When considering a job change, it’s important to ask yourself:
“Am I running away from a work situation (a manager, a work environment, or a job title)?”
Or, “Am I running towards something new and challenging (a career change, a new job title, or a better work environment)?”
If your primary motivation is to leave a job that’s not meeting your needs, almost everything in the hiring space is going to look good to you. People who bolt at the first sign of frustration tend to end up in a job-hopping trend every couple of years because something always seems better—(“the grass is greener on the other side” situation). As a result, you may find yourself stuck – acting on impulse and emotion versus thoughtful and diligent job searching.
To prevent getting on the job-hopping train, here are a few things to examine when considering a job change:
1. What is truly important to you in your next role?
At this point in your job search, it’s essential to be completely open and honest with yourself about the most important aspects of your career.
Keep in mind, what’s truly important to you now might be different than years ago. Your goals may also change.
You might have a general understanding of what’s important to you in your head. But I highly recommend writing down each factor and ranking them in order of importance. This will allow you to better vet each opportunity that comes your way.
2. What are key benefits that will make your next role to be enjoyable, stimulating, and engaging?
Not every job may be “perfect” in every regard, but you can find a great job that gives you energy and helps you grow in your skillset.
Similar to the previous point of identifying what’s most important to you, write down three key characteristics that you know will help fuel you in your job role:
- What are you looking for in a work environment?
- What skills are you looking for to help you learn or grow professionally?
- What goals do you hope to achieve in this role in the next two, five, or ten years?
3. When you think back on your past jobs, what projects or roles really excited you?
We all have past employment experiences that are learning experiences – presentations, meetings, projects and assignments that didn’t go quite as smoothly as we hoped they would.
The good thing about previous challenges, they offer the opportunity to reflect on what makes us thrive and push us towards our best.
Call to mind specific projects, roles and assignments you’ve had. What aspects of those have you enjoyed the most? Use those examples as inspiration in your search for roles that incorporate similar characteristics.
4. Work culture. What interests you?
When considering a new position, one critical factor in your decision is not only looking at the specific role and its responsibilities, but also the work environment, the company history, and values.
Are you someone who prefers to work in a collaborative team environment or more independently? Are you searching for a leadership role or a supportive role?
To be successful in a job, search for a position that aligns with and supports your strengths.
Additionally, research your potential employer by thoroughly reading their website, employee reviews, studying their social media accounts, and featured articles in the media. It’s important to choose an employer that aligns not only with your career goals, but also your values.
5. Is your current industry important to you?
Are you looking for a change in your title or career?
If you’re continuously changing jobs, it could be that you haven’t found a role that aligns with your strengths. It could mean that that you may want to broaden your search into new career territories?
Analyze the industry. Stay up to date on trends and insights. Ask yourself, is this a space you will enjoy for the long term? If you’re looking to broaden your horizons, find out whether your prospective employer offers continuous training and professional development. Options to advance your career can go a long way in not only keeping a role from feeling stagnant, but can help you realize your larger career goals.
6. How important is the location?
Other things to consider with a job change is the relationship between your work, benefits, and commute. Think about how the cost of your commute, fuel and parking costs, plays a role in your salary and benefits. Be realistic about how the length of your commute will affect your working hours, stress level, and personal life.
7. What salary range are you looking for?
Your compensation package should be able to meet your needs and help you plan for the future. It can be helpful to review your budget to understand what salary will cover your bills and other expenses. Research the salary range for jobs you are considering so that you can better negotiate a starting salary.
If you do decide to make a job change, always leave your role with grace and in good standing. You never know when you will need your previous employer for support or reference.
8. Who can help me in this process?
Looking for a new carrer can be a big deal. A lot can depend on a single decision. Make sure you have someone in your corner to help you discover new opportunities, guide you in the application process, and see through interviews and negotiations.
That’s where Versique comes in. We can help you – from job search to acceptance – so your next career, will be your best career. And you can accept your new position with confidence, knowing that it’s right for you.
Sound good? Contact us today, and get started on the career of your dreams.
