Advice on switching jobs during a pandemic
We can all agree that this year has been like no other. You may feel lucky to be employed right now given the current climate, but if you’re unhappy with your job is it worth sticking around?
You may be wary about switching jobs during such uncertain times, but if there’s a good career opportunity it may be worthwhile to go for it.
Employers are constantly on the lookout for the best talent, so if you come across a job that sounds like the perfect fit for you, don’t waste any time in applying.
Before making the big decision and switching jobs, you may want to consider the below.
Reasons to switch jobs
- You’re dissatisfied with your job
- Your current job doesn’t challenge you
- Negative relationships with colleagues
- Little opportunity for promotion or advancement in your current role
- Your work/life balance isn’t great
- You’re constantly complaining about work to friends and family
- You can increase your earning potential by switching jobs
- Bored at work
- Dread Monday mornings
- You’re looking for better career prospects, professional growth and work opportunities
- You’re ready for a change
If you do decide it’s time to switch jobs, you will need a plan of action to help you move in the right direction.
10 steps to finding a new job
- Think about what you really want – before you start job hunting you need to think about what it is you really want to do. Consider what you enjoy, your strengths and weaknesses, what you like about your current job and what you don’t.
- Freshen up your CV – your CV is the most critical tool of a job search. Make sure you include relevant work experience, your achievements and skill set. Consider what skills and qualities potential new employers will be looking for and highlight them. Read nijobfinder’s complete guide to writing a CV.
- Make sure your LinkedIn profile is up to date – tidy up your LinkedIn profile and check your other social media accounts, cleaning up anything that could impact an employer’s decision to hire you.
- Research leads – contact recruiters and use job boards like nijobfinder to find a role that suits you. Do your research on potential employers and companies you want to work for to make sure you’d fit in well.
- Research target companies – find out all you can about the companies you’d like to work for. Is the company culture a good fit for you? How is the organisation structured? Are there opportunities for career progression/promotions?
- Think ahead – you may want to further your studies to get the job you really want. Taking additional courses in your field to boost your skills can get you noticed by recruiters.
- Stay positive and be resilient – if your job search isn’t going well, don’t let it get you down. Change doesn’t happen overnight.
- Be confident – apply for jobs that interest you even if you don’t meet all of their requirements. If you meet part of a job’s qualifications/experience but believe you can still succeed in that role then apply! You have nothing to lose.
- Prepare for interviews – preparation is key and will help you be more confident and comfortable during your interview. Read nijobfinder’s ultimate job interview guide which includes how to prepare, tips for a successful interview, as well as common interview questions and sample answers.
- Follow up – after a job interview send the employer a follow up email thanking them for their time and that you look forward to hearing back from them. This shows your interest and excitement for the job.
There are plenty of job opportunities across Northern Ireland, head on over to nijobfinder.co.uk to start your job search today.
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