So Christmas is over and it’s back to work and like many people you have spent much of the Christmas break considering your next career move. Those of us in recruitment know this because we return to work with inbox’s weighed down with applications of all shapes and sizes.But before you start surfing LinkedIn or sending your CV for a new opportunity I would urge you to consider whether a job move is really what you need or whether you are caught up in the new year – new me syndrome.
So before you go too far down the wormhole consider these factors

  1. The time of year. It’s all too tempting at this time of year to think that a new job will sort your problems particularly if recent times have been difficult, but ask any gym owner the first 2 weeks of January are filled with good intention but by the beginning of February most people have reverted to their pre-Christmas state. Only start looking if you are committed to the process. It’s a good idea to write a pro’s and cons list and make sure you have discussed it with your significant other to determine if this is a genuine move or just a momentary malaise.
  2. It’s not the job it’s you. If you feel that you need to move jobs because you are not where you feel you should be; change that first. Yes life probably is pretty miserable as a mid-table performer in your current business. Would life be better if you were a top performer? If it would be, be honest with yourself – Have you committed everything you can to that goal? If you have and you are still dissatisfied with your lot then yes it’s time to move on.
  3. How green is that grass? It’s really easy to look at your competitors and think that they must be a better place to be – particularly if they are beating you to the punch on new contract wins. The truth is that every company has its idiosyncrasies and you won’t find them out till you get there (No company puts them in their prospectus) so you might end up worse off than you are! If you are serious about a move do your research. Do you know someone who works at your chosen firm? Have you had a good look on Linked in? If you’re using an agency have you given them a suitable a grilling and got the information you need before giving permission to send over your CV.
  4. What else is changing? If you are getting married or moving house is now really the time to pile on and find a job at the same time? House hunting can be a full time job in itself and is regularly quoted as the most stressful thing you can do. However if the associated large event is part of the reason you are looking to move jobs. Take your time be clear on what you can and can’t do and don’t be afraid to ask for a little leeway. If you are the right candidate for the job a few weeks delay on your start is probably not an issue.
  5. Do you have a clear goal? Your mind’s made up a move is on the cards but have you set out clearly in your mind what you want from your move? Have prioritised your needs, they type of work, money, location, prospects, flexibility? The list goes on but without some clear goals you will struggle to make the most out of your move. Make sure you are upfront about your requirements knowing what you don’t want can be as important as what you do want.

If you’ve read this far and you’re thinking that you still want to explore a job move the final thing I can recommend is speak to an expert. Girling Jones help more people find new jobs in construction than most other companies in the south west. We help people relocate, progress their career and change sector more effectively every year with a combination of listening to what you want and matching it with clients we know will be interested. Please just remember; we are not a gym
Matt Steggles – Construction Consultancy expert and bloody nice chap