How to Find a Fallback Job

If you're on the hunt and don't want your current employer to find out, be very careful where you post your resume online. Consider using VisualCV (www.visualcv.com), not only does the free service allow you to build a better resume online, but it features user-controlled privacy settings that let you "share" selectively and be "found" according to your specifications.

Stephanie Wood of NJ 11:57AM December 16, 2008

As a former recruiter, my experience has shown me that accepting a counteroffer can sometimes signal a death knell for your career path at that firm. There is a level of trust that has been broken. I had several experiences where candidates reneged on an offer after their current employer countered. More than half the time, this resulted in either being laid off first when times got tough or having the upside in their career prospects diminish. Today's economic environment is a good illustration of how high level, high impact careers can come crashing down when the going gets tough. Although loyalty isn't a great determinant of job security, lack of loyalty and holding your bosses toes to the fire when he needed you is.

A better approach to deciding between staying and leaving is evaluating each position on its own merits. Comparing compensation, career path, work environment, and financial viability of the company should provide you with the right reasons for you to make the move or not.

mrosenbaum@careerandtransitioncoaching.com

Mary Rosenbaum of NY 5:44PM November 18, 2008