A proactive career is ready for anything.
Who could have imagined a few years ago that you could sit anywhere in the world and more or less choose freely among employers?
Thanks to digitalization, you can now build networks, communicate, and work from the comfort of your own couch. In this new world, the power has shifted from employers to employees, and as an highly competent candidate in the IT, Engineering or Industrial sectors, you now have more opportunities than ever to handpick your next boss.
Why, then, is it important to stay active in the job market and attend interviews before you’re ready to change jobs, rather than just applying for open positions when the time comes?
Changing jobs has historically been a lengthy and limiting process: candidates would search for jobs on a job board, meet one or two companies, and sign an employment contract without truly being aware of other potentially more interesting companies.
In today’s fast-paced climate, job ads have become outdated and fail to attract as many applicants. As traditional recruitment processes phase out, companies must rethink their strategies. You can use this to your advantage.
There is a significant shortage of skilled workers in the IT, Engineering and Indistrual sectors right now, and the competition for candidates is tougher than ever.
When everyone is fighting for your attention on the enormous smorgasbord of companies, it becomes increasingly important for businesses to highlight the value they can offer you. Billions are being invested in employer branding and marketing to attract you as a candidate, but it can be difficult to navigate the flood of job offers when you’re often busy with other things.
Timing is a major challenge for top talent today. Perhaps you’ve experienced a recruiter reaching out about an exciting project and wanting you on their team immediately, but you’re tied up in another project for the next few months, and the offer disappears. Or maybe you’ve been content at the same workplace for a long time but are open to suggestions if the right opportunity arises without you actively searching.
This is why you as a candidate need to be proactive and apply long-term career planning – here’s how.
Simply put, it’s exactly what it sounds like: a proactive career is about planning your professional life in the long term. Being proactive in your career means staying active in the job market and being prepared to switch jobs before it becomes an urgent need.
Long-term career planning gives you a fantastic opportunity to prepare and negotiate at a more relaxed pace, whether you want to change jobs now or in a year. Additionally, it increases your chances of finding projects you truly enjoy.
On the other hand, if you take the reactive road and only look for jobs when you suddenly find yourself desperately needing one, you’re more likely to end up in the wrong place. Many who job-hunt reactively take the first opportunity that comes along simply because they can’t afford to say no – and under those circumstances, the job is less likely to offer what you want.
Now that digitalization has created many new opportunities, you have a golden chance to be strategic in your job search. A good place to start is by clarifying for yourself what you enjoy doing and what matters to you in your next workplace.
• What role do I see myself in? (e.g. staying on as a developer or transitioning to architect or project manager)
• What types of projects do I enjoy?
• What education, experience or certifications do I need?
• Do I prefer working at a large or small company?
• What other soft values are important to me? (e.g. personal development, company culture, other benefits)
At Worko, we specialize in long-term job searching and can help you find the right company at the right time. We match your skills, values, and timing with the right company and help you take the next step in your career—when the timing is best for you. Think proactively of your future instead of reactively and be ready for anything.
Want more career tips, inspiration, and insights in your industry? Read more on our blog!