The phrase may not be the most accurate, but it helps to put things in perspective. Before entering the job market any potential candidate should evaluate what’s important to them: where there is flexibility and where there is not. The worse thing you can do is waste your time and, more importantly, the time of employers who will be interviewing you. A person considering getting into the job market should ask themselves the following:

1. What are my reasons to make a change?

Can I elaborate on specific reasons, or are they normal daily job complaints that we all have from time to time? Making a job change can be stressful so don’t enter into it without careful consideration. Is there opportunity for growth professionally? Am I being challenged? Is there a lack of advancement? All of these need to be carefully examined. If money is the key reason, you really need to think that through. Money by itself is never a good reason to solely make a job change. Employers in our region tend to be very conservative with salary increases, and you may find yourself wasting time, and more importantly, disappointed.

2. What is important to me in my next position?

What are my occupational priorities, and how would I rank them in importance? Be as specific as you can, and understand where there is give and take. Perfect jobs, like perfect applicants, don’t exist. Carefully evaluate this for yourself.

3. Is the timing right?

Make sure you evaluate the timing to make a job change. Do you have anything going on personally that may cause a problem? Have you talked this through with anyone, such as spouse, mentor, or anyone whose opinion you value? Is there anything in your current job (such as projects, vacations, etc.) that could affect your readiness to make a move.

4. Can I commit?

Understand that once you leap, there should be no looking back. See the blog on counteroffer to understand what I mean.

5. Am I really, really sure I can commit?

Be aware of the commitment necessary to make a job change. You will need to make interviews with possibly 1 or 2 days notice, and usually at the employer’s convenience. Also, you will need to have interviewing clothes all prepared (see blog on dressing for interviews). It will be important to have a current updated resume and three to four “business” references all set and ready to be contacted. People fail to realize that making a job change is often a job itself! Once you’ve done steps 1 through 5, you can then determine if you are ready to leap. Understanding the commitment necessary to make a job change is critical to your success. And if you are ready for a new job in Pittsburgh, give us a call!