Planning a Change of Job?

There are times that we feel our jobs have become monotonous, that they no longer help us grow and that a change would be more than welcome. Some of us contemplate it more often than we care to admit. Factors like getting a different job, changing your routine, and leaving your comfort zone, stops you from putting your thoughts into action.

Let us break it into small steps that will make the change easier and smoother.

Step 1: Why?

Figure out the reasons you want to change your job. It will make it easier for you to figure out what you are you for in your next job. Make a list of things you enjoy doing and a list of things that make you want to change the job. It is important to be true to yourself when you make this list so that you have a clear idea about what is it that you are looking for – the positives from your current job and the changes that you want in your next job.

It doesn’t matter how silly or small the reason is, if it affects you, it is important. Remember that you can give your best only when you enjoy the job and believe that it is the best job for you.

Step 2: Analyze yourself

It is important to periodically evaluate yourself. What are the additions to your strength and how can we overcome the weaknesses. This is crucial when you are planning for a job change because to bag your dream job you must be self-aware and work towards being the best at what you do.

Impartially, conduct a self-appraisal. List your skills, achievements strengths. No matter how trivial it seems, include it in your list. Also, understand and accept your weaknesses however small. Once you understand your strengths and accept your weakness, you can work towards ensuring that your qualities are not affected by your flows adversely. This can help you go a long way in becoming the best version of yourself.

Step 3: Preparations

Once you have figured where you are and where you want to be, it is pretty easy to figure out how to get there. You know your weakness, change them into your strengths.

For eg: If public speaking is not one of your strengths but it is important for you to be able to talk to a crowd when you are a manager (which is your goal) take up a public speaking course, practice in front of small forgiving crowds and work on yourself until you are confident of your skills.

Today, it has become unbelievably easy to upskill yourself even while sitting at home. You can spend as little as 4-5 hours a week for a few weeks and still become an expert at what you want to be. There are online tutors, courses, and even how-to videos available. Make sure you choose a reliable source for your upskilling.

If you are looking at a major change, you may want to hire a coach or have an expert mentor who can help you through the process. It would definitely cost money but it would be worth it at the end of the day when you reach your goal.

Step 4: First Impressions

A recruiter/employer’s first impression is via your cover letter/ resume/ online profile. Keep yourself active and updated on your social media platforms – especially on professional ones like Linkedin.

Your first impression should capture their attention and make them feel interested in you as a candidate. You can take professional help for the same. There is no shame in asking for help when needed; in fact, it is appreciated.

If you are looking for a total change in your job profile, make sure to explain the reason in your cover letter in a manner that makes them curious; this will give you an opening during your interview and make you a memorable candidate.

You can also mention your recent upskilling initiative on your resume even if it is ongoing, this can show the recruiters your interest in developing yourself continuously.

Step 5: Research

Understand the job market – what are the opportunities available for you. Look for the specific role that you want. Changing just for the sake of it to a job that doesn’t make you feel satisfied is counter-productive. It is okay for the right opportunity to make your move. It may take time, but is definitely better than changing to a job that does not make you happy.

The benefits and salary package is vital and so is the job profile and the company culture. Before you accept an offer ensure that you would be happy in the new environment. This is where your self-awareness helps you in making the decision. If you know yourself well and do enough research, you’ll be able to easily decide if the company and job profile would be the right fit for you. Saying yes to the right job is a critical step in your professional growth.

Step 6: Networking

Use your contacts, let them know of your interest in making a change and what it is that you are looking for. They may be able to help you with sharing the information of an opening or even give you a shot at your dream job.

Don’t shy away from reaching out to your old co-workers, they know your capabilities and can help you out. Being upfront and honest while reconnecting with them. You can also reach out to your friends and family for this purpose.

Joining various communities and volunteering can also give you the right contacts and can help you in getting closer to your goals.

Step 7: I can if I think I can

This is probably the most important step – believing in yourself. You have to trust yourself to be capable of achieving your dreams. As long as you are confident in your abilities, you will be able to work towards your ambition and no one can stop you.

Once you have decided to make a change, it is okay to have doubts but do not dwell on them, Trust the process, it will take time but it will happen the way you want it to; patience is key. When the going gets tough, hang in there and have faith in yourself.

Step 8: Reach for the Skies

It is your right to dream and the sky is the limit. The same process can be repeated, when you need a change. Just keep in mind that rolling stone gathers no moss. You can get the help of experts to understand how to make the best out of your moves and achieve your goals faster.

Here at Shevolve, we have expert industry mentors, experienced & successful coaches, handcrafted courses, and even offline assistance for profile/resume building and interview preparations. We can help you in evaluating your current position and mapping out your journey to your destination with respect to your ambition.

You can take our free assessment and free counseling session from our website in case you would like to get a better understanding of your current position and how we can help you.

In case you would like to know more before you do so, please connect with us at reachus@shevolve.in. We are always happy to hear from you.