It’s time to figure out your job hunting status. If you have read our most recent posts, you know how to think about where your career is headed in the near term. We are at the start of the busiest time of year for job hunting. Hiring occurs all year but once bonuses are paid, it’s time for musical chairs.
Sometimes people tell me how happy they are in their current roles, and I am sure some of them are in a strong position. However, even those who are happy in their current roles should be aware of the market, and open to considering new opportunities. Are there institutions and firms doing work that excites you? Is there growth in your segment of the industry? Can you expect robust compensation advancement going forward in your current role? What are your promotion opportunities, and does your current firm follow through on promises?
There are important differences between being on the market and being market aware. If you are on the market, you need to actively put yourself in the best position to find new opportunities. If you want only to be aware of the market, it is equally critical that you avoid appearing like you are actively looking for work while still keeping your eyes open.
If you are on the market, you should have your resume polished and ready to send out quickly. You should actively look at listings, reach out to recruiters, network, and research the kinds of firms you would like to work with and roles to pursue.
There is significant controversy over the “open to work” graphic on LinkedIn. First off, that is only for job hunters who are not employed for obvious reasons. We generally do not recommend using that early in your job hunt. However, if you have been out of work for 6-12 months or more, posting it can be a good idea. When recruiters see that you are open to work, they know that you do not need to be convinced to look at a new role. Moreover, they can feel more confident that clients will not have to navigate difficult non-compete or non-solicitation clauses.
If you are only looking to be aware of the market, continue doing the normal level of networking that any professional should. Attend conferences and events that will help you develop your skills and meet others in your industry. You should also have your resume ready to share in case you become aware of a compelling opportunity. That said, you do not want to make your interest in other roles too obvious or reach out to recruiters unless you are actively seeking work. You do not want to risk that word spreads that you are unhappy with your current position. You also do not want to waste a recruiter’s time. You can certainly react positively to a recruiter call or a single listing but do not mislead the recruiter about your overall interest in moving. Talking to a recruiter can be helpful for learning more about opportunities in your corner of the industry. Just be clear about how open you are to a change.
Whether you aim to be on the market or just aware of it, always have your resume updated. Actively making new connections in your field is always valuable. Beyond that, it is just a matter of how to look at new opportunities.
