Searching discreetly while you are still employed

Word travels quickly between regional offices, agents and consultants. Most leaks I see are self-inflicted rather than the fault of a recruiter.

Practical rules

• Use a personal email address and personal phone number on every application.
• Never apply from a work device or work network.
• Turn off LinkedIn activity broadcasts before you update your profile, and use 'Open to work — recruiters only'.
• Ask, in writing, that your CV is not sent anywhere without your named consent for each employer.
• Do not name your current employer's confidential schemes, land deals or numbers in an interview.
• Hold references until an offer is agreed in principle.

On this site

No recruiter, agency or employer can search or browse the CVs held here — only Simon Wilkins, who runs the site, can view them. Your CV only ever reaches an employer when you press apply on their advert, or where you expressly agree after Simon approaches you about a specific role.