If you're lucky enough to be looking for a job while you have a job, Tanisha A. Sykes, Essence magazine's personal-finance and careers editor, has a list of do's and don'ts.
Whatever you do, don't duck out on your full-time gig under the random guise of "I'll be back." Do that too many times and you'll be terminated. Why? Because it makes you look suspect! Everyone can tell when people are wearing their interview clothes, especially if you've been dressing casual or even crazy (let's hope not) on the job. Here's what you can do to interview while in a full-time job.
(1) Dress Better. Start dressing better, starting tomorrow. Not sure if you're a male or female, but a nice watch, higher end shoes, a great haircut and better (casual) attire can go a long way. If you have an interview, wear a shirt and slacks in the office, but bring the jacket with you. Then you can slip on the jacket and your pumps before leaving for the interview.
(2) Set Appointments Before Work, After Work, or During Lunch. if you're being watched like a hawk, schedule an interview before you have to go into the office, or schedule it for after hours.
Read Tanisha A. Sykes' entire piece at Essence.com.
The Root aims to foster and advance conversations about issues relevant to the black Diaspora by presenting a variety of opinions from all perspectives, whether or not those opinions are shared by our editorial staff.