Stop thinking “I NEED A NEW JOB!” and ACT!

Do you repeat to yourself, “I NEED A NEW JOB!”?

Are you finding it difficult to sleep, or you’ve noticed your sleep pattern has changed recently?

CAN I GET A NEW JOB QUICKLY?

Rarely does getting a new job happen quickly. Many people postpone looking and start experiencing poor sleep when they are unhappy at work. They lay in bed hashing over all the negative things going on at work, wondering if it’s a good time to leave.

How do I know when I need a new job?

When your poor sleep habit starts impacting your mental and physical health, you should have already started your job search. Lack of sleep has been linked to health consequences, including heart disease, anxiety, depression, diabetes, and more. Lack of sleep can even affect your immune system, which can lead to frequent colds or worse. You know you need to make a job change when you don’t enjoy going to work anymore. Stop delaying your job search and ACT.

How to best prepare for job search?

When you start thinking negatively about your job regularly, it’s time to prepare and start the job search process. First, consider if you want to leave the employer or want a new role within the same company.

Stop thinking, “I NEED A NEW JOB,” and ask yourself a few questions. Are you mainly unhappy about your job but love the company? Do you believe in the company’s mission and products, but are ready for a new challenge? Think about what is making you unhappy.

When is it time to move or leave For a new job?

Before you rush out and start applying to jobs, seek new information internally first. If you don’t hate the company, speak with your boss, human resources (HR), or mentor on new roles that will get you closer to your career goals or excite you. This first step is often overlooked and later can lead to regret if you leave too soon.

Even when you inquire about internal roles, remember to highlight why you will be great in the next position, how you can contribute, and why your experience will bring added value. Be positive. Do not make the mistake of meeting with your boss, HR, or mentor, and spend the entire time complaining about your current role.

Shift your thinking and your conversation to include how you can contribute and work well in a new department or role. Increase your job chances by understanding the next position and talking about yourself as the solution.

When you land internal job interviews, please consider the internal interview process as serious as an external interview. Have an updated resume—filled with accomplishments, results, and metrics. Prepare for the interview—show your desire, enthusiasm, and competency with a professional approach.

When is it time to leave a job?

When the company or job no longer excites you, you start to feel unsatisfied at work, your sleep pattern is changing, or you dread going to bed Sunday night as work begins on Monday—it is time to leave the job. Start the job search process, and don’t ignore your feelings any longer. If you are unhappy and see nothing internally, start preparing to look.

6 TIPS TO NAIL YOUR JOB SEARCH:

1. Update your resume and understand applicant tracking software used today. The best resumes are customized to align with job posting, use keywords, and highlight results.
2. Cover letters are essential to many employers and need to be customized to include how you can contribute and help the company succeed.
3. Update your LinkedIn profile and make sure all LinkedIn information also aligns with the resume, especially the details like dates, titles, and company names.
4. Make a list of your network from family and friends to alumni and colleagues. Start having conversations and letting them know what jobs and companies you are targeting.
5. Apply to jobs you are qualified for and do research on the company and role to customize cover letter and resume.
6. Properly prepare for the interview. Study and memorize information about the company so you can discuss it during the interview. Write out and practice your answers. Be prepared to follow up, which should include sending a thank you email.

Remember, the job search is a process and takes time. You can find more things to consider and practical steps for your job or career change in my 7-page FREE guide on “How to know when it’s time to make a job or career change.” Download here.

In a competitive market, which 2021 will be for all job seekers, having a plan, thinking things through, and understanding that the pandemic changed many things, including job opportunities, will be essential for you to succeed in your job search. Fast Company posted an article, “How finding a job will be different in 2021”, which is also a great read.