Job hunting doesn’t have to start after you’ve left your job – it’s quite legal (and okay) to search for greener pastures even while you’re still employed.  Maybe you no longer feel satisfied with your job, just want a change of working environment or a better pay or maybe you feel that the company is going to do a belly up any time soon.  Whatever your reason, here are 5 creative ways you can go job hunting even while you’re still working:

Narrow down your choices.
Make a list of jobs that you can apply for with the type of qualifications you have.  Next, include in that list the names of companies that you want to work for.  You can also write down companies you’ve read about in classified ads pages even if you’re unfamiliar with them. 

This will help you organize your job hunting process.  You can also compare what you want versus what’s out there to determine what your choices are. 

Build your network.
A good network, particularly one where you have contacts with other people in the industry, can be a rich mine of information regarding job opportunities.  Join clubs and associations related to your profession and attend conferences, trade shows and fairs. 

Ask for business cards and communicate with your contacts periodically.  It will be a lot easier to look for jobs or at least hear of new openings if you already know people in your target company.

Check out company websites.
Many companies that have their own websites will often post job openings on their web pages.  Usually, these are the ‘Join Us’, ‘Job Opportunities’ and ‘Work with Us’ sections.  Go and check out these sections to find out current vacancies.

Be careful, though.  If the company you’re eyeing has a business relationship with your present employer, word can get around that you’re trying to make a switch.  Make sure you check any confidentiality issues first.

Sign up for staffing and executive search firms.
These firms are essentially placement firms that help bridge the gap between an employer with a job opportunity and the applicant with the right qualifications.  They will place anyone from clerks to administrative assistants to managers to company presidents and CEOs.

First, check out the type of placements a firm makes.  If one focuses on placing only management and higher positions and you haven’t reached that stage yet, they won’t have any use for your resume.  Next, send your resume and a cover letter that states your qualifications and job ideals.

How fast you can expect results will depend on how many openings for your qualifications are being handled by the firm.  This can last anywhere from a few days to a few months. 

The advantage is that they will look for a job for you and will arrange everything, even manage your application especially if it’s sensitive.  Many of these firms are used to handling applications from people who are still employed so you need not worry.  You can even rely on them to negotiate your salary requirements for you. 

Best of all, there’s no need to pay anything.  Staffing and executive search firms earn a commission based on the amount of annual salary the hiring company will offer you, which will be paid for by the company itself. 

Job hunt within your company.
While you’re at it, why not consider job opportunities that may be available to you as an employee?  Most companies prefer to hire from within because it offers several advantages.  Old employees already understand the corporate structure, are familiar with the job and don’t have to adapt to the workplace culture.

Job hunting within your company is a good move, particularly if you like the culture, get along well with your officemates, like the remuneration package and find the location of the company convenient.  Instead of setting your sights elsewhere, find out if your company is hiring a job vacancy that you want and qualify for.