Switching jobs is part of every professional’s life. About 91 per cent of Millennial claim that they will stay in a job for less than three years, according to the Future Workplace “Multiple Generations @ Work” survey. So, with this trend catching on, how do you know when to take the plunge and how to go about the job change?
If you are a professional making your first job switch, here are some points that will help navigate through your job change journey:
- Analyse reason for change: Ask yourself why you decided to move on and analyse the reasons that are contributing to this switch and what you are looking out for in your new job. Knowing and understanding all the reasons that are not working for you in your current job will help you find the appropriate job. This will also help you answer the interviewer when he or she poses this question to you. A well thought out job switch can be the biggest launch pad for one’s career. According to the Deloitte Millennial Innovation Survey, most Millennial plan near-term exits because they feel underutilized and believe they are not being developed as leaders.
- Identify an ideal role: Find out what you like, enjoy and are good at in your current role. Try to align that with the new role. Understand your strengths and your weaknesses and consider this while looking for the perfect fit. Also keep in mind all the feedback you have received over the last few years. Your next job should also align with your vision of growth and provide you enough opportunities to learn and develop as a professional.
- Perfect cover letter: A cover letter is an important aspect of a job search. Most people underestimate the importance of a cover letter. Remember that you are telling your story in the cover letter and it has to make an impact and stand out from thousands of others applying for the same role as you. The cover letter is your first chance to impress the employer.
- Informative and precise CV: Your CV conveys your professional and personal details in the way that presents you in the best possible light. A CV is a marketing document and you need to sell your skills, experience, abilities and qualifications to potential employers in the best possible manner. Include everything that you think adds value to your profile and highlight all key areas. Be honest in your CV and also keep the content precise.
- Impact statement: Impact statements are the best way to highlight work performance and your personal impact on the organization. Effective statements are a way for you to demonstrate your key skills, talents, and capabilities with measurable, concrete examples.
- Find out industry standards for hikes: Understand industry hikes to avoid underselling yourself. Speak to your peers and get an idea about the hikes in different companies. Read about the latest trends in increments and hikes on various job portals and related websites. Use this information to mentally prepare yourself for the hike percentage you can expect in a new job.
- Preparation: Prepare well for the interview. Refresh on all the projects you worked on, key skills gained and also read up on all the basic concepts. Read all the “Frequently Asked Interview Questions” available on the Internet in your area of expertise or in the domain you are interviewing for.
- Research about the company: Be extremely thorough in your research. Analyse the compensation structure, the various benefits and the culture of the company. Significant knowledge about the company enables you to create a good impression on your potential employer. Talk to common connections on LinkedIn who work in the company and ask them all the relevant questions. Read reviews on different websites and social media platforms to see what employees of the company have to say. This will help you understand your new domain, company and role better, and clarify any doubts you may have.
- Negotiate on salary: Salary negotiations are very critical. Negotiate well and have a list of points ready. Be ready to justify why you deserve the salary you seek. Speak about what you bring to the role and the impact you can make. Discuss the fixed pay, the variable pay components and also all the other financial benefits such as travel allowance or reimbursements.
- Make a lasting impression: Be calm and confident during the interview. Dress well, reach the venue on time and answer all the questions clearly and honestly. Do not be nervous. Ask the interviewer all the relevant questions based on your research. Appear enthusiastic throughout the interview and stay positive.
The aforementioned points will help make your job switch smooth. Try to get as much help as you can from friends, family and seniors in the industry. Make the most of all the help and information available to you. All the best!