Stories about boss finding out your recruiting - my boss may have found out today

Title says it. Interested in any stories of you getting exposed…

Today I walked away from my desk. I’m absolutely certain I didn’t have my email up, but when I returned the email is on my screen I sent after a networking call with an internal team I am planning on transferring to at a different office for a promotion. Resume was sent in the email and all. I was gone for 15 minutes. I’m sure everyone saw who walked by. Someone HAD TO HAVE clicked my outlook…
My MD has called me randomly a few times today on my cell (which he never does) and each time my heart is dropping anticipating him bringing it up. He’s also acting weird.

Also, another story, at my last firm my boss randomly says I’ve been getting some calls from some of the firms you’re talking to?!? I asked “who/ I also have no idea what you’re talking abt”? (I had talked to a lot but I recently talked to someone who used to work for us that started another devco, I was certain it was him). He was extremely cryptic and just said “I can’t tell you but I’ve been getting calls”???? What? Why do you give someone a heart attack like that? Can imagine the panic. I started making my full time job recruiting that day bc surely I was abt to get canned after that. How do you recruit discreetly???

 

Navigating the treacherous waters of recruiting while still employed can indeed be a high-wire act, fraught with potential pitfalls and heart-stopping moments. Your story echoes many of the concerns and fears that come with the territory. Here's some advice on how to recruit discreetly, drawing from the collective wisdom found in the Wall Street Oasis discussions:

  1. Use Personal Devices and Emails: Always communicate with potential employers or networking contacts through your personal email and phone. This reduces the risk of your current employer stumbling upon your job search activities.

  2. Be Discreet on Social Media: If you're updating your LinkedIn profile in preparation for a job search, be cautious. Sudden changes can signal to your current employer that you're looking to move on. LinkedIn has settings that can help you make updates without broadcasting them to your network.

  3. Schedule Calls and Interviews Wisely: Try to schedule networking calls, interviews, or any related activities during your personal time, such as lunch breaks, before or after work, or during scheduled days off.

  4. Confidentiality in Networking: When reaching out to contacts within your industry, especially if they have connections to your current employer, stress the confidentiality of your job search. This can help prevent word from getting back to your boss.

  5. Prepare for the Unexpected: Always have a response prepared in case your current employer confronts you about your job search. It could be as simple as expressing your commitment to your current role while also acknowledging your responsibility to explore career growth opportunities.

  6. Secure References Carefully: Choose references who understand your need for discretion and are not directly connected to your current employer.

  7. Physical Documents and Security: Be mindful of leaving any physical evidence of your job search unattended, such as resumes or cover letters, on your work desk or printer.

Your experiences serve as a reminder of the importance of discretion and the need to navigate the job search process with care. While the fear of being discovered can be overwhelming, taking these precautions can help mitigate risks and ensure a smoother transition to your next opportunity.

Sources: 10 Commandments of IB Recruiting, Full-Time RE Private Equity Recruitment, Basic Questions About PE Recruiting Answered, 7 Tips on Reneging, Looking for Recruiting Advice

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

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