A change of jobs could just be the next step for a bright future for you. In fact, studies have shown that UK workers change jobs on average every five years, with that number most likely to decrease due to the quickly changing economic environment. There could be numerous reasons that prompt this change, including better positions, better salary, improved job satisfaction , and WFH driving more job flexibility. All this inadvertently leads to improvements in quality of life, a higher standard of living, and of course an overall feeling of wellbeing.
However, before you make that leap, make sure you have all your affairs in order and are well prepared for the next step. This way, the transition to your next job opportunity will be seamless, and you will have less trouble adjusting to your new role.
Now that you have gained all the experience that you can from your current role in your workplace and feel that a new job would offer more growth, here are a few things you should do before you officially give in your letter of resignation.
1. Update Your CV
One of the first things to look for when you want to switch your job is a suitable new opportunity. Suitable opportunities may be hard to come by, so you have to ensure you’re well prepared for one when it does knock on your door. Remember, a first impression is often the last impression, and in the world of job opportunities, your resume is often the first impression you make with your potential employers.
So if you haven’t as yet, make sure your CV and any other profiles on work-related websites are completely up to date. This way, you can peruse through job openings and apply to numerous ones, all at the same time with the click of a button. Saving you time and setting up a good first impression with your potential employers.
2. Plan Your Exit Strategy
If you have decided to finally change your job, then it is best to leave on amicable terms. Especially since you may eventually work with your colleagues or even some of your bosses again in the future if you plan on staying in the same industry.
A great way to leave on a good note is to plan your exit strategy from the get-go instead of dropping the bomb on your colleagues and boss at the last minute.
However, you should also ensure that you have made a final decision and have a future plan or another job offer at hand that you will switch to before having the talk with your employers. While it is important to have an exit plan, it is also recommended to keep it to yourself and avoid oversharing of unnecessary details.
3. Document Your Work
Most employees simply work hard and concentrate on their job without thinking of documentation or archiving. However, if you have important information that could be of use in the future for you, if you have done exemplary work and are lauded for it, or if you receive any accolades during your tenure, then you should definitely document them.
These will serve as important reminders about how far you have come and can serve as proof of your good performance.
4. Make Strong Connections
Switching jobs can sometimes mean losing out on some excellent connections. However, if you plan properly, you may actually solidify your relationship with useful individuals and teams outside of work as well.
Strong connections can help you unlock new opportunities in your career and help get you acquainted with numerous potential new employers as well. Therefore, before changing jobs, ensure that you have significant connections, and you are on friendly terms with all of them.
5. Read Up On Company Policies
Every workplace has its own set of workplace rules and regulations. You may even have been asked to sign a contract before starting your job to ensure that you are aware of all work policies. These can include policies about notice periods and leaving your workplace in particular. If this is the case, then you must plan your exit accordingly to ensure you are not breaking any policies unknowingly and do not have to answer to HR later.
Conclusion
Changing jobs can be a daunting task, especially since building a good rapport at your workplace takes time and effort. You must now let go of your previous role and all of the responsibilities, comforts, and perks associated with it to make room for a career change. However, this does not mean that your previous work has gone in vain.
Instead, it has helped you gain the experience and knowledge that have shaped your career growth and expanded your potential. But before making the final move, ensure you are well prepared for changing your job.
Alex Cole is a Specialist Building Services Recruiter with Responsum. He’s always interested in networking with Building Service professionals. He loves talking football, is hoping to get on the property ladder soon, and visits Tenerife every year.
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