Nick asked on Yahoo Answers:
“Does being currently employed make it harder to find a new job? I’m wondering if being employed is a turn-off for employers. The job I have right now isn’t giving me anywhere near enough hours, but I’m not willing to give it up unless I know it’s making me less likely to get a better job.”
Great question, Nick!
The best advice I can give you is don’t quit your current job until you have a new job lined up. Finding a job isn’t always easy and if you leave your current position, it may be awhile until something else comes around.
Employers are looking for the best of the best and actually having a job shows the employer that someone else was willing to take a chance on you. It makes you look desirable. Remember, hiring someone is a big commitment and it’s not cheap. By showing that another company wants you working for them, you are proving that you have the drive and experience they are looking for.
If you’re worried they will want you to start immediately but you want to give your current company adequate notice, talk to your current boss after you get hired and explain the situation. Tell them you found another opportunity elsewhere and while you are very grateful for this job, it is time for you to move on. Explain that they want you to start sooner than expected and ask if your ideal last day would be acceptable to them. You may be surprised by their answer!
Make sure you don’t burn any bridges with your current company. A powerful reference can make a difference in your job search, and you’ll want to be careful you don’t leave on a bad note.
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