Are you currently in a career position that makes you happy, provides the challenges you need, and a clear growth path? Or, are you comfortable and Ok-ish when it comes to being happy, fulfilled, and not sure if there’s a current path for you to move to the next level?
For either of the above scenarios, you may not have given a second thought to what it would take to consider exploring other opportunities.
Even if you love where you are currently or not, being prepared for the unexpected is always a good idea.
We’re not trying to scare you, but you never know when things will change, whether you want them to or not.
To follow are some items to tackle and add to your toolbox so that you’re ready, whether it’s voluntary or beyond your control.
This way, you’re positioned for future opportunities on the fly, with a better outcome.
Meet New People and Expand Your Network
It’s incredible how many people found their current job by knowing the right person or attending that networking event where they made that life-changing connection.
Interacting with others is a great way to learn more about opportunities or find out what path others took to get them where they are today. We’re operating in a virtual world right now, but don’t let that hold you back. And of course, if you’re currently employed, it’s never a good idea to talk to strangers about your dreams of changing companies.
Listen, listen, listen, and your world may open up with options you didn’t know existed.
Don’t Lose Touch
Does this sound familiar? You’ve met these wonderful people whom you had inspiring conversations, with promises to keep in touch soon. Once you leave the conversation, it’s out-of-site out-of-mind.
Fast forward a couple of years, and you’ve made the decision to begin a job search, and you remember that guy who works for a company you would love to explore. But it’s been years, and you didn’t keep your promise to connect.
What do you think the odds are of him remembering you, let alone want to help as you didn’t keep your initial commitment.
Lessons learned and a reminder to keep in touch with others, even if it’s an invitation to share a virtual coffee or email him a funny meme. He’ll have a good laugh, and boom, he’s reminded of you.
Build On Your Existing Skills and Add New Ones
You may be an ace at what you do, but there’s always someone ahead of you. Continue to grow and develop by:
- participating in seminars for your industry
- take classes to add more certifications under your belt
When doing this, make sure there’s a plan so that you’re not taking classes only for the sake of adding more fluff. It needs to be relevant and have substance, so it adds tangible value to your resume.
Be Flexible to a New Direction
Have you always been interested in something outside of your current field? The perfect way to see if it’s for you is to try doing it in bite-size chunks versus altogether abandoning your current career. For instance, if you’re interested in marketing, choose a charity that relies on volunteers and join the committee responsible for that role.
You’ll learn from others and gain experience at the same time.
Another option is to talk to a trustworthy staffing solutions partner.
The right firm will offer advice to see if what you already know can be parlayed into your dream role or provide suggestions about what you can do to get closer to meeting those requirements.
Don’t Go It Alone
If you’re on the fence about pursuing a job search and concerned about your current employer finding out, which can be dangerous, reach out to a reputable staffing solutions firm.
They will be able to:
- review your resume and provide suggestions to highlight your critical skills
- recognize your value and show you how to put your best foot forward
- talk to you about your goals, even if you’re not 100% clear about what they are or what they should be
- be a sounding board for when you’re ready to test your interview skills
- put your mind at ease by respecting your privacy and never disclosing your name until you are prepared to accept that perfect role (remember, legitimate firms have access to jobs that aren’t available to the public)
Employed or not employed, it’s never too early, or too late, to get your career toolbox in order. Now start building!