Planning Your Next Career Move
The idea of making a career move can be both exciting and daunting at the same time.
First of all, it can be hard to know exactly when and where to take the plunge. Many of us consider a move to be risky, leading us to become ‘stuck’ in a role that no longer fulfils us. Meanwhile, some of us will launch into a frantic job search, applying for anything and everything that loosely fits our experience and skills, which does not make us look appealing to future employers.
In an average year, those of us working full-time will spend a staggering 2,080 hours at work, yet many of us don’t stop to consider our careers strategically.
So how should we approach our next move to maximise our chances of finding the role that is right for us and our next career step?
A starting point
1. Outline your reasons to consider moving on
It’s important to only move for the right reasons. After all, this isn’t purely about finding a new position to escape your current role; it’s about objectively evaluating your career to see whether you’re on the right track.
So, try to asses where you are in terms of your overall career progression. Take a look at where your current role might be limiting or restricting you, and try to consider positive motivators as well as negatives.
Once you get to the bottom of your desire to make a change, you may find that you can even resolve issues with your current employer.
2. Define what you want from your next role
Next, try to determine what your ideal role would look and feel like, where you would like to be in 5 years time and how you would like to be spending your day. Include your must haves and your nice to haves.
Also consider what your strongest skills are, and whether you’re currently making the most of them. Remember that honesty is key to get the most out of this exercise, and don’t rule out moving industries – you could end up turning your passion into your profession!
3. Investigate Your Options
Once you have a good idea of what your next role should look like, it’s time to explore your options.
Try to outline the qualifications or experience you need to move into your ideal role.
Do you need to take a course or gain exposure to other aspects of the business? Do you have any contacts that could help you?
Aim to come up with some realistic short-term goals that you can start to work towards, considering both internal and external opportunities.
4. Consult A Professional
When it comes to your career choices, it can help to discuss your aspirations with a professional. Recruitment consultants will be up-to-date with the current market, potential roles and new opportunities. As such, they are uniquely placed to advise you on your current and future career progression.
5. Take Action
Once you’ve done the build up work, it’s important that you then take action.
This means actually speaking to your boss, registering with a recruitment agency or actively applying for any interesting opportunities.
Steps to career Success
Remember that finding exactly the right role can take time. It’s easy to get disheartened, and this is another reason why many people remain stuck. Remind yourself that this is a move for your long-term progression and keep going!
With careful planning, you can significantly increase your chances of finding a satisfying role that fits in with your overall vision for your career.
If you would like to find a new position, contact one of our friendly consultants at Bucks and Berks recruitment. Our team our dedicated to helping you find your ideal role in Reading, Wokingham, Bracknell, Slough and Maidenhead area.
