When is the best time to look for a new job?

Friday, August 15th, 2008 - Blog

Looking for a Job

photo credit: di_the_huntress

Richard asks: When is the best time to look for a new job?

In answer:
It is always a crazy market out there for jobs, but particularly at present. Even if you think your job I secure in your current post, you should always be doing the following…..

• Always keep an eye on what is available – spend a few minutes each week surfing your favourite internet site, or reading the local and national newspapers jobs section. You may realise what you are doing is not what you want to be doing
• Always keep your CV/Resume up to date – the best time to look for a new job is when you are comfortable in your current one, about 2+ years in to the position
• Always increase your skill set – employers will often invest in ambitious employees through college or professional education programs, but make sure they are externally recognised/benchmarked. These make you more valuable to the employer – and even if you are released, it makes you more employable to others in a better position
• Be kind to the people you work with – at least pretend to like them! Go to events organised by the company and outside organisations like unions of professional staff groups
• Save some cash – have enough for around three months of redeployment, so you are not desperate to take the first job offer
• If you are fired – don’t take the first severance offer: NEGOTIATE!

Good Luck!

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