So you’ve finally decided — it’s time to move on. Making the decision is a big step and not something to be entered into lightly. Take your time. Do not take any rash actions like immediately submitting your resignation. That is literally the last thing you should do. Preparing to change jobs is a process that should involve research, strategy and a lot of thought and introspection.
1. Do some soul-searching.
Before you begin your search you should know what you want and do not want. What do you like and dislike about your current role? What worked and didn’t work for you? What do you need to be happy? What do you love doing? What are you good at? What energizes you? What are your priorities when it comes to your career/work environment/compensation? Outline your professional goals. If you are stuck and need some clarity and direction perhaps a professional self-assessment is necessary. Eve Anderson Recruitment offers psychometric career assessments which can give valuable guidance in determining your strengths, work style, intelligence type and offer career suggestions that best suit your profile. There are also a number of free career aptitude tests available online.
2. Create an Action Plan.
Separate your strategic job search into phases — for example: Self-assessment, Research, Resume Update, Applications. Write down what you need and plan to do at each phase as well as what resources are required such as LinkedIn, employment agencies etc.
3. Reach out. Make connections. Use your network.
Ask your contacts for advice on best employers, resources, recruiters and leads. This does not mean bombarding them with emails, adding everyone you can find on LinkedIn, or becoming an avid collector of business cards. Real networking is about getting to know people and making real connections. It is also helpful to rehearse your elevator pitch i.e. your value proposition, and your answer to the questions, “What do you do?” and “What’s next for you?” so that you convey an ideal message and not just something you came up with off the top of your head.
4. Be in the know.
Find out the best sources of new job information in your industry/field and sign up for newsletters and alerts (from Caribbean Jobs and LinkedIn for example). Join agency mailing lists, and follow relevant company and institutional social media pages. Also keep abreast of news, advancements, developments and changes in your field or industry and be conversant on the impact of current events on your industry. This comes in handy in interviews.
5. Sign up with, and get advice from, a recruiter.
Their knowledge of the job market and recruitment trends is invaluable. They can also be an excellent source of advice on information from (realistic) salary expectations to skill requirements and job-hunting tips. If you would like to register with Eve Anderson Recruitment the first step is to email your resume to jobs@eaastaff.com
6. Allocate daily job search time.
Dedicate some time every day to some activity that furthers your job search strategy, such as checking LinkedIn and job boards etc.
7. Maximise and optimise your LinkedIn presence.
Build out your profile. Do not just let it languish incomplete with no photo and only the job title of your current and last jobs. Greater engagement equals more visibility. This is how the algorithm works — the more active you are the more visible you are to recruiters. You don’t have to post your entire detailed resume on LinkedIn but certain information is key: a professional profile photo, current and past job titles, employers and employment dates, skills & endorsements. Follow companies, connect with recruiters, use the alumni search tool to make connections, update frequently, post relevant articles to boost your profile views. Make sure your profile is up-to-date and well-presented.
8. Boost your current appeal.
Just because you are making plans to leave doesn’t mean you should slack off in your current job. Au contraire. Don’t lose momentum and motivation. Think of new tasks, responsibilities and areas of work you can take on to add to your profile. Enhance and widen your skill set with any available training and development opportunities. Learn something new. Take advantage of the plethora of free online courses and continuing education. Find out what is relevant to the job you want and do it.
9. Refresh and update your resume.
Be sure to update it with any new courses taken and skills developed before you apply for jobs. It is very important to indicate your impact, achievements, accomplishments and contributions in current and previous roles. Update your profile summary, core competencies, and skills sections in a way that distinguishes you and substantiates your contributions. Eve Anderson’s Resume Development services can help.
10. Refresh your work wardrobe.
Well-tailored professional attire makes a great first impression and inspires confidence in the wearer.