It’s in Your Power to Find a Better Job.
Written by HRuprise founder, Rebecca Weaver.
Americans are in the midst of an employment reckoning. From the strikes and unionizing efforts across the country, to the millions quitting their jobs (4.3 million in August alone), to long-term unemployed folks returning to work more slowly and thoughtfully than anyone expected, it’s clear that employees nationwide are deeply reevaluating their relationships to their careers, their finances, and the role they want work to play in their lives.
Are you one of them?
If you’re part of the HRuprise audience, it’s very likely that you’re already very aware of the problematic side of the world of work. And in this moment of upheaval and introspection, you might be considering a change. If you are, I want you to know that it’s in your power to find a better job. One that pays you better, treats you better, fits better with your personal life, and aligns better with your personal values and mission.
Here’s how:
Know what you’re looking for.
Maybe you want a job that pays you more. Or one that gives you a more balanced schedule, with flexibility to work from home or set your own hours. Maybe you want a more supportive boss, or a more welcoming team of colleagues. Or maybe you just want a job in which you can spend more of your time on tasks that really matter to you.
Decide on your criteria, and make it specific. But additionally, imagine your ideal impact. Figure out the mark you want to leave in the world, or the difference you hope to make in peoples’ lives. What gets you most fired up about your line of work? Where do you find your greatest satisfaction and fulfillment? These questions might lead you towards a different industry or career path, or they might help you focus your trajectory within your current field. Or both.Find your role models.
Don’t spend too much time searching for job openings that match your criteria. Instead, find people and companies that are already doing that work. Find the people doing the jobs that you’d like to be doing in 3-5 years. Take note of their experience and background. Figure out what you might be missing. Do you need a particular training, or type of experience? What transferable experience or soft skills do you bring to the table that could help bridge that gap?Light up your LinkedIn.
LinkedIn is the premier self-promotion tool. Use it well. Punch up your profile with keywords from your dream job, so prospective employers can find you. Remember, even if you lack experience, employers are on offense these days. They might be delighted to discover you, and willing to train you up.
Be sure to use a good photo of yourself. A phone selfie is fine, but make sure it’s recognizable and realistic. Aim for a pic that speaks to how you might look on a great day doing a job you love.
Use the media capacities of LinkedIn to highlight your achievements. Have you given a recent video lecture, built an awesome piece of content or spoken on a podcast? Showcase your work!Network...from the heart.
Those role models you identified in Step 2? Send them a short, personal email. Don’t ask them for a job. Just tell them you’re inspired by their professional arc, that you hope to have a job similar to theirs someday, and ask if they’d be willing to share a bit about how they got there. If they respond (which a surprising number of them will), schedule a 20-minute coffee or Zoom date. And listen. Take notes. Ask for tips. If they mention the name of someone you should talk to, ask for an email introduction, and follow up.
This is authentic, long-game networking. And it works better for getting a well-fitting job than a cold application ever could. Best of all? It’s real. You’re not asking for a favor; you’re expressing genuine interest in the story behind their triumphs. People love talking about their unseen journeys and hard-earned wisdom. If you listen deeply, ask great questions and respect their time, the next time a job opens up in their field, they just might recommend you for it. I’ve gotten multiple jobs this way, as have many happy employees I’ve coached through this process. It works.Quit smart.
If you’re in the awkward situation of continuing to work in your current job while searching for a new one – boy howdy, do I feel you. It’s a tough balance, but here are a few pro tips:
If you’re trying to keep your job search a secret from your current boss, figure out how to build your interviews into your current work schedule. Long lunches and early arrival/early departure can be great tactics. You can also use your personal days, or even call out sick. After all you ARE sick...of working for that employer. 😉
Don’t badmouth your current boss to a prospective employer. It shouldn’t be this way, but the truth is that being critical of your boss in an interview, even if your grievances are legitimate, can come off as sour grapes. So when the inevitable question comes, “Why are you leaving your current position?” be prepared with a diplomatic, respectful answer.
Reframe your negative experience in terms of opportunity and growth. For example, rather than saying, “I’m leaving because my boss keeps piling on extra responsibilities while denying me a raise,” say, “My current job is more of a generalist position, but I’ve been developing my skills in (XYZ) and am excited by this new position’s specialization in that area.”
Do the math - it might be worth quitting now. If you just can’t take your current work environment anymore, and if your personal finances are able to cushion the blow, it might be worth it to quit even before you have a new job lined up. Every situation is different, and only you know what’s best for you. But if your current job is damaging your mental health, you might be more effective in finding a better job if you drive for Lyft or live off of savings while you search.
Our global economic shift has created an extraordinary new opening for you to pursue your purpose and advocate for your wellbeing at work. I hope these tips help you as you find your footing in this topsy-turvy moment, and that you find a job in which you are valued, supported, and fulfilled. You can do it!
P.S. If you could use some support as you navigate these big career decisions, our HRuprise coaches are here to help. Consultations start at $0, and you can book a single session or a package. These independent HR experts would love to support you in your unique journey, whether you’re preparing for an interview, choosing your stance on a strike vote, or contemplating a career change. Browse coaches here!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: REBECCA WEAVER
Rebecca Weaver is the Founder and CEO of HRuprise, a marketplace that connects people with HR coaches to help them grow, develop, and navigate their toughest workplace challenges. LEARN MORE
