Where to start when you're ready for a new job

How long does it take to find a new job?

It starts with that first inkling that something isn’t right; not just a bad day but a negative undercurrent to your weekly schedule. When you’re not just scanning SEEK on the bus ride home after a difficult call with a customer or a negative word from your boss, but you’ve actually sat down to consider what the market looks like.

This is the moment that you have officially started seeking your next move.

It usually starts with a glance through open jobs, followed by conversations with your friends or family about your situation. After some encouragement, you become more steadfast in your decision to move and the whole process takes on a more serious tone.

Daily scrawls through job sites, calls to recruiters, considerations about just what it is you enjoy most about your role and decisions about what’s important to you come next and you set aside time every week to look for the next challenge. Suddenly there’s an exhilarating feel of optimism and certainly - you’re on the cusp of change, a restart.

When talking to candidates, it strikes me that the whole process from that first thought on a move to finally stepping foot in the door of a new job can take up to 9 months; even more if you have a longer notice period (present market conditions excepted).

It can feel like a full-time job, but the most important things are:

1. Be organised - plan your days and what you’re going to do to advance your search today. Keeping a spreadsheet of approaches is a good place to start
2. Be thorough - research as much as you can on companies, roles and careers
3. Don’t make rash decisions - it’s far easier to move jobs when you are in a role
4. Be consistent - momentum can be a force for good in your search, make sure to advance it every week
5. Don’t settle - make sure you’re in it for the right reasons, what are the “pull” factors rather than “push”. Are you taking that role for the right reasons or is there something that doesn’t feel quite right?

When you start looking for a new role, you may want to explore opportunities in a different industry to broaden your horizons and freshen your experience. One good way to get your foot in the door is to start with temporary work.

Temping can serve as a bridge between your current career path and your desired industry, allowing you to immerse yourself in a new environment without a long-term commitment. This approach provides a valuable opportunity to assess whether the industry aligns with your interests, skills, and career goals, and determine if a new field is the right fit for you. If you are interested in exploring the temporary job market, check out our temps and contractors page or read our previous blog: The Rise of the Temporary Workforce

Collaborating with a recruiter can be a significant asset in your job search process. Recruiters play a central role in ensuring that you're not just submitting applications but rather targeting roles that genuinely align with your career objectives and personal values. They provide comprehensive support throughout your journey, beginning with refining your resume to emphasise your qualifications and accomplishments effectively. In addition, a good recruiter will assist you with interview preparation, helping you gain the confidence and skills necessary to perform well during crucial meetings. They also deliver timely feedback that allows you to continually improve your job search strategy. In a competitive job market, teaming up with a recruiter can be a practical and effective approach to securing your ideal position. Check out Reo Group's areas of expertise.

It’s a long journey making that next move, so it’s important to give it the time, care and attention it deserves.

If you are starting the next phase of your career journey don’t know where to start, reach out to us at info@reogroup.com.au