Principal Recruitment Consultant on our Banking & Finance Team, Keith Walsh writes on focusing on what’s really important to you when considering a career move.
I love helping people find their DREAM job. Even though I am still relatively young in my own career I have been blessed to gain experience working with the top professionals in the best companies in the country. Most of my experience has been particular to the Banking industry but the same foundation can be applied to any industry, market and to anyone looking to find the right job.
There are a lot of things to consider when looking for your next career move: CVs, market trends, recruitment agencies, interviews, commute, money and potential career growth to name a few.
Before you start your job search you need to make sure you have a clear goal in mind. What is your motivation for a new job?
When I talk to candidates there are often 4 main motivators on why they are seeking a new job:
1. Career Growth
If you feel like the position you are in has limited career growth you need to ask yourself ‘why?’. If you feel comfortable with your boss – bring it up in a one-on-one. You want to make sure you lay all your cards on the table and let senior management know you would like additional responsibilities or challenges. Yes, this can be intimidating but what is the worst they can say? “Sorry, we don’t have anything!” If that is the case, you are back right where you started – now you just know for sure!
What kind of career growth are you looking for – leadership, management, experience in different areas, training or new qualifications?
Once you establish the kind of career growth you are seeking you can seek those opportunities in your new job, ask about career growth in an interview and set expectations with your next opportunity.
2. Commute
Specifically within a largely populated and congested area, commute is important. Some candidates I speak to are completely fine driving over an hour each way, others only want a 10-15 minute commute. If you are driving so far that it is affecting your work life balance a shorter commute could help you financially and allow more time with family each day! Knowing what an acceptable commute is for you will allow you to start with a specific territory to search in.
3. Environment- Culture
Have you ever worked somewhere you didn’t like the culture? This could be anything from the people you work with, the office politics, or the work life balance. For example, one candidate I recently placed, in one of their previous jobs really enjoyed the people, the job, the clients, the career growth opportunities, and money but… they had to work 60+ hours a week. In the end, it wasn’t worth it to them. It was hard for them to leave, but at the end of the day work life balance was more important to that candidate. In their new role this candidate now has all of the benefits of their previous role but with a better work life balance. Set expectations from the beginning on what is acceptable. Personally I don’t have a problem working overtime when needed. However, I have to set boundaries – if it is a good manager – they will understand.
4. Salary
Compensation is usually a touchy subject but one that you must be clear with to begin with. First you need to understand what you need to make as an individual or as a family to maintain your standard of living. You need to consider the TOTAL package including: annual salary, bonus options, stock options, health care benefits and annual leave. Also, remember that when making a move to a new job you may need to take a little bit of a hit because you may be losing any seniority you may have built at your current job. When you are asking about bonuses remember to ask how often they are paid out, this will give you an idea on the likelihood of you getting that. Benefits are probably one of the most important things to review prior to accepting a new job. Don’t be afraid to ask for the benefits when you start the interview process as you will need to know benefit costs when negotiating salary. If the benefits are great then you may be a little more flexible with your annual salary.
Just remember – What is most important to you?
I always recommend candidates to rate their top three motivations. After you have identified your top three motivations then you can start looking at opportunities. If an opportunity doesn’t have any of the top three then it probably isn’t going to be the right fit. Remember, you are looking for a new career—not just any JOB.
Do you agree? What are your top motivations when looking at new opportunities?
Keith is currently working on roles within the Banking & Finance sector. To view Keith’s current opportunities click here. If you would like career advice, are considering a job move or would simply like to talk about the current hiring market call Keith now on 01-6618740.
