How to find the right career opportunity for you — Part 2
Remember the advice you give your candidates and apply it to yourself: when looking at your next job move it’s really important to look at the long term and think of yourself in two jobs’ time. It’s crucial to consider whether the move you’re contemplating now is going to help you towards that goal.
For example, if you’re looking to ultimately join a search firm then it would make sense to move to a search and selection company now as a stepping stone — or at least join a company where you would deal with more senior level candidates.
Where a sector choice is concerned, unless you’re certain you’re in love with a particular sector it’s best not to get too niche too early in your career or it might be more difficult to transfer.
Clearly the ease of moving from one to another depends on the state of the market. Until mid-2008 most specialist recruitment consultancies would consider consultants from any other sector, with a few exceptions. Although the profile of the average recruiter had changed, there was still a bit of snobbery and preconception about public sector recruiters being softer and not as hard core as other recruiters.
Research the companies and individuals you meet for interviews. Why not ask for references from them too and be sure to check these out — whether they’re from their clients, candidates or people that have left the company.
You can also use LinkedIn and other networking sites. It’s amazing how also Google-ing somebody effectively with proper Boolean searches [narrowing down your search for an item by using special terms before your keywords] rather than just a quick browse, can uncover all sorts of things, from the fact that they won the mixed doubles cup at their local tennis club to the fact that they’ve been up in court for a bad debt!
If you don’t end up getting the offer you want, don’t move to the second best just for the sake of moving. Not only will you likely be unhappy again, but the wrong move can lead to an inconsistent CV featuring short stays with various employers and little achievement to show for each move.
It’s always better to stay where you are in that situation and just keep applying for roles that truly appeal to you. Remember, if you haven’t got enough of the right opportunities, 99 times out of 100 it’s because you probably haven’t applied to enough opportunities – simple as that.
If you are in the fortunate position where you have a few offers to choose from, then make sure you do your due diligence properly: don’t just go for the one that’s offering the largest financial package or the one that’s the most enthusiastic about you.
(Tim is the chairman of the REC’s recruitment-to-recruitment sector group.)
