GSI Executive Search Insights

Confidential Career Moves: Do’s and Don’ts for Candidates in Transition

By Scott McNett

As recruiters, we typically engage with candidates who are still gainfully employed. This is a very common scenario in executive and professional searches. Most strong candidates are not actively unemployed but are instead exploring new opportunities while continuing to perform in their current roles.

While this is both natural and necessary in the career journey, it requires thoughtful handling. Both sides must approach the process with ultimate discretion, respect for the candidate’s existing commitments and a clear understanding of the potential sensitivities involved. With the right tactics, candidates can explore new roles without jeopardizing their current position or reputation, and recruiters can provide guidance that ensures the process is both professional and seamless.

The following are a few “do’s” and “don’ts” for both the recruiter and the candidate during recruitment.

To aid in confidentiality, do:

1. Use your personal contact and email address during correspondence regarding your new potential position.
2. Use non-business hours when working with your search consultant.
3. Update your LinkedIn profile with caution, only applying the “Open to Work” status with privacy settings.
4. Arrange calls and interviews during non-business hours or consider taking a personal day if needed.
5. If interviewing in person, select locations where you’re not likely to run into co-workers or anyone else in your network that can compromise your situation.
6. Maintain your focus and energy in your current role, as any noticeable drop-off in performance may raise questions. Remember, you will eventually want a positive reference from your current employer.
7. Choose your references carefully and avoid including anyone from your current organization unless you are certain of their support.

When working with GSI, we understand, and respect, that your search is confidential, and that your priority is maintaining the role you play in your current position. We also make a point not to overwhelm candidates with excessive “homework” or unnecessary requests, understanding that you already have a demanding job. That said, as the candidate, it’s important to keep things confidential on your end as well, being mindful of oversharing information with co-workers or industry peers.

On the Don’t Side of Things…

• Be mindful of your social media presence and posts that can be searched out easily. Avoid political rants, unprofessional posts, etc.
• Clean up your credit and background reports as much as possible as these will be researched and taken into consideration regardless of your past performance.
• Don’t provide sensitive information from your current employer. It is usually not necessary and can be unethical. 
• Avoid speaking negatively about your current employer or situation. Excessive criticism can raise concerns for both the prospective employer and your recruiter, casting doubt on your professionalism and judgment.

It’s not over until…

As you approach the offer stage, continue discretion. Until everything is finalized, there is always the possibility that an opportunity may not materialize, and it is essential to continue performing at a high level in your current role.

At the end of the process, it is acceptable to accept a verbal offer; however, do not take any action with your current employer until the offer is formalized and fully executed in writing. When the time comes to resign, provide ample notice to ensure a smooth transition and to preserve positive relationships with your former organizations.

As recruiters, we remain mindful of these considerations and guide candidates with discretion and respect throughout the process. If you are navigating a search independently, exercise the same level of caution. We have seen instances where candidates jeopardized their current positions because their employer discovered their search activities, an outcome that can have lasting consequences for both career trajectory and professional reputation.

Approach your search thoughtfully and proceed with care as you pursue your next great opportunity.