That’s it, you really had enough of it and you are going to slap your resignation. Stop! Take a deep breath.
What is it that makes your job unbearable? The last thing you want is to jump into another job that has the very same features that you cannot stand. Could it be your boss, your colleagues, the culture of the company … or do you find yourself on a completely wrong track? How do you know resignation is the only solution? Is it fixable?
What is it that you like or love in your job? As for every change or transition, one should be wary of disposing of good things.
Before going any further, apply rule number 1: Do not resign before securing another job. Experience has shown that it is much easier to get a job when you do not actually need it. Get help. Vent your frustration with somebody you can trust: your spouse, your best friend, your family, your coach. And then get the very best advice on how to move forward. Few of us are experts in job seeking; do not hesitate to obtain assistance.
Here are a few steps to keep your mind in the direction of a brighter future.
• What do you really like? What are you good at and makes you special? Generate your personal SWOT analysis.
• Formulate you dream job and career. Knowing the destination makes the journey more effective.
• Write a compelling CV. Do not exceed two pages (500 words). Focus on achievements rather than functions.
• Make yourself visible on the Internet. A professional profile on LinkedIn is a must. Do not forget other local or international social media if you are comfortable with them. Extend your network, focusing on quality more than quantity.
• Define your market. Learn where to look. Which companies are hiring? Who are the best head hunters in your field? Investigate the companies you target.
• Make a lot of contacts. It is not uncommon to make fifty contacts to obtain the perfect job. So, be prepared for a significant dose of rejection. It takes time to find your supreme job; 100 days is a good target if you work hard at it.
• Burnish your interview skills. Be aware of what to say or not to say in an interview. Practice as much as you can. Do a critique of every job interview you go to. Remember that an interview is a two-way street: listen as much as you talk.
• Analyse job offers. Pick the one you want. Congratulations, you made it!
• Leave you old job gracefully. Never slam a door – no matter how tempting it may feel at the time.
As you are moving to a new job, you may wish to read my article on how to make a resounding success of your first 100 days: “The 100-day honeymoon”.
Patrice Lasserre
BOARD WHISPERERTM
patrice@boardwhisperer.co.za
Mobile: +27-82-552 1302