In last week’s blog post (part 1 of 2), I asked the question: “In your current position at work, are you in a job that can be a career, or is it simply a job?” In that, I explored ways to find career growth in your current position. This week, I will focus on five actionable steps you can take to land a new job to support your career.
In last week’s post, I talked about using the following question to guide your decision-making when deciding to stay with your current employer or move on. The question is: “In your current position at work, are you in a job that can be a career, or is it simply a job?” I also defined those two terms: in both cases, the job is paid, and the employer sees value in the work. However, in simply a job, your avenues for growth are limited, but in a job that can be a career, there is room for advancement. I also asked you to answer the question for yourself.
In Part 1, I focused on how to grow your career within an organization. This week, I will focus on how to move from what you have defined as simply a job to finding a new position that supports your career aspirations. Some common thoughts that might lead you to feel you have simply a job, not a job that can be a career, might be:
- There are no identifiable groups I can see myself working with outside of my current group/department.
- My preference is to do other job functions, but they are not of value to my current employer.
- The company’s values are not in alignment with my own.
- No one at my job inspires me.
- I don’t feel comfortable sharing my career goals with anyone of influence.
If any of the statements above are true, you may find that it is time to move on to a new organization. The idea of changing employers is daunting to anyone. Finding a new position can be like working two jobs at once. It can be stressful and time-consuming. Despite these hurdles, I have found a few key steps to make it easier and build confidence along the way. These may help you.
First, network and seek input from neutral people you know.
It is important to confide in individuals who do not have a vested interest in you staying with your current company. Former coworkers can be a great resource. Give them a call, take them to lunch and ask what they have learned. They have been in your shoes, understand the situation’s confidentiality, and may have suggestions and experiences to share. Another source may be an outside consultant you worked with who may have worked for other companies like yours and can be an additional source of knowledge and connections. It is essential to be strategic when having these conversations; be sure to mention you desire the conversation to remain confidential.
Second, seek out and connect with an industry leader.
Get involved in professional organizations of your field, serve on a committee, or run for a board position. Volunteering is an excellent way to boost a resume, and at the same time, make valuable connections. Invest in the organization through consistent participation. Building relationships takes time, as your goal is to develop authentic connections. The more you give, the more you will get in return. Ultimately, by investing this time and energy, you will learn more about the values of other companies in your industry and learn about potential opportunities through your connections.
Third, hire a coach and hone your leadership message.
A coach will offer a new perspective and help you leverage your tactical experiences to showcase your leadership skills. Whether you are looking for a mid-level or senior position, leadership skills are attractive to organizations with a growth mindset. A coach will help you ask the right questions to understand an organization’s culture better. The cost of a career coach can vary, so be mindful of your budget and seek out options that you can afford.
Fourth, understand your values and identify the types of organizations you like.
Spend time outlining your values and what you are looking for in your career. Use the information you learned through networking and connecting with industry leaders to identify specific companies. Once you have a list, follow them on Linked In, search their career opportunities, sign-up to receive career opportunity notices directly from the company or through job websites such as Indeed.
Fifth, get busy and put it on paper.
Update your resumé and LinkedIn profile and practice quarterly maintenance to keep them current. As you highlight your experiences, write them with a lens of leadership. Whether it was a project, an initiative, a department, or a group of people, illustrate how you led the effort and point out the results you achieved. Showcase your leadership skills and the results upfront; you can follow up with more specific bullet points. Have six to eight different leadership examples that you can draw on to tailor your resumé to a unique opportunity as it comes up.
Changing positions can be challenging, and it will take time. The actions taken in steps one through five–networking, connecting with industry leaders, coaching, workplace identification, and putting it on paper–is an investment, and you will need to have patience. Give yourself grace and take the approach that this is a marathon and not a sprint. A new position may not come on the first try, but it will come. Take solace that the investment will be worth the effort as you search for satisfaction to turn your current job into a satisfying career.
This brings me to today’s Star Stunning realizations:
- Grow your network. Being unhappy in your job can negatively impact so many areas of your life. Having a network not only will open opportunities, but you can form relationships that will last throughout your career. Be your Star Stunning self, and genially grow relationships based on mutual benefit. Helping others along the way will pay back in spades.
- Understand your values and talk to a professional. The further along you are in your career, the harder it can be to find a new position. An executive coach or a career counselor can help you define what you are looking for, hone your leadership skills, and help you create meaningful messages to communicate your experience and expertise to illustrate your value to potential employers.
- Be patient. Use the opportunity for self-exploration and take the time to find the position that will be a fit for years to come. Think about where you ultimately want to be in your career. If you run from a job, it may lead you to a job that is a short-term fix. Your goal is a new workplace in alignment with your values and goals. The time you spend will improve your confidence and allow you to step into your Star Stunning self.
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