Are you feeling stagnant in your job or just looking for a change? The process can feel overwhelming but it’s absolutely within your reach! Here are some steps to help you get started.
- Figure out what you really want. Where are you feeling discontented or stuck? What does a satisfying situation look like? What kinds of challenges do you want from whatever is next for you? Get clear on this—write it down in as much detail as you can. Then, pull out what’s essential to you from that list, and what would be nice but isn’t necessary.
- Research, research, research! Use tools like O*Net and any local best places to work lists you can find. You may wind up with a few job titles that would be a good fit for you, or you might find that you’re more excited by particular workplaces. Either way, write down what you discover. Then start making a list of people, either those with the job titles you want of those who works at your dream employers. Note as much info as you can—the person’s name and contact info, role, any similarities you have, etc.
- Build connections. When you’re clear on who they are, start reaching out to people. You aren’t asking for secret ways in, or simply seeking the hiring manager. Most places don’t hire that way, and trying to work the system will likely make you unpopular with the very people you’re trying to win over. Instead, reach out to the folks you find for information. If you’re job-seeking in your current location, ask the people you find to coffee (your treat!) and if you’re out of town, ask for a virtual coffee (send a gift card by way of thanks). Ask everything you can think of about the workplace, the job, qualifications you’d need, workplace culture, etc. You don’t want to use more than about half an hour of the other person’s time, but you can cover a lot of ground in 30 minutes!
- Maintain older connections. Reach out to former coworkers you liked, college classmates, people you met at conferences. Nurture those connections—ask how your former colleague’s kids are doing, what your high school sweetheart is up to, how your old roommate’s new business is doing. And think about if any of these folks might be able to introduce you to someone who could be helpful to your search.
- Be kind. Remember, of course, that none of these relationship-building pieces should be transactional or overly self-centered. Your connections can help you make a change, sure, but the relationships are valuable just on their own merits. At some future point, you may be helpful to the folks you’re connecting with now, but nobody’s keeping score. Connect for the sake of connecting with those in your chosen field or employer.
- Update! Your resume and LinkedIn probably need a bit of a refresh. What are the skills you need to highlight for your next career path? Have you listed your most recent set of accomplishments? What bits of experience need to be shuffled to the bottom so they get less attention than the stuff you really want people to see?
- And, of course, apply. As you see things that look exciting, commit to customizing your resume and cover letter (yes, both) and get that application submitted. It’s generally a better plan to find just a few things and really tailor your applications than to spam every job you could probably do, so spend a bit more time matching the employer’s language and tone.
- Seek help when you need it. We all get maxed out when we’re making changes. To keep yourself on track, find yourself some people who will support you. A friend who’s also looking can be an accountability partner. Local job-search groups can help you build a sense of community and lift each other up. Workforce centers and public libraries have access to resources that can be incredibly helpful. And if you’re just at your wit’s end, career counselors and coaches can be helpful. Look for someone you feel you can build trust with, and get clear about what you expect from the professional relationship. Your coach won’t do the work for you, but will offer you support along the way.
