Will 2015 be your year to land a new job?
You wouldn’t be the only one. Of 450 employers surveyed recently by LinkedIn, 49 percent expect their companies to be hiring in 2015. And 3.4 million people will turn 65 in the next 12 months as the vast Baby Boomer population continues to exit the workforce and create vacancies.
PrideStaff Modesto blog followers likewise reflect this national trend, as indicated by the most read posts during 2014. Leading topics were top reasons to quit your current job; how to politely decline a job offer, and how to job search without being overly aggressive in your approach.
Time for a Change?
Everyone has days, or even weeks, when it seems like nothing about work is going right. But if these feelings persist over time, you may need to think seriously about a job search. Top signs that you may need to make a change include:
- Your working relationship with your manager is beyond repair. You’ve made every effort, but the chemistry just isn’t there. In this case, avoid making a rash move. Instead, explore all your options and take the high road, with no badmouthing or trash talking.
- Your career is out of sync with your personal lifestyle. This tends to happen after you’ve undergone a major life change such as a marriage, the birth of a child or the added responsibility of caring for a loved one. With these new demands on your time, focus and income, you may need to reevaluate your situation.
- There’s a culture clash. If your employer or job doesn’t help fulfill your personal mission and vision, it’s time for a change.
- The stress is unsustainable. Pursue a job change at the point where your stress level becomes so high that it threatens your health or personal relationships. Don’t make salary your sole reason for staying in a job. It won’t get you what you want.
No, Thank You
You’ve successfully interviewed and been offered a job, but choose not to accept it. Decline with grace and professionalism so that the employer and recruiter remember you in a positive light.
- Respond promptly and formally. As soon as you know you can’t accept an offer, respond accordingly. This gives the employer optimal time to hire another candidate.
- Clearly state that you’re rejecting the offer. Be diplomatic and briefly state your reason. You’re not obligated to go into detail. It’s sufficient to simply say that “the job did not meet my career objectives.”
- Put it in writing. Even if you initially decline in person or by phone, follow up with a letter.
When Job Searching, Be Assertive – Not Aggressive
When job searching, determination and tenacity are strong, positive traits. But be careful not to cross the line between assertiveness and aggression.
- Focus on the value you’ll add. Put your prospective employer’s needs ahead of your own. Convey to them that you can add immediate value – and do so in a manner that reflects your leadership skills.
- Stay away from hard-selling questions in your interview. For instance, don’t ask “Is there anything standing in the way of me getting an offer?” No hiring manager wants to feel they’re being pushed.
Working with a career coach can be the key to success in your job search. Contact the recruiting specialists at PrideStaff Modesto to learn more.
