When you have never changed jobs before, doing research beforehand and preparing for every step in the process is key. If this is your very first time changing jobs, knowing how to begin the job change process can be overwhelming. There are many options out there for a professional like yourself, and with the right guidance, you can attain your dream job. Keep these 5 tips in mind to transition into your new career smoothly.
1. WILL YOUR FAMILY OBJECT?
This may seem obvious, but talking to your family is an imperative part of changing careers. We recommend talking with your family early on to see how they feel in regards to this change, and make sure everyone is on board with your potential job change as part of your job change preparation. It is important to speak with your family early on because it can be a hassle for you, your family, and your future employer if you begin having second thoughts at the point they are already offering you a position.
2. TAILOR YOUR RESUME TO THE POSITION
Preparation is key when it comes to job searching. There are many different ways you’ll have to prepare in your new job search; the first is your resume. If you haven’t changed jobs in a while, it’s more than likely your resume may need some touching up. Your resume is the first thing your potential employer will see, so it’s important to make sure it reflects your talents and abilities well. In addition, make sure your resume caters to the job description you’re applying for. A resume is never set in stone, so you can change it to better reflect what your potential employer is looking for. This is where working with a recruiter can be very helpful. They have extensive knowledge about the industry and even the specific company you are applying to and can therefore help you cater your resume to better meet their specifications.
3. DON’T UNDERESTIMATE THE IMPORTANCE OF INTERVIEW PREPARATION
Once you’ve made it past the resume stage, you’re likely on your way to an interview. You may think that the key in an interview is in having the best answers, but this is not the only thing you should focus on, often asking the right questions can leave a lasting impression. Do your research beforehand and know what your potential employer is all about. Your interviewers will be impressed when you can clearly articulate exactly why you want to work for this specific company. Ask your recruitment consultant for help with interview preparation, since they already have a relationship with the company, so they can give you a good idea of what to expect.
4. NEGOTIATE YOUR SALARY AND BENEFITS
If you have worked in the same career at the same office for an extended amount of time, you might think that you are receiving the best that you possibly can. However, once you’re exposed to other opportunities, you may see that you could be receiving better salary and benefits elsewhere. It can be very difficult, especially if you have never worked another job, and you may not be familiar with how to negotiate your salary and benefits. It can be challenging to know what is too high or too low and what kind of benefits are reasonable to be asking for. This is why working with a recruiter can come in handy. They have extensive experience negotiating compensation packages and can help you get an offer you are happy with.
5. KEEP A REALISTIC TIMELINE IN MIND
Job change can be a very fun and exciting process, but it can also be a long one. It may be easy to think that you can have a new job by the start of the month, but in reality it can take anywhere from 3 to 6 months.
Takeaways
Preparation is key in beginning your job search process
Talk to your family early on and make sure they’re on board
Revise your resume and adjust accordingly for each application
Prepare for your interview. Research the company and make sure you’re an expert on your own resume
Negotiate your salary and benefits
Just because you’re making X amount of money now, doesn’t mean you’re not worth more. Talk to a recruiter about what you could be asking for and negotiate with your employer to get close to it.
Keep a realistic timeline in mind
Job search is not always a quick process. Make a realistic timeline with goals to achieve by those dates. Don’t get discouraged if the job search process doesn’t go as quickly as you think it should.
