As a Recruiter, I’m often asked how best to find a new job when you’re already in a full-time job. These are my top tips.
💠 Work with the right person:
Find a proactive recruiter who specialises in your field who you click with because you’ll be working closely with them. They will have a thorough interview with you to gain a better understanding of what’s important to you and what’s feasible. A recruiter will do all the chasing with potential employers for feedback on your behalf, saving you time.
💠 Don’t shut the door with your existing employer just yet:
What are the drivers for leaving your current role? If there are things you know won’t change that you have already discussed with managers, would a counteroffer change things for you? Test the waters first if possible by discussing it with your line manager, also saving time for all parties.
💠 Be ready for when you find a new role to apply for:
Update your CV to include your current role and upload it to Seek and Trade Me (your privacy is assured). Double check it for the correct phone number because many sales people leave the number of their previous job on their CV.
💠 References:
Give your referees a heads up and confirm they are still happy to carry out a reference check if needed.
💠 Update your LinkedIn profile:
Include contact details and that your CV is roughly in line with the Experience section. Give yourself an edge over your competing job-hunters with such additions as recommendations, 5-star reviews, a profile video and listing your skills in each of your roles.
💠 Know what you’re looking for:
What does work/life balance look like to you? What healthy boundaries do you have in place or want to have? What are your ‘non negotiables’ in a new job – e.g.
◼ Salary package
◼ Distance from home?
◼ If travel is involved, how many nights away a month work for you?
◼ Is there a likelihood of career progression?
💠 Get rid of the baggage:
Decompartmentalise any negative feelings you may have with your current job so you leave any negative energy at the job interview door. If it helps do a mediation prior to the interview so you can approach the interview cool, calm and collected.
Finding a new job can be a full-time job in itself so the better prepared and organised you are before you begin, the better.