Wait! Before You Quit Your Job…
I love when people quit their jobs but not because of the drama involved, no, I like it because in most cases when someone quits their job they have a better one lined up. They are going on to bigger and better things. It’s a great time for them.
Quitting doesn’t have to be a bad thing. I have worked with many Executive level professionals who decided it was time for them to move on to other companies. They have accomplished all they can and now it’s time to tackle other projects. Often times they are poached by other companies (competitors) who lure them away with more money, bigger titles, better benefits and even ownership. Plus when someone steps down, that means someone else gets a promotion. What’s not to love about that?
No matter the profession, we all want the same things out of a job, and they are:
- Challenging projects
- Industry leading compensation and benefit packages
- A great team dynamic
- A good boss
- Room to advance
If you didn’t know most people leave their jobs for 3 reasons, and they are:
- A bad boss/manager
- Bad co-workers
- More pay
There are other things that drive top performers into the job market like hitting the glass ceiling (no room for promotions), internal organization turmoil aka drama, organizational change (reorg, mergers or acquisitions) and bad (or no) training and onboarding.
Whatever the case prior to dropping that letter of resignation be sure to check a few things out first. For instance, look at your network, is it strong? Do you have the type of support system that will help you find a job quickly? Is your network still influential and powerful? If the answer is no, then work on improving your network - online and in real life.
Next, review your resume, cover letter and LinkedIn profile. If you aren’t on LinkedIn, get on LinkedIn, more companies are using it to find and verify applicants. Make sure your credentials are updated.
Finally, look at your social media profiles, clean them up if you have to by taking down certain posts, pictures and comments. Be sure to have updated profile pictures – especially on LinkedIn.
You maybe you’re wondering, why would a resume writer list resumes as the 2nd thing to update if you are in the job market? Glad you asked. The reason is simple, the number one way to get a job is through a referral. I have talked with several folks who have never had a resume because they were always offered jobs based on relationships and friendships. Thousands of jobs – executive jobs – are filled all the time with someone who has no resume, just a strong reputation and a great network.
With 25% job growth expected in 2015, an unemployment rate under 6% and a prediction of increased salaries, you may be ready to drop a 2 weeks’ notice, to which I say, “Wait, before you drop that notice, how are your credentials looking?”
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