Three things to consider before applying for a new job

Holybrook Associates_4421b_resizeRachel is the Coordinating Director of Holy Brook Associates and leads our recruitment and internal processes as well as delivering training and consultancy.  

A lot of people are back in the workplace today for the first time since Christmas. Sadly, I expect a lot of people rather than relishing the excitement of a fresh start are looking around and considering a new job.

I’m currently recruiting for a new role (as at 3rd Jan 2017) as Holy Brook Associates has grown. Because of that I’ve been thinking about the motivation of people applying for jobs at the moment. I found quite a lot of articles giving ideas on how to apply for a new job. However not too many considering why.

I think that’s important so here are 3 things to consider before applying for a new job

  1.  Could you discuss your current role with your manager to meet your aspirations?

It’s said people don’t leave jobs they leave their boss.  If you have a boss in your current role that you respect it’s worth having a conversation about what you want to achieve and you might be surprised by how they react.  If your manager doesn’t respect your desire to do more however, it’s possibly time to find somewhere you can develop

2.   Could you go independent and/or set up your own business?

This is a dream for many people.  Depending on the industry, your level of experience, how much risk you can take and how hard you are willing to work to make it real this can be a really exciting option.  I’ll blog more about this in the future.  Of course it could be worth considering getting a job that will help you along the way to this.

3.   What about the new job will be different and will make you want to get up on 3rd January next year feeling ready for the challenge?

You don’t want to move job to find that the more things change the more they stay the same.  If you move from one job to another similar job you may find exactly the same things bother you about your new job as the old one, so having a tough and honest look at whether there is something else that you need to change rather than the desk you are sitting at might be a good first step.  You may have the strength to do this yourself, or an honest and supportive friend – or you might find professional coaching is an option that works for you.

If you can answer these questions you might be able to see what your motivation for changing jobs is, but more importantly you might be able to consider what is your motivation behind it and therefore actively be able to decide how you want to change.

PS if you’re reading this on or before 4th January 2017 – take a look at this new role here