Are you thinking about quitting your job? If so, you’re not alone. Quitting your job isn’t an easy decision, nor is it the only career transition you’re likely to encounter. Having a plan can help you navigate layoffs, job shifts, career pivots and industry changes. Being able to separate the mental preparedness from the task and logistics will help keep it from getting overwhelming and feeling helpless.
Before you make any decisions, it’s important to plan the transition carefully. Here are some tips to help you navigate and think through the various pieces of a job change.
- Gather your accomplishments
- Align your resume to responsibilities
- Connect with recruiters and get advice for your market and industry.
- Prep your networking and/or job search strategy.
- Decide your timeline.
GATHER YOUR WINS
As you prepare to quit your job, have been notified of a layoff or some other employment change, it’s important to take inventory of the things you’ve accomplished over the course of the job. This will not only help you to reflect on your successes, but it will also give you a valuable resource to draw from when networking for your next career opportunity.
When compiling a list of accomplishments, be sure to include both major projects and day-to-day responsibilities. For each item, briefly describe your role and the skills you utilized. Be sure to include both big-picture items and smaller details.
For example, if you led a successful project, mention not only the results but also your role in making it happen. Reflect on the skills you’ve developed and the areas of responsibility you’ve taken on over the course of your job. Taking the time to remember your accomplishments can give you a boost of confidence as you move into the next phase of your career.
REFRESH YOUR RESUME
To ensure that your resume makes the best possible impression, make sure that it reflects the language of the job you are applying for. Use job descriptions, performance review feedback and project reporting to identify the skills and responsibilities that are most relevant to the positions you are targeting. This will help you to ensure that your resume is tailored to the specific needs of the job, and that it uses language that your future employer will understand. By taking the time to create a resume that accurately reflects your skills and experience, you will increase your chances of landing the job you want.
CONNECT WITH RECRUITERS
Recruiters can be a great resource for job seekers, especially when it comes to the hidden job market. They can work in-house for roles direct to the company, or work for agencies as recruiting partners for multiple companies. Recruiters are often privy to open positions that companies are not publicly advertising, and they can help connect you with the right people.
Networking with recruiters can also give you a better understanding of your role and industry, which can help you craft a more targeted resume and cover letter. Recruiters can provide valuable insights into the hiring process and what companies are looking for in a candidate. Because they already have a relationship with their clients, they can help you craft a targeted application that stands out from the rest.
PLAN YOUR SEARCH STRATEGY
While job hunting, cast a wide net and explore all avenues available to you. Here are some ways to expand your search:
- Check out job boards and classifieds online.
- Attend industry events and meet-ups to network with potential employers.
- Connect with friends and family members who may know of job openings.
- Research companies that you’d like to work for and find out who their HR contact is.
- Subscribe to job alerts so you can be notified of new openings as they become available.
- Participate in online career fairs and chat sessions with hiring companies.
DECIDE YOUR TIMELINE
Do you need a break? Do you need a job lined up? Do you want to help find your replacement? There are a number of questions you can ask yourself when looking at the timeline of when to put your career transition plan into play.
- What’s the urgency for change – low/medium/high?
- What’s the industry market – are you about to go into a low/high hiring season?
- Are you involved in sourcing, interviewing and/or training your replacement?
- Do you have any vacations or time off planned?
- Do you need some time off in between roles?
- Are you looking to do the same type of work or transition into something else?
- What are your goals with the next role – how/where/what improvements are you looking for?
- What compensation and benefits package are you looking for?
- What kind of culture, type of work and company rhythm are you wanting?
- What are your roadblocks (This one is important too! Know what may be in your way.)
When planning your career transition, be strategic in your timeline. If you know your last day at your current job, reverse engineer what you need to have in place before that date. If you don’t have an end date, think through the factors above to help plot the speed at which you plan your change.
CONCLUSION
Know what you can influence and create forward motion with your energy. There are many things to consider when making the change, such as the urgency for change, industry market, and hiring seasons. Networking with recruiters can give you a better understanding of the hiring process and what companies are looking for in a candidate. By being prepared and knowing what timeline you are working with, you can make sure that your career transition goes as smoothly as possible.
