When it is time to part ways with your current job it is not only a mental challenge but a physical challenge due to the uncertainty and the fear of change.
The process begins with mentally accepting that you will be seeking employment elsewhere therefore you may have to detach yourself from your colleagues to prepare yourself for change.
A Realistic Timeline
Have a provisional start date of when you will want to start your new and then start assessing the job market.
Consider the current job market and understand the average timeline to obtain new employment as with increased competition and recruiting process it can take longer without any planning on timeframe.
Giving a timeline can help with scheduling with recruiters, phone calls, and attending interviews ensuring this does not conflict with your workload and existing work projects. It is important to plan milestones for your next job search but more important to ensure you are not in breach of contract of your correct notice period and any agreements outlined in your contract.
Plan for interview questions addressing why you are leaving and what attracts you to a new opportunity
Reflection
Reflection is key to progressing with your exit strategy.
You need to acknowledge the aspects of your current role in which you enjoyed and factors that may have contributed to you wanting to leave your role this can help in finding an organisation more aligned with your career goals.
Ask yourself:
- What are your motivators in your career?
- What is most important to you in your next job?
Working On Your Personal Branding
The perception of job searchers is a huge factor in the decision-making process.
Build a visible enough online presence in which potential employers, recruiters, and your network are made aware of your newfound availability whilst keeping discreet from your current employer.
Tailor your CV and put it through ATS to get an understanding of what could be missing to boost your chances of being shortlisted for opportunities.
Understanding how you come across during your job search is important as your reasons for seeking a new opportunity are to add to an organisation to solve problems. Prepare effectively for interviews analysing your verbal and non-verbal performance.
At the interview focus on what the company is offering candidates and employees rather than focusing on negatives from your current or previous employer.