There’s nothing wrong with wanting to advance your career. Then why does it feel like you’re cheating on your employer when you’re looking for work? That feeling could come from having to keep your job search a secret from the boss and coworkers you see every day. And changing jobs is a pretty big secret. But you can minimize that cheating feeling by searching in a way that’s honest and won’t get you in hot water.

Here are some tips for a secret job search:

• Job-hunt on your own time. Think no one will catch you updating your resume or searching job postings at work? Think again! Even the most careful job-seekers have stepped away from their computer with a career site open, or have been the second one to see their resume on the office printer, never mind that IT has eyes everywhere. And while you’re busy searching, you may be missing deadlines that impact your current job performance. Job-hunting at work isn’t worth the risk of sudden unemployment.
• Interview on your own time. Interviewing on your own time may be tough, because prospective employers will want to see you during their normal business hours. But think how strange it will look if you suddenly have three “medical appointments” in one week. So try your best to schedule interviews outside your current work hours, or failing that, schedule first thing in the morning, on your lunch hour, or at the end of the day, and use your paid time off. This can also avoid the telltale cue of showing up at work in a suit when you normally wear khakis.
• Watch your social media updates. First and most obvious: actively engage with social media, but be careful what you say. During your search, it’s a good idea to use social media to find and woo prospective employers with your riveting thoughts on professional trends and business news. It’s a bad idea to discuss your job search or your current employer. Second and less obvious: be wary of totally overhauling your LinkedIn profile. Of course you’ll need to update with your current position, but a complete facelift is a giveaway that you’re looking for work. Try making your changes in increments over a week or so, and be sure to turn off “Notify Your Network” of your profile changes.
• Provide smart references. Whom can you trust with the knowledge of your job search? Previous bosses and coworkers are probably fair game, but you need to be more careful at your current company. Choose one or two trusted coworkers who can speak to your performance and keep your secret. If your boss doesn’t know you’re searching, that route is an obvious no-go. But as some companies insist on a reference from your immediate supervisor, explain that one will be made available at the time of the job offer.
• Explain to prospective employers that your search is confidential. How else will they know if you don’t tell them? Sometimes it’s as easy as not checking the box that says “OK to contact current employer”; other times it requires more work. Your cover letter is a good place to address this quandary, by mentioning that you’d appreciate discretion because your search is confidential.

As our final thoughts, consider whether you need to keep your job search a secret at all. Early disclosure may be a poor choice if you’re on rocky ground with your boss. But an honest one-on-one can have benefits. Your boss will have time to plan a replacement strategy—no one is caught off guard or left in a lurch. This builds respect and good will. Your boss may also be willing to help in your job search, either by referring you to promising prospects or by providing a stellar reference. So consider your relationship with your boss and whether secrecy is the best choice. If you decide it is, we hope you find our tips helpful!