Four Things to Do Before Looking for a New Job

Is it time for a serious change? Do these four things before looking for a new job. 

We’ve all been there: we know it’s time for a change, but we don’t know where to start. This can be particularly difficult when it comes to moving on to a new job, where a minefield of applications, interviews and tough decisions await. However, it’s important to be absolutely sure you are ready to explore new options, especially in today’s fast-paced and competitive job market. 

To ensure you’re an ideal candidate, be sure to do these four things before looking for a new job. 

Decide what you want.

It may seem silly, but you should be absolutely clear on what you are looking for in a new job. This should not only give you a good jumping-off point when combing through applications, but it can also shed light on exactly what you need to be happy in your career. It may very well be that you would be happy in your current position if you had a promotion or a bit more money, something you should definitely think about negotiating before looking elsewhere. 

Research the market.

What is the salary range for the position you want? What experience is required? Are there any opportunities in your area, or would you need to relocate? These are all questions for which you need to have answers. It’s important to use this research period to simply glean information, not send in resumes. Think of it as window shopping. 

Why does it make sense to research a bunch of jobs without applying to any of them? Because knowing the market will help you determine which position is the correct one when the time comes. It can also be a helpful indicator of whether you can handle the job market on your own or if you might want to work with a recruiter. 

Update your resume. 

If it’s been a while since your last foray on the job market, it’s time to reexamine your resume. More than a list of your previous experience, your resume should tell a complete and compelling story of your career accomplishments. Take some time (or hire a professional) to examine, edit and polish each line of it. 

Need some direction? Here are some of our resume best practices.

Talk to your family and friends. 

This one may seem obvious, but it might be the most important. We often forget that our lives and actions have ripple effects beyond just ourselves. Even a minor job change can catalyze a major life shift, and you should definitely be talking about the potential implications with those closest to you. Are you willing to move your lives across the country? How could salary adjustments affect your day-to-day routine? Would you all be able to cope with a high-publicity or high-stress position? These are all important things to consider before looking for a new job. 

Have you done the above and are ready to take your next steps? Check out our open searches.