Should I Stay or Should I Go?

Is it time to start your job search?

Here are a few ideas to consider that can be helpful in making that decision.

Why are you considering a change? Are you unhappy? Why?
If you’re unhappy, is it temporary? Did you have a bad day, a bad week or has it been ongoing?
Can the situation feel rectified by getting away a day or two, or blowing off steam by sharing with a friend or family member? How about talking with your manager?
What is going to make you happy?
Develop your wish list. Ideally, if you can have everything you want in your new job, what will it include? Let the ideas fly. Don’t worry about reality, there’s time for that later.

What will make you glad to go to work every day, even if it’s opening your laptop in a different room?
What are your new daily/weekly/monthly/yearly responsibilities? Are you managing others? Who? How many? What are their roles in the organization?
What does your office look like? How much time are you going to spend there? Is it an organization that asks you go to the office, hybrid or fully remote?
Who are your colleagues? Your boss? Your bosses’ boss?
What does the company do?
Give thought to the company’s core values.
How much money are you making? Are there bonuses? Based on what? What benefits does the company offer?

Take your time and write down everything. Don’t hold anything back.

Once you think your list is complete, go over it again. Determine those things that are cannot-live-without, significant, nice-to-have, etc.

Can the majority of cannot-live-without and significant items be obtained if you stay with your current company? If you feel it’s possible, talk with your manager (not in a way that suggests an ultimatum) to ask for help. If they can’t, or just won’t provide assistance you may have received a blatant GO!

If I go, how do I keep it confidential?

Go directly to the source. Reach out to the person that is doing the initial interviews. It takes some research, but once you know, reach out to them. Let him/her know your circumstances. Until it’s time for your offer, reference checks, etc., no one other than that person and the interviewing team need to know you’re making a change.
Increase your connections on LinkedIn. Be strategic. Connect with those who work for companies on your wish list. Once connected, arrange a brief conversation to get to know about them and their company. You may learn the company is the best, or worst, place to work. If it’s the best and the person is someone you truly want to know more about on a professional level, continue to stay in touch. Ask them to share when opportunities are available. Additional Advantage: They may know before anyone else does.
Consider using a recruiter. When you select the right one, recruiters will do everything they can, with your best interest in mind to help you find the right job. That includes keeping your search quiet. There are ways to share information about you, without disclosing who you are.

Let’s face it. A job search can be a full-time job (and not one of your responsibilities while at work). The last thing you want is to put your current position in danger – especially because someone within the organization learned you are considering a move.

Okay, I’m outta here.

Now what?

Whether you’re keeping your search confidential, or blasting it to the universe, it’s time for your resume.

How do you set it up so that you get calls?
What format is the most widely accepted?
What should you include?
What should you avoid?

Excellent questions. And, if you were to ask 100 people, you might get 100 answers.

Each candidate, job and industry will require adjustments to any resume writing tips. Creatives will want to include links to their current portfolios or sample of work. Recent college grads may not have a lot of work experience to highlight, but can still pull from class projects, labs, seminars and internships to reveal their skills.

Always keep in mind, “Strive not to be a success but rather of value”. – Albert Einstein

Employers will hire people who can make an impact. Write your tailored resume (you may need one designed for each position) so that it shows a distinctive, results-driven professional, and in no time, you could find yourself preparing for that ultimate job interview – and offer.

When you’re ready Recruiting for Growth is here to support your career: