Ask HN: What's the best way to apply for jobs privately?

[Euroment]

You don't want a current employer to think you're about to jump ship. What do you do?

[JSeymourATL]

Make a habit of meeting people in the morning for coffee. So if you come in a little late, it's normal.

Attend evening meet-ups and industry events, happy hours-- great for networking with insiders.

Finally, keep ALL communication / surfing on your personal device.

[twobyfour]

Find a good recruiter.

Make a practice of taking the occasional personal day / mental health day even when happily employed and not looking.

[Euroment]

how do you find a good recruiter?

i'm usually not a big fan of recruiters. they spam everyone, and are reminiscent of con artists.

[vfulco]

Go to some social/private/kids event at school for half a day and dress up in a suit. Wear it back to the office. Perceptive people/managers will start to worry. Works every time.

[chatmasta]

Isn't this answering the opposite question of what the OP asked? He does not want his managers to know he's pursuing another job.

Then again, maybe Poe's law applies.

[fiftyacorn]

also keep leaving your desk when your mobile rings, and look furtive when taking the call

[imhoguy]

Take a day off and let them think. And why you want to jump ship? Have you tried to express the issues and renegotiate?

[bradknowles]

So, now no one can ever take a day off, lest their manager think that they are interviewing somewhere else?

[stckyfngrs]

Take a "sick" day.

[chris__butters]

This really doesn't work, I've taken a few "sick" days but to be honest, we are that quiet sometimes that nobody even notices if I'm not there

[bradknowles]

Great. So now no one can ever be sick, lest their manager think that they are interviewing somewhere else.

Of course, if you did suspect they were interviewing somewhere else, wouldn't that be a perfect reason to fire them?