As a senior executive, especially one who has been in your role for a long time, what do you do when you want to change careers? When you know you need to do something different, but are not sure what? You may have been in your job for a long time and in the same industry. It can be tough to know what to do next and how to make that move to a new job.
It is time for many now to break out and really do something they love as a career!
How we search for a new job has changed dramatically over the last few years. In particular we are dependent on social media rather than social interactions for gaining new connections. A survey by Jobbatical here showed that 84% of employers were using social media for hiring and another survey here found that 48% of companies found people via referrals, highlighting the importance of networking. If you are a C level leader looking for change here are a few hints and tips to help you start your journey to your new career.
How To Find The Job Opening
There are 3 ways to find that elusive senior level role:
Be in the right place at the right time to see the vacancy online and go for it
The company looking knows you so will come to you. Via direct connection or referral.
The hiring team find you on social media or your profile is prolific enough they will see you.
In any case they sometimes need to know that you are looking for a change. Do not assume that people will come to you when a vacancy is available. They might think you are happy where you are! You need to be tactful about letting people know you are out there without raising suspicion. A great Executive Career Coach can help you with this.
When Making That Career Change Use The A.R.R.T Model
If you are making a big change in career completely or thinking about starting your own business use the A.R.R.T model.
A. Attainable. Can you do this/ Do you need to retrain? It is possible. Do the research.
R. Relevant. Does the world need this? Is anyone else doing it? Are there too many people out there already doing this?
R. Resources. Do you have them?
T. Time. Do you have enough time to run this alongside your current role or do you have time to carry out this change?
Making that leap can be huge, but with help to plan and execute this is certainly possible. Having a completely independent, non biased person to work with you through this is essential. Hire an experienced C-level executive coach to help you. They will be honest enough to reflect back those possibilities and those areas of challenge before they arise!
Caroline Langston is the Founder of Successful Consultants Ltd, an Executive, Personal and Career Development Coaching company in Hong Kong and New York. She is also the Founder of recruitersgiveback.org a nonprofit providing free information and coaching to people who are unemployed. Caroline is dedicated to coaching people for success and happiness in their careers and lives. She is degree qualified with a Certificate in Professional Coaching Mastery from the ICF, Certificate in Team Coaching from the EMCC. Also further certifications in Neuro Linguistic Programming at Master Practitioner and Coach level. www.successCL.com www.recruitersgiveback.org