October 2006

Conducting a career search from work can be risky if your current employer is not aware that you are hoping to leave. Employers expect their workers to conduct company business while on their payroll. Violating this policy can lead to serious repercussions (such as immediate termination.)

Consider these Do’s and Don’ts:
Don’t use your work computer to conduct a job search. Assume that your employer monitors your Internet access. You may have signed a computer use policy when you started at your current company. In addition to not playing games and viewing inappropriate web sites, you probably also agreed to not use company property for personal business.
Don’t use work e-mail to send resumes or receive correspondence from potential employers. Establish an e-mail account through an Internet service to separate work from personal business. Create a professional e-mail address such as your first initial and last name.
Don’t list your current work phone number as your point of contact. Use your cell phone or home phone number and have an appropriate voice mail message that indicates you will return the call as soon as you are able. These calls should not be returned from your office number.
Do schedule interviews for your day off or during your lunch break. If necessary, use vacation time to cover the out-of-office hours.
Do wear nice clothes to work more often so that you don’t draw attention to your interviewing attire on days you have a meeting scheduled with a potential employer. An alternative would be to leave your interviewing clothes in the car and stop to change on the way.
Don’t talk to co-workers about your job search. Office gossip spreads quickly and could be embarrassing if/when your boss finds out.
Even if you are dissatisfied with your current employer, avoid risky situations by conducting your job search on personal time, not company time. The Career Exploration Office is available to help you develop an effective job search strategy. Contact us at 614-292-3503 or 292-8493 today!
The CEO now offers client access to FirstLink’s Online Directory. This database is a comprehensive resource for information on 5,000+ nonprofit and government programs, health care resources, self-help and support groups available in Central Ohio. If you are looking for volunteer or employment opportunities in social services, contact the CEO (614-292-3503 or careerexploration@osu.edu) for free access to the FirstLink Online Directory.

People in satisfying, challenging careers that match their talents, personalities, and goals usually achieve a higher degree of success, live longer, are healthier and are more satisfied in all areas of their life. However, most people “fall into” their career, regardless of whether it is a good fit for them. Career planning involves identifying your interests, values and skills and matching these to viable occupations. Self-assessments may help you explore your preferences. The Myers Briggs Type Indicator and Strong Interest Inventory self assessments are available through the Career Exploration Office. For more information on the Buckeye Career Assessment Package of career services, check the CEO web site: www.careers.ohiostatealumni.org

You have received this email in response to an inquiry made to the Career Exploration Office. If you do not wish to receive the CEO Career Tune-Up, please send your request to be removed from the mailing list to careerexploration@osu.edu.

Career Exploration Office, 152 Mount Hall, 1050 Carmack Road, Columbus, Ohio 43210-1002
(614) 292-8493 or (614) 292-3503, www.careers.ohiostatealumni.org, e-mail: careerexploration@osu.edu.