Long gone are the times when our parents worked for a single company/organization for their entire life. My father would retire next month and I cannot fathom his pride about having served one of the nationalized banks of India for a period of 38 years. THIRTY EIGHT !!!! Today, people want to change their jobs within thirty eight months itself. Of course, today times have changed. Life has become more complex and the expectations have doubled. Even the jobs are not that rewarding and satisfactory they used to be. Layoffs have become common and even without them, the performance measures are extremely rigorous. In the process, loyalty to your organization has taken a backseat. Changing the jobs and getting that hike has become imperative.
But better said than done, this is not as easy as it may seem. Companies everywhere prefer the best and with so many applicants, the competition is tough. Some of the areas of occupation are really small and you can meet your ex employer in your new office as well. In such a situation, it’s important that you keep the entire exercise of finding a new job as discreet as possible. Below are some of the points you can follow to get that new job even when you have one.
Do not think of changing the job too early
Before you think of going for a new job, think if you have spent enough time in your current organization. Its important that you get enough knowledge and experience in your current role which you can showcase during the job interview. Also leaving too early can also be considered as “short stints of employment” in the HR feedback which can be detrimental for your overall profile. Generally 3.5 to 4 years in a company is considered a good time to think of a change.
Prepare a fine quality curriculum vitae.
This is without saying the most useful instrument in your endeavor. The resume should contain a brief explanation of all the projects you have worked on. But it should not resemble a psychology answer sheet with long answers and explanations. Even if you do have a lot to mention, do it shortly. Keep the rest to talk during the interview. This will also retain the curiosity and you will have a lot to talk during interview.
Have something apart from your line of work.
Take some trainings, do some social work, create some white papers, contribute on knowledge sharing websites, write some articles. In short, do something significant which can be mentioned in your resume. This give a different dimension to your personality and also strengthens the resume. Rather than a highly technical person spending his time only on work, companies do prefer all round personalities who can contribute to the society.
Do not upload the resume on all Job portals
Uploading the resume on job portals is no more considered “IN”. It’s generally done by freshers or people who don’t understand the rules of the trade. Also, it can create unnecessary complications if you current employer finds your resume somehow. Better, make the best use of LinkedIn.
Keep on checking official websites of the organization
Most of the companies post the job openings on their official websites. This is one of the best ways to know about the different job openings and also for applying to the job. As it does not involve any consultancies or middlemen, this is a much safer option to get to the employer. It also keeps you abreast with the current happenings in the field which can help you during the interview.
Make minimal use of consultancy, agencies or job agents
This looks like a very lucrative option as the job agents claim to have direct contact with the employers. But nothing is sure. Excessive dependency on agents can make you lax which can delay the process if the agent is not authentic. Also, you might lose on a lot of money for false promises. So, contact only those about whom you are absolutely sure and have proper documents to prove their claim.
Maintain good contacts with your friends/colleagues/seniors and ex-employees.
This is applicable throughout your career and not just when you are searching for the job. You never know when an ex colleague or a friend can be useful to manage that one interview in his organization. The fields of some niche skills and technologies are no small that everyone knows everyone else. Your overall relations with your friends and colleagues can play an important role here irrespective of your five star resume.
Do not use office computer for checking job sites.
In some organizations, this can be labelled as illegal and you would be subjected to severe consequences. AVOID.
Learn and prepare well for the interview
If you think that you can get selected only based on your experience and cracking the interview will be a cakewalk, you are mistaken. People even till the level of directors are selected based on their knowledge and how well they have prepared. Also, its always good to keep on refreshing and updating your knowledge once in a while. So read through those books and websites like you are preparing for the exams.
Continue performing your best in the current organization even after you get a job.
This can be little difficult when you know that you have to be here for a short while now. But as your moral duty and a courtesy to the organization, do the best your can. It will not help if you leave the organization with black spot. Also, the new employer will definitely get your last employer’s feedback before he makes you permanent. Best way, be cordial and helpful and take your leave with on positive note.
