Thinking of changing jobs? Here's how to make a good career move
Changing company is a big decision nowadays for a number of reasons, not least being the ‘last in, first out’ syndrome.
Nevertheless, if you simply cannot convince yourself to stay where you are, here are my top five tips for making a good career move which can be the difference between career progression plus financial advancement and your unforeseen unemployment.
Tip 1: Don’t believe everything your recruitment consultant tells you
All recruitment consultants get paid to convince you to move company and thereby get their recruitment agency a placement fee when you join a new company. Recruiters get commission on their placements and as a result, they may not direct you to the right company for you, but promote the right company for them.
Tip 2: Write out a specification for your next company
Be honest with yourself about what you don’t like about your current company and its management, then spell out what is your ideal company, its culture and how you would like to be managed to get the best out of you.
Tip 3: Find an honest recruitment consultant
Easier said than done unfortunately but of course not impossible. It is essential to find a recruiter who is not going to send you to a company who has issues or problems.
If you can find a recruiter who has been on your side of the desk at a senior level and has spent a good few years recruiting, then you are probably linking up with someone more likely to give you impartial advice instead of someone who is just looking for their payday.
Tip 4: Craft a great CV
By now you would have found a good recruiter. They will tell you bluntly how your CV rates. If it isn’t up to scratch or just needs minor tweaking they will advise you on what to do. The best recruiters know the difference between a good CV and a great CV. And let’s face it, the best hiring companies filter out the poor and average candidates by what’s on the paper - they don’t do it at interview stage.
Tip 5: Undertake due diligence
If you are going to make a successful move, you must undertake your own due diligence on your prospective employer. This applies whether you are going through your recruiter or direct.
Ask colleagues about the company you are meeting with, early on in the process. You must also find out about the senior management of the company, the team you might be working for and most importantly about the person you could be reporting in to.
You cannot simply form an opinion on the smiles and nice words that you get at interview. Bullies, slave drivers and poor managers can make you feel as comfortable at interview as a great manager.
If you get near an offer, you must also identify people who have left the company in the previous six months and interview them yourself to find out their perceptions and reasons for moving on.
This tip along with finding the right recruitment consultant (Tip 3) is imperative for a successful move.
Preparation is key
Treat the whole process of changing company with the same care and attention as you do when choosing a new home. If you try and cut corners when you prepare to change jobs, you could also have to deal with large unforeseen problems which could cost you your sanity and your salary.
The Author
David Barratt is co-founder or Austin Lee Resourcing Limited. For more information email david.barratt@austinlee.co.uk or visit www.austinlee.co.uk
