4 Crucial steps to take before looking for a new job
Changing jobs can be a difficult decision... one that requires careful consideration. Before making a rash decision to resign there are four crucial steps you should take to prepare yourself for a potential role change. Watch the video below or read on to learn more...
Look within yourself
Before looking for a new job, take a moment to look within yourself. What’s the problem with your current role? What would it take to make you feel appreciated, fulfilled and happy? Being crystal clear about the issues will help you plan your next steps.
For most people salary is often a big concern, but we are seeing increasing demand for flexibility. Varied hours, working from home arrangements and hybrid working models have all become more popular since the start of the pandemic.
What are your short to mid-term goals? Are you interested in career progression? Ready new challenge? Want more money, or perhaps more time to spend with family? Can these be negotiated in your current workplace, or do you need to look further afield? Have your ‘wish list’ ready when considering next steps.
Talk to your current employer
You may be able to get what you desire and deserve without having to look for a new role. Speak to your current employer and be direct and upfront about your needs. Present evidence to support your case. Focus on facts and try to remove emotion from the discussion.
“Many people think that if their employer finds out they are seeking a new role, they will be fired. This is most often not the case,” explains The Safe Step’s Associate Director, Steven Coldicutt. “More often than not, managers will use these discussions as a wake-up call to fix unknown or unrecognised issues at work.” *
Measure and track the outcomes of the meeting. Did your manager take your concerns seriously? Is there a clear plan in place to address them? How long before you can see a change? Give your employer time to deal with your concerns, but don’t wait forever. Worsening circumstances may force you into making a rash decision about your career.
Do your research
The grass often appears greener on the other side of the fence, but would you really be better-off in a new company? Do a bit of research to get a better idea.
Look internally first. Are any changes expected in the near future? It’s possible these might create the opportunities you’ve been craving? Alternatively, your HR department may be able to provide information to you about salary bands and flexible work options available to you.
Tools like Glassdoor can provide additional salary insights and recent job ads will help you narrow-down the going rate in your local area.
Speaking to a specialist recruiter, such as The Safe Step, is another way to better understand your current ‘market value’ and to assess factors such as cultural fit. “We’ve seen salary increases of 5%, 10% & even 20% in some areas as the demand for HSE professionals sky-rocketed in 2021” says Katie Johnson, Director at The Safe Step.
Prepare yourself for change
It’s important to take practical steps to get ready for a job search. Update your CV and refresh your LinkedIn page. Reconnect with your networks and keep an ear to the ground for new opportunities.
Arm yourself for the challenges of a job search by building resilience. Be prepared to hear “no” as well as “yes”. Rejection is a normal part of the process and should not be taken personally.
Change can often be a shock to the system. Make sure that you are mentally and emotionally ready for taking on a new job. Shifting work locations, learning new skills and meeting new people (or leaving old friends) requires energy and focus.
Formulate a plan of what you will do if you receive a counter-offer from your current employer. Question why it took a resignation to get to this point. “Promises are often made at the point of resignation (and rarely eventuate),” explains Steven Coldicutt. “If you accept a late counter-offer and decline an offer from another business, you risk causing serious harm to your reputation,” he adds.
Ready to resign?
If you’ve followed these four steps and you are still ready to resign, then you have come to the right place. As specialist HSE recruiters we have a great range of roles on offer and know the industry inside-and-out.
Review current HSE job listings or submit your resume to get the ball rolling.
Nicola Hutton is an Associate Consultant at The Safe Step. She specialises in supporting early to mid-level HSE professionals in the VIC market.
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