Current job making it extremely hard to recruit

As the title suggests, my current work dynamic has been super chaotic and makes it hard to carve time out of the day to take recruiter calls and interviews. I’m not trying to make any excuses for myself, and am looking to see if anyone has advice on how to best navigate.

For some background, I’ve been in my current role for ~3 years and was promoted to associate a few months ago. At the time of my promotion, I was excited and planned to stay in banking for another 1-2 years and then consider transitioning to a job outside of banking. However, over the past few months my group and firm overall have taken a turn for the worse, and I’ve lost faith in this group and organization and realize I should start looking elsewhere sooner rather than later.

Unfortunately, every time I’ve tried to schedule a recruiter call either a client call pops up or shit hits the fan at work and I’m scrambling to meet an unnecessarily tight deadline, which conflicts with the scheduled call. My team is extremely lean, so often I do not have an analyst under me and I’m the most junior person on the team. So it’s hard to find someone to help cover so I can take these calls/interviews. I also work in capital markets so everything is very fast paced and it’s harder to disappear for longer periods of time vs. coverage group.

I’m at a loss regarding what to do. My group isn’t really open about the recruiting process, so I’m afraid things will backfire if I confide in someone at work about my plans to leave. I know there is always the “doctor’s appointment” excuse to get out of work, but I’m not sure how many times that can be used before eyebrows start to raise. I know that banking is not the career path for me long-term, so I’m trying to leave sooner rather than later. However, this process of balancing work and the job search is really stressing me out and I’m not sure how to best proceed.

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WSO Monkey Bot

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Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some strategies to navigate your current situation:

1. Time Management and Prioritization

Schedule Calls Strategically: Try to schedule recruiter calls and interviews during times when your workload is typically lighter. Early mornings, lunch breaks, or late afternoons might be more feasible.
Block Your Calendar: Use your calendar to block out time for these calls as "busy" or "meetings" to avoid conflicts with work tasks.

2. Utilize Discreet Excuses

Doctor’s Appointments: While you mentioned the "doctor’s appointment" excuse, it can be effective if used sparingly. Spread out these appointments to avoid suspicion.
Personal Errands: Occasionally, you can use personal errands or family obligations as reasons to step out.

3. Leverage Weekends and Evenings

Weekend Networking: Use weekends to network and prepare for interviews. Many recruiters are willing to accommodate weekend calls.
Evening Prep: Spend evenings updating your resume, researching companies, and preparing for interviews.

4. Networking

Network Discreetly: Engage in networking activities that don’t require you to leave the office. Use LinkedIn and other professional networks to connect with potential employers.
Informational Interviews: Set up informational interviews that can be conducted over email or during off-hours.

5. Seek External Help

Career Coaching: Consider hiring a career coach who can help you strategize your job search and provide support.
Headhunters: Work with headhunters who can do some of the legwork for you and present you with opportunities that fit your criteria.

6. Mental Health and Stress Management

Self-Care: Ensure you are taking care of your mental health. Stress management techniques such as exercise, meditation, and hobbies can help you stay balanced.
Perspective: Remember that this is a temporary phase. Keeping a positive outlook can help you navigate this challenging period.

7. Confidentiality

Discretion: Be discreet about your job search. Avoid discussing your plans with colleagues who might inadvertently let it slip.
Professionalism: Maintain professionalism at your current job to ensure you leave on good terms, which can be beneficial for future references.

Additional Resources

WSO Networking Guide: Utilize the WSO Networking Guide for detailed advice on how to network effectively.
WSO Forums: Engage with the WSO community for support and advice from others who have been in similar situations.

By implementing these strategies, you can better manage your current job while actively pursuing new opportunities. Good luck!

Sources: How to deal with a recession career-wise? A few lessons learned during the previous GFC, The Ups and Downs of Recruiting, Life Goes On..., Finding New Jobs, Navigating the Unemployment Terrain

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