The end of one year and the beginning of another is often a time when we reflect on all the things in our lives and take stock of what we’ve achieved. Our career often features high on this list!
We may make resolutions, scan LinkedIn for new opportunities and reach out to people we believe can help us get the clarity we need to soldier on, elevate or change tact in our professional lives.
So, whether it’s a new challenge in your current role that you are seeking, or you want to take that next step in your career with a new opportunity, here are some things to think about to ensure that you have the clarity you need to make that next move.
Reflect
There is value in reflecting before you do anything. Take the time to think about the reasons why you may be looking to move, or how you can leverage your existing role and look for opportunities to develop your skillset further. Often, it’s restless energy that comes with the end of one year and the start of a new one, that influences your decision. This, in itself, is perhaps not a great reason to leave a role that is offering satisfaction and fulfilment. Ask yourself the following:
- What are the elements of your role that you find rewarding?
- What are the parts of your role that you feel frustrate or stifle you?
- Do you have confidence these things can or will change?
- Are you in a role that genuinely plays to your strengths or are your valuable skills lying dormant?
- Do the values of the organisation align with yours?
Once you have asked yourself these questions, you will then have a clearer idea of where you want to go next.
Plan
Now that you have a bit more clarity about where you would like to go in your career, it’s time to plan. That is, plan to set yourself up for continued success in your existing role, or plan to make a valid move.
Staying …
- Make a plan to engage more fully, or in a different way, with your work.
- Seek out a mentor to help you identify pathways and opportunities within the organisation.
- Identify learning opportunities that will help re-energise your thinking and skills.
- Look for an opportunity that will enable you to spend time in a different role within your company or a secondment to a different location.
Leaving …
If, after your reflection, you have decided to leave your role and find a new one, there are a few simple, yet effective steps that you can take to ensure you are setting yourself up for success:
- Refresh and fine tune your CV – what makes you a great catch? Highlight your key skills in your CV, and back them up with solid examples of your achievements.
- Update your LinkedIn profile – this is a great starting point for all initial approaches that may be made.
- Reach out to your network and look for opportunities to extend it.
- Engage with people who care about and will support your career progression.
- These things, in combination, provide the foundations for a thorough search and will position you well to attract a great role. Whatever you decide, having taken the time to reflect will give you the confidence and the clarity that you need to ensure you are on the right path.
If you would like help to make your next career move, call us on (02) 9262 4836 or browse our latest jobs.