Tips for Effective Career Transition

Career transition can be both exciting and stressful at the same time. Whether you are embracing the experience or whether you have been caught off guard by your situation, there are a few keys to success that you should utilize in order to make the most of your opportunity.

During this Coronavirus lockdown, it is very easy to fall into the trap of feeling that you have an over-abundance of free time, and that there is no sense of urgency or a need to closely watch the minutes of your day.  This a mistake.

Over the course of my 15 years in the search business, I have always found that the people who are in transition that are most successful in moving to the next level in their career, are the ones who treat their time like a precious resource and they maximize every minute of their day.  As the old expressions go, “moss does not grow on a rolling stone” and “activity generates results.”  One of the interesting observations that I have found over the years is that people who practice this principle while in career transition, are much more likely to continue their career in an upward trajectory, while the ones who do not, are more likely to settle for a lateral career move or even a move backwards in both salary and responsibilities.

Here are my tips based on what highly effective candidates do EACH WEEK DAY, when they find themselves in career transition. 

1.  Networking

Book two meetings a day.  You can schedule one in the morning and one for the afternoon.  Try not to have them too close together as there will be preparation time required before the meeting and follow up activities to be conducted after each meeting.  These activities include preparing your agenda for the meeting, communicating your key ask in a succinct manner and being as specific as possible as to outlining your goals.  After the meeting, follow up on the notes that you made which may include ideas generated, next steps for moving forward, recording the correct new contact information produced and developing a thank you note.  Given the current economic conditions, these meetings are much easier to organize now than they have in the past.  (a real benefit for networkers!) The ease and flexibility of a zoom call (No travel/flexibility/efficient use of time) has allowed for more networking potential.  Remember to try and provide as much value as you can during the meeting as networking is about both giving and receiving.

 2.  Exercise.

This is one that can be a hurdle for some who are not feeling motivated or who may feel guilty about exercising in the middle of a day, but it is a hurdle that must be overcome.  Exercising 60-90 minutes a day is recommended for both the body and the mind.  Exercise restores the mind and will also feed the mind.  It is not uncommon for candidates to tell me that they developed an amazing idea or overcame a mental obstacle while in the middle of their walk of run.  Fresh air is recommended so the outdoors is best.  If you are inside on your Peloton, it is recommended that you open the window to allow for that fresh air while you exercise.

 3.  Learning

Top performers commit to 1 hour of learning or reading per day.  (This does not include research or due diligence involved in finding a new job) This is food for thought and expanding your brain base.  I have had candidates tell me about things that they read that they were then able to utilize or build upon, even though it had nothing to do with their business or their industry.  If reading is not your thing, there are a lot of really good webcasts, recorded zoom meetings and seminars right now on a whole variety of subjects.  Many of these are free as companies and trainers are trying to pay it forward as an act of good will for future potential business. 

4.  Complete a small household project. 

The sense of accomplishment that comes with small repairs or gardening or de-cluttering cannot be underestimated.  You can also break up a larger project into smaller bite size pieces that can be completed during a weekday.  This not only reduces the number of things on your “To-Do” list, but it will often create a surge of energy which will produce additional productivity as well as increase your confidence and general well-being.

 5.  Job Search activities

There is typically 2 hours a day that should be spent in this area.  This includes conducting a full internal assessment of skills, personal requirements and career desires, and then moving towards identifying your target industries, target companies and developing a potential network.  This will then move into researching companies and people who can assist you in your journey and booking meetings and interviews.  Practicing interview questions and preparing for meetings is a vital an often-overlooked activity. Do not be one of those people who try to interview in an off the cuff style.   Finally, preparing to meet with companies and individuals by conducting research and completing due diligence is part of this area. 

 6.  Meditation

Being in transition can be a stressful time for you and your family.  Meditation is a calming influence which will allow you to relax and reduce any anxiety that you may be experiencing.  It also helps you place your life into perspective which can be very impactful for people who have been solely focused on their job loss. Quite often a meditation session will leave you feeling grateful for everything that is going right in your life, instead of focusing on what is missing in your life.

 Good luck,

Mike