Changing jobs with great frequency is the new normal. According to Forbes, today’s average worker stays at their job for 4.4 years and younger employees probably stay for about two years. Before you consider a career move, consider the consequences. Here are five tips for transitioning into your next job.
Understand the change
First, decide whether you really need to change jobs. One of my good friends is a tech recruiter with a global firm. His first counsel to those considering a career change is to determine whether a move really is the best choice. Are there un-tapped opportunities in your organization? What do you need to do to rise to the next level? You’ll never know if you don’t ask. So have a conversation with your boss or mentor who you trust about your interest areas and opportunities that might be pursued.
Focus and connect
If you’ve determined you need to move on, your next step is to begin cultivating a network of people who might either be interested in bringing you aboard or might know of someone who may eventually be hiring. Start with information interviews. Don’t ever ask for a job in these initial conversations. Just get a feel for the manager, their organizational goals and introduce them to you and the skills/abilities you can bring to the table. After your information interview, stay connected and continue the process of reaching out to new contacts. Let them know you’re looking to “continue to grow and would be interested in any opportunities that might come up”. Keep your original info interviewees apprised of your progress. Out of sight, often means out of mind and you want to ensure you are always top of mind if a great opportunity comes up.
Be positive about yourself (and your current position)
It’s easy to complain about an employer. But it’s not an attractive thing to do. If you’re talking with anyone (potential employer, contacts, peers, etc) do your best to focus on positive elements of your current position. If you’re asked about why you want to leave, consider elaborating on your own career goals. Maybe you’ve topped out salary-wise. Maybe you want to continue to grow as a manager. Or maybe you’ve learned about as much as you can in your current position. There’s lots of reasons you may want to move on that anyone (including your own boss) might be hard-pressed to argue with.
Keep your cards close to your chest
All that said, you don’t want to go blabbing about the fact you’re looking to transition to a new opportunity to just anyone. This can lead to some un-intended consequences, particularly if there are any performance issues around your work. Keep your cards close to your chest. Tap your network (but in confidence). If you have a boss or mentor you trust and know is a champion, consider speaking with them about it.
Practice patience
The right opportunity will come around if you’re patient. But sometimes that opportunity takes a long time to materialize. It may be tempting to leap for jobs that are outside your range of experience or not aligned with your values or interests, but resist this temptation; particularly if you aren’t desperate and already have a decent job. You want your next step to be a good one and preferably a step into an organization where you’ll be able to stay quite some time.
Photo courtesy of Travis Isaacs