Switching a job or career path is no simple task. There’s a lot at stake, and you must be thorough when you explore a new job opportunity. Usually, it will require an investment in both your money and time, so it’s best to take your time and be prepared before making the switch.
First, is a Job Change What You Need?
Before going over the steps to make a successful job change, you should be absolutely sure that a new job is the right move. While browsing job openings isn’t a terrible waste of time, if it’s really not the right thing to do just yet, then it’s better to do something else with that spare time.
Here are a few signs that can help you decide if it’s time for a new job.
- Your skills are underutilized.
- You’re not passionate at all about your work
- It’s an unhealthy work environment even when you’ve tried to make it better
- You are grossly under-compensated
- There are no opportunities for growth, and you’re ready for that next step yesterday
While there can be other reasons why a new job is the right career move for you, those are a good sampling. You can always talk with a career professional, like a pro at a staffing agency if you’re still not sure.
Let’s Say it’s Time for Something New – Now What?
If you’ve decided that a new job is the next best step for you, then it’s time to make a game plan for finding your new role.
Get Organized
The first step to finding your next job is to get yourself organized. Make a list of things you need to do before you even submit an application. This list may include:
- Brainstorm for Your Future: What is it about your current job that you like/dislike? What are your career goals? These questions must be answered honestly so you can search for a job that will be better than your current position.
- Update General Resume: While each application should have a specific resume that speaks to the position, an updated general resume is the best place to start. From there, you can easily tweak it for various applications.
- Consider Using a Staffing Agency: There are plenty of reasons that you can use a staffing agency. From general tips and advice to strong, local connections, handing off your job search to professionals doesn’t actually cost you anything and can save you a lot of time.
- Make a List of Networks & Job Boards: Whether or not you decide to use a staffing agency, making a list of possible places to network with local professionals or view available jobs is another useful way to get organized. Several job search apps make it easy to view and apply to jobs, but not every app or site has all the jobs that are out there. Consider browsing around a few to see what types of opportunities are available in your area.
Update Social Media Presence
Not every social media platform needs to speak to your interest in a new job – nor should you broadcast that to all of your followers. However, you should tidy up your presence. Just as you want to work for a company who embodies your passions and values, your future employer wants you to fit within their culture. If you think you have content that you’d rather hide from recruiters or potential managers, now is the time to do it.
Get On (and Be Active on) LinkedIn
First, if you’re not on LinkedIn, you’re missing out on job opportunities, and there’s also a chance that a hiring manager will set your resume aside if they can’t find you on LinkedIn.
Second, once you get yourself on LinkedIn, take the time to set up your profile in a very professional and eye-catching manner. Remember that it’s not just another social media network. It’s a site to make a good impression, to stand out in your industry, and to climb in your career. Be active on the site and be professional.
Be Ready for the Next Step
While you don’t want to get ahead of yourself, it’s not a bad idea, once you send in an application to think about each position in greater depth. How would you bring a positive impact to the company? How do your skills poise you for success in the position? What does long-term growth look like to you in your field? Dig deeper into each opportunity so you can be ready when they call you for an interview.
Speak with a Career Professional to Help You Make Your Next Step
If you’re ready to look for a new job or need help deciding what to do, contact the pros at Expert Staffing.