The only problem is that you have to ensure your current boss doesn't find out.

This puts you at a disadvantage, as you can't rely on getting references from your boss or colleagues. It can also be difficult to juggle your schedule to find time for job interviews.

The process can also take an emotional toll. You have to be scrupulous to avoid being discovered and you're often unable to confide in anyone at work for fear of being found out. 

Looking for a new job while in your current one may not be quite as easy as it seems.

It's not all bad news, though. Recruiters and companies tend to value active workers more highly than those who have spent time out of work. This is because, in theory, if you're currently at work then your skills are more up-to-date. 

There are a number of ways that you can carry out your job search without alerting your boss.

1. Consider an internal move first

Before you start looking for a job at another company, it's important to clarify a few things.

You need to be clear about why you don't like your current role. If the problem is the role rather than the company, then you can always enquire about any vacancies in other departments in your company.

2. Think carefully about whether you can tell your manager

Not telling your boss anything at all will have inevitable consequences. You won't be able to get a reference, for example. So before you decide to hide your job search, think about your company's culture and your relationship with your boss.

If you think they'd be understanding and try to help you, then it's best to confide in them. If you think that your plans won't go down well, you'll have to keep them to yourself.

3. Consider using a recruiter

A recruiter can help you search for a job confidentially and may even speed up the process since they specialize in finding the best candidates for job openings across various industries.

4. Conduct interviews either at lunchtime or at the end of the day

The trick is to schedule job interviews at times of the day when no one expects to see you at work. These times are usually either lunchtime or the end of the day. 

Another, albeit unpopular option, is to use some of your vacation days for interviews.

5. Don't tell anyone at work

Keep your plans a secret until you've signed a contract with a new company. 

This is one of the simplest ways to make sure your career plans remain a secret, yet it's frequently the undoing of many. It can be easy to think you can get away with telling a few close friends at work, but you can never be sure that they won't let something slip.

6. Don't post anything on social media 

Don't announce on Facebook or Twitter that you're looking for a job. This will most likely be seen by people at work and it's an easy thing to avoid.

7. Don't look for jobs when you're in the office

It seems obvious, but it's a common way for people to be caught out searching for a new job.

It's better to wait until you get home and spend half an hour a day looking for opportunities in private.

8. Get changed out of the office

If you have to change clothes for a job interview, don't do it in the office. Look for restaurants or stores with customer toilets where you can change before it.

9. Don't criticize your current boss

It always looks bad to criticize your boss, even if you feel they deserve it. 

You also can't be sure who knows who, especially if you're looking for jobs in the same industry. So if you criticize your current boss, it may get back to them.

10. Don't use your boss or current colleagues as references

Don't list your current manager or anyone from your job as references on your resume, and don't give their names if you're asked for references in the interview. All your attempts to conceal your job search will be for nothing if you do that.

11. Remain visible but vigilant on LinkedIn

LinkedIn is a double-edged sword. It's a great gateway to a new career, but the last thing you want is for your boss to find out you're looking for a job there. You can still update your profile, make sure it's visible, interact, and add contacts that can help you find a job. 

But don't openly look for jobs and don't use the "Open to Work" option as it's not 100% private. 

Also, it may be worth deactivating notifications of your status updates so that they don't appear on your colleague's feeds.

12. Ask for discretion from interviewers

Don't be embarrassed to explain your situation at the end of the interview. Managers and HR teams are used to talking to people who have jobs but are looking to move. 

Ask them kindly not to reveal that you've been there, just in case.

13. If you're asked directly, be honest

As a final tip, if your boss or someone at work finds out what's happening, and they ask you directly if you're looking for a new job, then it's better, to be honest, and tell the truth. Your boss may prove to be more understanding than you thought.