As the new year approaches, maybe you’re thinking of putting “get a new job” on your new year’s resolutions list. You wouldn’t be alone. But before saying goodbye to a job, you should probably do at least a few things in advance. While a good motivator, don’t let frustration be your sole guiding force!
Of course, you could simply jump in hit-or-miss while still working. Or wait until you leave your job to begin formulating a plan. But when it comes to finding a new job, preparation can help you hit the ground running — and strengthen your chances. Maybe even open up hidden opportunities.
Before saying goodbye to a job
The following list offers some suggestions for things you can start thinking about and actually doing ahead of time. As an added benefit, you may even get a different take on what you want / where you imagine yourself during the process.
- Where you are now — First take a look at your current job with a fresh set of eyes. Are you jumping the gun? Is there anything you can do where you are to change things for yourself? Worth trying. [If not, keep reading down the list.]
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- Who you are & what you want — Ideally you want to stop repeating any mistakes that got you here — or simply figure out what the you now wants. Career coaching can help. But even some self-coaching might be useful.
Coach Yourself: Two Exercises To Get You Started
- New job same as the old one? — Often job seekers look at their past and try to find something similar. But we learn from our past, and there may be a different future that would work even better. Aim your NEW resume toward what you want and not simply what you’ve done.
10 Resume Writing Tips For a Stronger Resume
- Do your research — Even if you’re still working, you can begin doing some online research about your desired field / companies / job types. Maybe even set up some investigative informational interviews to gather facts and find ideas / jobs to explore.
More ideas to help your search
- Skills to acquire — Before saying goodbye to a job, you might want to think about any skills that can help you find a new job. Maybe even one you’ve wanted but were unable to get because of lack of skills. There’s always a way to learn new things, even with limited free time. [Could even help you advance in your present company.]
No Time or Money To Improve Skills or Volunteer?
- People to contact — The best time to start networking (contacting people you know or have known in the past) is before saying goodbye to your job. These contacts are a source of potential jobs as well as new leads to follow.
Job Search: Why Networking Matters So Darn Much
Also, you should get in touch with potential references to give them a heads up, make sure you have current contact info, and again as possible sources for jobs as well as more people / places to follow up with.
Why You Should Call Your Job References
- Organizations / groups / volunteering / apprenticing — Since the best way to explore potential careers or find “insider” job connections is through human sources, look for places where you might connect with helpful people. Again, this is best done in advance — ideally on an ongoing basis throughout your career.
12 Bits of Insider Info For Beginning a New Job Search
NOTE: Sources can be directly related to your work / desired work or simply social. Help can come from many different places if you engage people in your dreams and, over time, you can also be there for them.
A few more thoughts
As a new year begins, most people feel the urge for change. And that often includes committing to finding a better job and / or career. But it’s a good idea to see if the changes you’ve committed yourself to while wrapped in the glow of a new year still feel right after a bit of time has passed.
Meanwhile, you can begin exploring while staying where you are. The great thing about an exploration like this, driven by an idea that calls you without putting pressure on yourself, is you may find paths you never considered before. And they may be the real change you want!
Job Search & Interview Resource Center
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