Common Sense Career Change Advice

If you have done your assessments and all indicators point to a positive career change, go for it. Remember you should never hate getting up and going to work each day. It’s your life and your career, so don’t be afraid to take charge. But take note of a few helpful tips and advice as you do:

Don’t tell coworkers of your plans or ideas unless you have a very trusted relationship with them. This only inspires the workplace gossip mill.
Don’t ever use the company fax or letterhead for corresponding with would-be employers. Be sure to direct all return communications to your home or cell number, external (not company) email address, or your home address.
Don’t surf online job boards at work or seek out career change information or ideas during working hours. The risk of someone spying over your shoulder and catching this might lead to your intentions being broadcast before you are actually ready.
Be cautious of posting your resume on online job boards. This is especially true if you know that your current employer refers to some of the major internet job sites to find new hires. They might just be surprised to find your resume readily sitting out in cyberspace awaiting a new job opportunity.
Schedule interviews on your own time. Use lunch breaks or try to make it happen before or after work. Potential employers will be pleased to see that you are still loyal to your current employer in the sense that you are not taking time away from responsibilities for which you are still being paid.
Be honest with potential employers about your current situation and answer honestly if they ask whether or not your present employer knows you are job hunting.
Whatever you do - DON’T bad mouth your current job or employer in interviews. This leaves an unfavorable impression. Keep your reasons and ideas for wanting to leave professional. Negative talk can also damage workplace morale if you engage in constant complaining about your job role, manager, etc. when discussing things with your coworkers (if you decide to tell them). Don’t criticize their choice to stay onboard. Realize you are just making the best decision for you.
Don’t get ahead of yourself... Never, ever quit a job until you have a new one secured! In other words, wait for that formal job offer. In addition, it’s best to avoid quitting during busy seasons or quitting without notice. Be wary of burning bridges with your current employer.
Continue to perform your current job as well as you possibly can. Many people neglect this bit of advice, but it’s always better to leave with a positive reputation in tact when making a career change.

Tell your supervisor of your plans only when you are ready to resign. Unbeknownst to you, you might be next in line for a promotion, a special assignment you might actually enjoy or specialized training that would only add to your portfolio of skills. But if you prematurely indicate your ideas and wishes to move on, you could bring special consideration for such things to a screeching halt. (And that would be very upsetting if in fact you didn’t land that dream job you were after). In addition, it could create a tense and strained work environment once your employer knows that you no longer have a vested interest in the company or their mission.

The only exceptions to this rule are when it’s expected that you will be moving on (i.e., you are relocating or graduating from college, etc.) or if you must have your bosses’ recommendation for a new job. Again, consider the situation and relationship you have with your manager and make a thoughtful decision.

When you resign, it’s best to give at least two weeks notice. A short and sweet letter with a friendly and professional tone is the best way to do this. Express gratitude for having had the opportunity to be a part of the company and offer to transition your unfinished projects and tasks to a coworker or new hire if needed. You want to try to leave on the most positive note possible. Resist any urges you might have to use this as your chance to tell everyone off. Who’s to say your new career change won’t cause you to cross paths with these people again someday? You don’t need past drama and negativity to follow you into your future experiences.

Reactions to your resignation could range from disappointment to anger to indifference. Be prepared for anything. You might be asked to leave sooner than the standard two week time period. Don’t take it personally; just say your polite good-byes. If you are asked to stay longer than the standard two weeks, say no. This is particularly true if you have made commitments to your “new” employer regarding when you will begin work. Most employers will understand that you need to advance yourself by making a career change and will support you by at least offering a polite “good luck” as you make your rounds to bid everyone adieu.

Remember, it’s your career, your future, your purpose driven life. Don’t languish in a job that no longer sustains you or that fails to meet your needs and ideas. And don’t wait until you are standing in the unemployment line to begin thinking about your ideal career. Get busy and get those resumes out there!

To your success! Career Change Ideas.com