sector wages are up 3.2% from a year ago, employers have added 165,000 jobs per month over the first 7 months this year, and unemployment is 3.7% across the United States. Many candidates that my recruiting firm reaches are either not replying at all, or replying with "no thanks, I'm good right now."

However, a few of the candidates we speak to are correctly assessing that if they are not in their optimal career position right now, this is a good time to look around. If you are one of these, then I have some very critical guidance for you.

Keep the good job you have, while looking for a better one.

The following is a small part of the rich content in The STAR Career Workbook. New and updated in January, 2019, this book will guide you through the hard work toward a more rewarding career. It will help you assess your values and strengths, refine your vision and craft your message. It provides tools for developing your resume, cover letters and other communication tools; as well as networking plans, interview preparations, and negotiating strategies. It is available on Amazon at http://bit.ly/STARcareerworkbook

Companies are always looking for every cost-saving measure they can find. That includes letting go of employees who have become disengaged. While you are trying to build new bridges, make sure you don’t burn the one you are on.

1. Stay valuable: Focus on results you can deliver in your current role. Seek ways you can help the bottom line of the organization, with new sources of revenue, cost-saving measures, new efficiencies, ability to do more and multi-task, etc.

2. Do your best every day: Keep your productivity high. Plan your day well and execute your plan. Stay off of entertainment-focused social media sites, and do your online shopping on your own time.

3. Honor your current employer: Continue to speak highly of your current employer, learn the marketing messages the company is advocating, and repeat them publicly.

4. Finish strong and document your methods for those that will follow you: As you quietly bring to a close your work at your current employer, give more than you’ve ever given in your passion and commitment, and then make sure your success can be repeated by others who might succeed you.

5. Keep your search confidential: It is critical that you not discuss your desire to move on with anyone at your current employer, even with your closest work friends. Telling them about your plans can put them in a compromising position.

Above all, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence, and if anything is worthy of praise, focus on these things. - Philippians 4:8