Did you come back to work after the holidays, only to realize your job just isn’t cutting it? Maybe you’re not challenged enough, or you want to do work that will give you more opportunities to help others. You’re not alone. If a change to a new job is one of your goals for 2018, you’ll need to take three big steps to get there.
Reflection
If you aren’t challenged enough at your current job, now is a great time to reflect on what you want – and don’t want – from a job, career and workplace.
- What parts of your job would you like to be doing more often?
- Where would you like to be more challenged?
- Which skills do you want to gain?
- Would you rather find a new position in your current field, or transfer your skills to another field?
- Do you prefer to work with large or small teams?
- Are you detail-oriented or do you prefer the big picture?
- What have other people told you you’re great at that surprised you?
- What do you enjoy doing that other people don’t like to do?
Research
Once you’ve given some thought to the responsibilities and environment you’d like in your next job, it’s time to do some research. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has a wealth of information that may help you narrow your choices, like which occupations have large projected growth or high current average salaries.
Learn from people who are doing what you want to do, and discover how they started. Blogs and podcasts are a great way to gain insight on how other people have found success. You can find a lot of insight on different positions here at Paycom by checking out the Employee Spotlights on our blog!
And don’t underestimate the power of reaching out to professionals directly and asking about their experiences. If you have friends who work at a great company or do work you’d like to be doing, ask them how they got there. They might recommend resources like courses, books or certifications to help you break into their field. They may even be able to offer a helpful introduction!
Results
After identifying your next career move, it’s time to pursue the results you want. First, make sure your resume is accurate, concise and appealing. Highlight the responsibilities and skills you’ve demonstrated in the past that are transferable to the position for which you want to apply. Are you a pro at helping customers find what they need? Have you managed people in the past? Are you the go-to problem solver at your current job? Include it.
Next, create a plan of attack. Look for open positions at companies you respect, and ask friends if they know of any available positions. Do you have mentors who can make a crucial introduction for you? Keep an eye out for companies that win awards, especially when employees vote their workplace one of the best.
The start of a new year is the perfect time to pause, take stock of your current situation, and decide if there’s anything you need to change about it. You spend a lot of time at your job, and how you feel about it naturally affects the rest of your life outside of work.
If you’re dissatisfied with work, use the new year as an opportunity to consider what you can do to make a change for the better. And if you’d like to work at a growing, award-winning company with other talented individuals, add Paycom to your list. You might find that more than just your job improves!
Interested in a career at Paycom? Click here!