Preparation is vital for a successful job search
Preparing to change jobs is just as important as the job search itself. In our previous careers advice article Senex Recruitment analysed five of the key reasons why you need to start looking for a new job. This week we will address what you need to do next. These are the five things you need to do in preparation before you start your job search.
In conjunction with last weeks article, use this as a two-part guide in how to breathe new life into your career by creating a personal survival guide to changing jobs.
Here is our five-step plan to kick start your exit strategy for preparing to change jobs.
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Preparing to change jobs? Define the problem and assess all options with your current employer
Be clear in your mind about why you are dissatisfied in your current role. Is it the work itself, your manager, your colleagues, the organisation, or even the sector you’re in? Taking the time to properly understand this will help you make better decisions about your next move.
Before you begin your search, think carefully about whether your concerns could be addressed in your current role or through a change within your organisation. Doing this upfront can save you significant time, energy, and frustration—and lead to a more confident, well-informed career move.
A transfer to a new team may solve the problem instantly. Otherwise explore opportunities for career development, training, and lateral moves – before you throw yourself at the job marketplace.
Talk frankly with your current employer about any concerns you have about your remuneration package or internal issues.
It’s important to avoid getting to the later stages of a job search only to face a counteroffer. This situation can be frustrating for everyone involved.
If the issues remain, it is high recommended that you are on your way to seeking an new job.
Invest in building your personal brand
Don’t go to the job market without building evidence and examples of your ability. Catalogue your skills, know-how, and list a couple of dozen achievement which showcase your strengths backed with real life examples. Learn how to write and talk about times where you added value, created something new, or made a difference.
Keep your evidence focused – look at the top six “must-have” requirements of your target roles and make sure this evidence appears in the first half page of your CV. Also ensure your Social Media presence reflects the same “personal branding”.
Learn how to summarise what you’re looking for and what your good at in a way which is memorable and authentic.
Senex Recruitment can support and help you with this so contact the recruitment team.
Put negative feelings about your current situation to the side
You may have genuine cause for concern about your job search, for example you may have recently been made redundant or you are working in a toxic environment. However, Interviewers will remember and choose positive applicants over those harbouring a negative approach. Of course, be truthful but remember to turn any adversity into a positive.
Plan for the question “why do you want to move on?”, remembering that employers fill jobs to solve problems, not to rescue unhappy workers. Employers are looking for why you want to work for them, so develop a mindset that endorse a positive approach to what you do.
Remember, the question "why are you looking for a job" actually means "why do you want to work for this company in this role?"
Think at this stage about what will attract you in the new role, not what pushes you away from the old one. Research potential job and career opportunities carefully so you can summarise why you’re an excellent fit.
Immerse yourself in a “can do” attitude before you enter the job market. Additionally, it will make you more resilient even if you experience a few interviews knock backs.
Look at the job market before you leap
If you want to move jobs, above-average market research is vital. Too many candidates sound naïve and uninformed when approaching new employers. Assess the local market, interrogate job boards to see if your salary expectation meets the market rate. Are there jobs in your local area? What is the application rate?
Use local knowledge, STEM is a close-knit community, so ex colleagues and friends will likely understand the job market. Who are the good employers? What is the town or commute like. Invest, time to discuss.
Many companies have online reviews. However, do be cautious about these, it is normally disgruntled ex-employees who will leave negative reviews.
Also do the same research about the Recruitment Consultancies you use. Talk to the consultancy and get to know them you can find our reviews over on google.
Increase your visibility in the job market
You probably don’t want to your employer to know you’re moving on. However, there are subtle ways to improve your chances of being head hunted.
Upgrade your LinkedIn profile and invest in improving all aspects of your social media presences. Our recent career advice blog discussed some key pitfalls to avoid on LinkedIn and is well worth a read. You can do this without starting the alarm bells at your employer.
Engage a recruiter to work exclusively on your behalf. For example, here at Senex Recruitment our consultants have insider knowledge of the job market and can proactively contact the best employers in the area for you. We will get to know you and get an in-depth understanding of your skill set and ability. From this we will target the right companies and job roles, often creating opportunities for you before the role is advertised.
This stealth approach to finding your next job, makes you an exclusive and desirable asset in the job market. Putting you ahead of the competition before you even interview with the company, Contact us today to let us represent you.
Preparing To Change Jobs our final thoughts
Every situation is different, and there is no hard and fast rule about how your job search will go. What is certain is that if you fail to prepare your chance for success will be drastically reduced.
Senex Recruitment always advises our candidates about preparing for your job search and will offer realistic advice about all aspects of job hunting from CV writing, LinkedIn profile development, to salary advice and interview preparation and more. Therefore, when it is time to change jobs, it will be the start of an exciting new chapter for you, and we will be there every step of the way.
Our consultants are always happy to support you in job hunting and will offer impartial and insightful advice.
Remember as a candidate approaching a recruitment consultancy there is no cost for any of our services. This is a legal requirement. So do not hesitate to contact us for careers advice and to instruct us to start a tailored proactive job search on your behalf.
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About the Author – Kevin McHugh
He is committed to a quality-first approach, matching candidates and employers with precision, professionalism and respect across the South East and wider UK.