The Benefits of Job Change
For most people, the idea of changing jobs seems overwhelming. The thought of leaving your current role may create so much fear that it causes you to hesitate, but with the right change, the experience can actually help you grow in a multitude of ways.
You will meet new people, learn new things, and realize how much you know. You can’t see that when you are in the current situation, but you will gain that perspective by leaving. For those who have chosen to make the move, many will say that they wished they would have moved out of their old role a long time ago.
If you feel like you should try something new, trust those feelings. Just take the first step and see what is out there. Do a few interviews to see what is out there and get some perspective on your worth. It will open your eyes to new possibilities. You don’t have to leave your current role unless you are ready to make the final decision.
The fear that you feel when you think about job change is your ego trying to keep you safe and comfortable.
This will push you out of your comfort zone, but know that you can make this shift successfully and grow in ways that you never thought possible.
How to Land an Interview for a New Job
I can remember a time when you used to print off resumes and cover letters to mail them to companies during a job search. I know it sounds crazy that we used to have to do that before the internet! Once things moved online, it seemed like the best thing ever to just apply online and attach your resume to the application. However, it created another challenge. Everyone else started applying that way too!
Job sites used algorithms with keywords specific to the role to weed through the millions of resumes and find just the right people to interview. Job seekers had to try to figure out the algorithms so they could include the right keywords in their resume to be selected for interviews. This automated process means that your resume may never be one of those that are selected. You are in limbo waiting for an interview that never materializes and you may not even hear from the company to let you know.
Although you may still need to apply online, the best way to get an interview for a new role is to network with people.
This is not the popular answer that people want to hear, but it is the truth. Someone you know with a lot of credibility shares your resume with the hiring manager and they will put you at the top of the pile. It isn’t a guarantee that you will get the role, but you are probably going to get an interview. This is your chance to get in there and show them why you are the right person for the role.
Even if you aren’t looking for a new role, it is always good to focus on your internal and external networks.
It is not something that you can create quickly and if you lose your job, it is what you need the most. Leverage social media apps like LinkedIn to continue to expand your network externally. Set up time with people in your organization that are outside of your group to meet with for a one on one. Learn about them, their part of the organization, and share your story with them. You never know when you will need to leverage your network, so spend time each week to expand it.
Changing Your Mindset
What if career change was looked at in a positive way? Could it be something adventurous and fun?
A simple shift of mindset can impact how they show up at your new company. A positive approach helps you to be more approachable, excited to meet the new team members, and ready to learn all about your new company.
People who are new to a company want to find a way to belong quickly. Who can they trust? How will they demonstrate success? Who are the people that they need to influence to get things done?
There are many questions that you will have, but that is part of the process. This is a time to listen to others and the information that is being shared. Everything you learn is a constant comparison to what you know from your previous experiences to figure out how it applies. Does it seem right? Should you question it or offer alternatives?
This is a normal part of the transition. It is the honeymoon period where listening is important, questions can be asked, and mistakes can be made. It takes a good 60–90 days to get acclimated to a new company. This is a time to be kind and recognize that the transition will not last forever. In another 2–3 months you will settle in and make a difference just like you have been there for a long time.
Trust that you know more than you think and rely on the foundational knowledge that you have gained over the years. Be open and listen to what people are sharing with you. You will see opportunities, process gaps, and employee development needs based on your experience. Look for areas where you can challenge the status quo to make an impact and stand out quickly.
Go into this time with a positive attitude, build relationships with new people, and learn as much as you can so you can make a difference.
Susan M Barber, President of Susan M Barber Coaching & Consulting, LLC, works with individuals, teams, and organizations to build skills that leaders need to attain breakthrough results. Her passion for coaching and leadership development is driven by seeing the transformation of leaders as they reach far beyond their own ideas of success. She continues to drive custom programs for groups that want to make changes in their careers to become more powerful leaders.
