I want a new job, whats the best way to apply for/get one whilst I am still in my current job?

I just went through this. I updated my resume and searched for jobs during my off time at home. When I started to get called for interviews (give them your personal phone # and not your work #), I would let them know that I was currently employed full time and could only interview either early morning before work, after work in the evening or during my 1 hour lunch break. I think you'll find that most employers will work w/your tight schedule if they want to interview you - I honestly had no problem getting interviews scheduled this way. This way, you don't have to take excessive amounts of time off from work (I don't know about you, but that would have gotten me in a lot of trouble at my old job) and you also don't need to tell your current employer that you're looking elsewhere. Good luck on your job hunt!

Post your resume on Monster or Career Builders when you're off. Line up interviews in the afternoon after your lunch or in the morning. That way you can work a half day. Or just request an entire day off and line up interviews on that day. You don't need to tell your current employer you're looking for another job, just request a personal day off. That way you're not putting your company on the defense and you're not lying either. (When I interview people who are in this situation, I ask how they got the time off for the interview- people who lie about it rarely get a second interview. If they would lie to their current employer, they will lie to me). If you like your current company, but are feeling bored, talk to your boss and see if there are other opportunities in the company that may be better suited to your talents. You might be surprised. If you're a good employee, your company will want to keep you and will try to figure out a better position for you.

Keep your current job until you find a new one is the first thing I would tell you. Finding a new job might take a while so best to still have an income while you are looking. Arrange interviews during your lunch hour or after work. Most companies will accomodate that and will be impressed that you are not taking time off and lying to your current employer. It shows you are a responsible, loyal employee and someone they would want to work in their company.

You need to start getting your resume out. Worry about interviews when you have to. If you do get contacted about an interview, you can ask to see if they can hold it before or after business hours. Some companies can be very acommodating about scheduling interviews because they know that the applicants have other jobs currently. Alternately you can use up your vacation or personal days to go if you have to. I don't recommend lying about doctor's appointments or the like, because the minute you leave, your old company will know that you lied to them and you don't want to burn any bridges. Also, on your job search, do not use the company computers to browse for jobs, or use their email to send out resumes. Do all your job searching from your home so as not to get into any trouble later on.

I just went through this. I posted my resume in my off time and if an interview came up that looked promising I'd ask to leave work early for the day. I would say I had a doctor's appointment or something like that. As long as you aren't doing this 4 times a week it shouldn't be a problem. If you tell the truth they may hold it against you or not let you have the time off.