Looking for a job can be a stressful process, especially if you’re already employed.

While it can be tempting to tell your boss you’re looking, in hopes of a better offer, steer clear of discussing your search with others. Being open about job searching a lot of times can backfire and actually be a red flag for employers. Divulging info about your job search to your current employer can make you look disloyal and untrustworthy, and in some cases employers will terminate an employee. To protect your job security, and keep your job search a secret, here are a few tips to follow.

Don’t use company time or resources: Be smart about conducting your job search and steer clear of using a work computer or phone. It’s also best to job search on a personal computer or phone during out of office hours. Even if you’re done with work for the day, using a work computer can still be detrimental.

Be mindful on social media: With social media privacy becoming more and more scare, it can be tough to keep changes subtle. Before updating any platforms like LinkedIn, switch notification settings to “off.” This allows you to update your profile without flooding colleagues timelines with updates. Another tip, employers love to see candidates post updates that are in their career field, but don’t go overboard. If you don’t normally post on LinkedIn, pick and choose wisely about what you share. You don’t want to draw attention to your increased engagement.

Don’t change the way you dress: If you plan on going to an interview during work hours, don’t come to work in interview attire. Come to work in your normal clothing, and if you have to change, do it somewhere like a bathroom, gym, or even your car. Don’t come to work in interview attire if that’s not your typical dress code. This can be a huge red flag to employers.

Schedule interviews outside of work hours – when possible: This might not always be an option, but try to be mindful when scheduling interviews. Many employers try to interview during normal business hours, but don’t conjure up fake doctors appointments to meet the demands of others. Instead, find a time that works for you without hurting your current company.

Use caution with work friends: Even if you have a best friend at work, use caution when discussing your job search. At the end of the day, these people work with you and you shouldn’t be vocal about plans of leaving. Work gossip is always a hot topic, and even if a friend slips up and tells someone on accident, the more people that know about your job search, the bigger the possibility of others finding out.

Keep it confidential: A job search is something personal to someone. If you want to share your current professional info with others, tell the person you would like to keep your job search confidential. Whether it’s a recruiter or someone who could be a resource, people will understand how important it is and should respect your privacy.

When employed and looking for a job, it’s crucial you follow these steps so there aren’t any red flags. Keeping your job search a secret will help protect your job security while giving you the chance to branch out and interview at other companies without jeopardizing your current role.