Looking For A New Job – Things To Consider

If you’re dreading work in the morning, or your current salary doesn’t cover your bills, you probably want to find a new job. Before you send out your first application, here are some considerations to bear in mind.

The realities of job seeking

The average job seeker spends between 3 and 6 months looking for a new job, and they can send out at least 27 applications before landing an interview. Given how challenging the job search can be, make sure you’re truly invested in finding a new opportunity before you start searching.

Once you’re sure you want to move forward, you need to clarify two things:

• Why you’re moving
• What you’re looking for out of a new job

To answer these questions, here are some factors to consider.

Salary

Let’s be honest – money is a major reason why people change jobs. If you need more money, or you don’t think you’re paid what you deserve, ask your manager if there’s scope to increase your salary or improve your benefits package. If this is a no-go, it’s time to look for a better deal.

Boredom

When we get bored at work, it’s normally a sign that we’re not busy enough, or the work isn’t challenging. See if it’s possible to take on more responsibility around the office, but if your job role isn’t changing any time soon, start considering new opportunities.

Promotion opportunities

If you’re ready to move up the ladder, see if there’s any scope for promotion at your current job. If not, then it’s time to look for a new position, or else you may end up resenting your company.

Job stability

If you’re working in a job with an uncertain future, that’s probably a sign that you need to scope out your options elsewhere. You don’t want to find yourself unemployed, so if you’re genuinely worried about your job stability, start looking for a new opportunity sooner rather than later.

Location

The commute can be a daily misery if it’s long or involves multiple modes of transport. If you can’t handle the commute anymore, or there’s no way to improve it, then look for a job closer to home with a shorter commute.

Work/life balance

If your work/life balance is terrible, then it may be time to find a new job. Before you move, ask yourself if there’s anything you can do differently, whether it’s delegating work or simply working more efficiently. If you decide that you need to leave, check the work/life balance at a prospective company before you accept a job offer, or else you’ll end up in the same predicament as before – if not worse!

Conflict

A difficult boss or co-worker can make our lives miserable at work, but if you enjoy your job otherwise, don’t throw in the towel until you’ve explored all your options. Speak to HR or another manager about the situation, and if it doesn’t improve, then you’re probably better off working somewhere else.

Other things to consider

Finally, here are some other considerations to remember before you make the leap.

• A couple of bad days, or even weeks, aren’t typically enough to justify looking for a new job – chances are you’ll go through the same process in your next role
• It’s really important that your family is on your side because you’ll need their support during the job search
• Make sure your CV and LinkedIn profile are up to date

Conclusion

Finding a new job could be the best decision you make career-wise, but you still need to exercise caution. Take the time to understand what you want and need from a new job before you send out any applications, and you’ll be well on your way to securing the perfect new position.