Job Hunting While Employed: How to Stay Under the Radar

What to Do When Your Current Job Finds Out You Had an Interview With Their Competitor

1. First, Don’t Panic (Even If Your Boss Looks Like They’re Planning Revenge)

• Getting caught interviewing elsewhere feels like being caught cheating on an exam.
• You start overthinking: Did I leave clues? Who snitched? Will I get fired?
• Relax. Job searching is normal, and you are not the first (or last) doctor to explore options.

2. Assess the Damage: How Much Do They Really Know?

• Before jumping to conclusions, figure out what they actually know.
• Did someone hear a rumor, or do they have solid proof (like an email, a LinkedIn update, or a casual confession you made over coffee)?
• Possible scenarios:
  • “I heard you’re job hunting” → They suspect it but aren’t sure.
  • “I know you interviewed at [Competitor]” → They have concrete information.
  • “The hospital board mentioned your name in their hiring meeting” → You’re fully exposed.

3. Deny or Confirm? How to Respond Without Digging a Deeper Hole

• If confronted, your response depends on the situation.
• If it’s just a rumor:
  • “I’m always open to learning about opportunities, but I’m happy where I am.”
• If they know for sure:
  • “I was approached with an opportunity and wanted to explore it. I haven’t made any decisions.”
• If they’re angry:
  • “I respect my role here and wasn’t planning to leave unless something significantly better came along.”

4. If You’re Staying: Damage Control 101

• Reassure them that you’re committed (if you actually are).
• Frame it positively:
  • “I took the interview to benchmark my career progress. It made me appreciate what I already have here.”
• Use it to negotiate:
  • If they want to keep you, they might offer better pay, a promotion, or more flexibility.
• Keep your work performance high to prove you’re still dedicated.

5. If You’re Leaving: Avoid a Messy Exit

• If the interview went well and you plan to leave, don’t make the mistake of:
  • Announcing it too early (wait until you have a signed offer).
  • Badmouthing your current employer (medicine is a small world).
  • Burning bridges (you might need a reference later).
• Instead, say:
  • “I’ve been offered an opportunity that aligns with my long-term goals. I truly appreciate my time here and want to ensure a smooth transition.”

6. The Passive-Aggressive Boss Scenario: When They Start Making Life Difficult

• Some employers take it personally when an employee explores other options.
• Signs they’re holding a grudge:
  • Sudden extra workload (punishment assignments).
  • Being left out of important meetings.
  • Snide remarks like “I hope you’re happy at [Competitor]”.
• Your strategy:
  • Stay professional—don’t react emotionally.
  • Keep your performance solid.
  • If it gets toxic, it’s time to leave faster.

7. The Ultimate Power Move: Use It to Your Advantage

• If you play your cards right, this can work in your favor.
• Your employer now knows you have options.
• This is the perfect time to negotiate:
  • More pay
  • Better schedule
  • Additional benefits
  • Research funding
• Example:
  • “Since we’re having this conversation, I’d love to discuss what my long-term career growth looks like here.”

8. Who Snitched? (And Why It Doesn’t Matter)

• If you didn’t tell anyone, someone else did.
• Possible suspects:
  • A colleague who wants your job.
  • The interviewing hospital (some places call your employer for references).
  • Someone who overheard you talking about it.
• Pro tip: Don’t focus on who leaked it. Focus on how you handle it now.

9. Lessons for Next Time: How to Job Hunt Discreetly
✅ DO

• Use personal devices for job applications (not work email).
• Schedule interviews outside work hours or on days off.
• Tell only people you trust—if anyone.
• Be vague about “doctor networking” meetings.

❌ DON’T

• Leave your CV on a shared printer.
• Mention your job search in the hospital cafeteria.
• Post “Excited for my job interview today!” on LinkedIn.

10. If You Want to Stay, Use It as a Wake-Up Call

• If you were unhappy enough to interview elsewhere, take this as a sign to make changes.
• Talk to leadership about what could improve:
  • Salary adjustments
  • A better schedule
  • More growth opportunities
• Your current employer might fix the problems that made you job hunt in the first place.

11. The Reality Check: You Owe No One an Apology for Exploring Opportunities

• Medicine is a career, not a marriage.
• Employers would replace you tomorrow if needed—so don’t feel guilty for considering options.
• Your career comes first. If your employer values you, they’ll work to keep you. If not, you deserve a better fit.

12. The Golden Rule: Always Leave on a High Note

• No matter what happens, leave gracefully.
• Future employers will ask about your last job, and you don’t want to say:
  • “They hated me because I looked elsewhere.”
• Instead, make sure you can say:
  • “I left on good terms and learned a lot there.”