Job hunting while still employed — keeping it confidential
by Halim Yazid·May 23, 2026
The fear of your current employer finding out you're looking is real. Here's how to manage it.
On LinkedIn:
- Turn off "Notify my network" before making profile updates
- Use the "#OpenToWork" setting with the "Recruiters only" visibility option, this shows the green frame only to recruiters, not your connections
- Don't suddenly start engaging with job postings or company pages on LinkedIn, it's visible
On communication:
- Don't use your work email or phone for any part of the job search
- Don't take reference calls on your work phone or in the office
On scheduling:
- Request early morning, lunch, or late afternoon interview slots to minimise time away from your current office
- "I have a personal appointment" is sufficient explanation for occasional absences
Managing references:
- Use people who have left your current company, or from previous companies entirely
- Explicitly tell companies not to contact your current employer until an offer is made
The hard reality: You can't fully guarantee confidentiality. Malaysian industries are smaller than they seem. The earlier you move once you've decided, the lower the exposure period.